What is Double Cleansing and Why Do You Need It?

We get it – it’s bad enough that many of us commit the mistake of NOT washing our face at night before bed. But now skincare experts are saying that you need to double cleanse, too? It’s no secret that a good cleanser is the foundation with which great skincare starts. Discover the reasons why double cleansing is recommended and why you need to do it.

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is exactly what the name implies – washing your face twice. You need to start with an oil-based cleanser and then follow it with a water-based cleanser.

The process of double cleansing is known to effectively remove stubborn impurities that clog your pores and cause acne. Most of these impurities do not get washed off during the initial cleanse, which is why washing your face twice is necessary.

This process is especially recommended to those who live in areas with a polluted climate, or those who are exposed to the elements that cause impurities to build up on your skin. For example, the polluted air in the city can wreak havoc on your skin over time. If you also wear a lot of products on your skin such as sunscreen and makeup, some of these can leave behind deposits that can make your skin look dull and they don’t always come off during the initial wash.

Double cleansing ensures that your skin is thoroughly cleansed. When your skin is properly cleansed, it makes it easier to absorb all of the beneficial ingredients of your other skincare products like serums and moisturisers.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

There are plenty of beneficial effects that you can get from double cleansing, which makes the extra step you add to your skincare regimen worth it.

Prevent Sebum Buildup

When there is an excess amount of sebum on your skin, it can lead to acne and other skin infections. Oil-based cleansers are most effective in getting rid of excess sebum and other residues from your cosmetic products. If you are prone to acne or wear a lot of makeup on your daily routine, you are very prone to sebum-related breakouts.

Double cleansing acts as a preventive step so your skin won’t suffer any major breakouts.

Improve Efficiency of Your Skincare Routine

This is one of the best reasons to double cleanse – it makes all your other skincare products do their work.

Double cleansing in the evening is especially beneficial for this purpose. It clears your skin of any impurities, especially the ones that clog your pores. When that happens, your skin is better able to absorb your other skincare products as they can penetrate into your skin more effectively.

Therefore, a good skincare routine is not just about the type of serums or moisturisers you use. It’s also about making sure that your skin is in the best state to make the most of these products.

Why Does Your Skin Type Matter?

It’s important to note that double cleansing is beneficial for you, but you have to take into account your unique skin type. Knowing how to double cleanse for your skin type is the secret to having success with this method.

Use this guideline to help you do it right and get the most benefit from it:

For oily skin…

Start with an oil-based cleanser to eliminate excess sebum and impurities from your skin. Oil attracts oil so this works really well in absorbing any impurities you want to get rid of.

Follow it up with a gel or clay-based cleanser. Look for ones with the following ingredients in their formula: rose, green tea, aloe, glycolic acid, and moringa seed. These ingredients are effective at balancing out the moisture on your skin to regulate the production of sebum and avoid inflammation.

For dry skin…

Anyone with dry skin might be concerned about double cleansing in fear that the washing process can strip off natural oils on your skin. For best results, use a hydrating formula for a cleansing balm such as those with jojoba oil or shea butter. This will help cleanse your skin while boosting hydration.

The next step involves the use of anti-aging ingredients on your cleansing such as those infused with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and green tea. Finish it off with your favourite moisturiser or face oil to seal in the moisture.

For sensitive and acne-prone skin…

Washing your skin to the point of drying out can actually be more detrimental to acne-prone skin because it can promote the production of sebum, which in turn causes your skin to become more prone to acne. On the other hand, sensitive skin types require a fuss-free and simple approach to your skincare regimen. Therefore, you need to start with a gentle cleansing oil to get rid of excess makeup, dust, dirt, and other impurities.

For the next part of the cleansing routine, choose a cleanser that comes with exfoliating agents. Your best bet would be cleansers that contain salicylic and glycolic acid. These help to unclog the pores and brighten your skin.

Is double cleansing right for you?

As mentioned above, you need to know your skin type and use the right type of cleansing product that is suited for your skin. This is how you can maximize the results you can get from double cleansing without making your skin more prone to various issues.

Ready to start adding a double cleanse to your routine? Be sure to browse our selection of cleansers to find the right match for your skin!