In the world of skincare, trends come and go, but one practice that has stood the test of time is double cleansing. This skincare ritual involves using two different cleansers consecutively to achieve a deeper and more effective cleanse. We will forgive you for thinking it meant using the same cleanser twice - we’ve all been there. While it may sound like an extra step in your routine, double cleansing is a game-changer for achieving radiant and healthy skin. In this blog post, we'll explore what double cleansing is and why it's become a crucial step in many skincare routines.
Understanding Double Cleansing
Basically, double cleansing is a two-step process that involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. The first step is crucial for breaking down and removing makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and other impurities that can accumulate on your skin throughout the day. The second step, using a water-based cleanser, helps to remove any remaining residue and ensures a thorough cleanse.
The Benefits of Double Cleansing
Effective Makeup Removal:
One of the primary reasons for incorporating double cleansing into your routine is its elite ability to remove makeup. Traditional cleansers might struggle to break down the long-wearing formula in modern makeup products and sunscreen filters, leading to leftover residue. Double cleansing ensures that every trace of makeup is lifted from your skin, preventing clogged pores and potential breakouts.
Deep Cleansing Pores:
The first step of double cleansing typically involves an oil-based cleanser. Contrary to common belief, oil dissolves oil. By using an oil-based cleanser, you can effectively dissolve the sebum and impurities that accumulate in your pores, helping to prevent blackheads and whiteheads.
Nourishing Cleanse:
Some oil-based cleansers contain moisturising natural oils that are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. These compounds help with moisturising your skin while your cleansing, promoting hydration with minimal disruption to your skin barrier.
Preparation for Skincare Products:
A clean canvas is essential for your skincare products to work effectively. By double cleansing, you ensure that your serums, moisturisers, and other products can penetrate the skin more efficiently, maximising their benefits. We’re all about getting the most out of skincare.
Balancing the Skin:
Using a pH balanced, gentle and hydrating water-based cleanser (e.g. glycerin-based) in the second step helps to restore the skin's natural pH balance, which may be disrupted by the oil-based cleanser. Balanced skin is less prone to irritation, dryness, or excess oil production.
How to Double Cleanse
Choose the Right Cleansers:
Select an oil-based cleanser with nourishing ingredients such as grapeseed oil, fermented argan oil, avocado oil for the first step. These highly nourishing oils contain Vitamin E and antioxidants that are great for moisturising, protecting the skin barrier while soothing your skin. Follow up with a water-based cleanser that suits your skin type – whether it's foaming, gel-based, or cream-based.
Apply the Oil Cleanser on Dry Skin:
Gently massage the oil-based cleanser onto dry skin, focusing on areas with makeup and oilier areas like your T-zone. This step should last for about a minute to ensure thorough cleansing.
Emulsify and Rinse:
Add a little water to your face to emulsify the oil cleanser, turning it into a milky consistency. Rinse thoroughly to remove the first layer of impurities or remove with a damp cloth.
Apply the Water-Based Cleanser:
Use a small amount of the water-based cleanser and massage it onto your damp skin. This step will remove any remaining impurities and prepare your skin for subsequent skincare products.
As your skincare big sister, we’re here to say that double cleansing is not just a skincare fad – it's a transformative ritual that can elevate your skincare routine. By taking the time to thoroughly cleanse your skin with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, you set the stage for a radiant and healthy complexion. Make double cleansing a consistent part of your skincare routine, and you'll soon reap the rewards of clearer, smoother, and more luminous skin.
