Skincare: Why You Should Be Double Cleansing

I was first introduced to the double cleanse method when I started exploring Korean skincare. From the ten-step routine to the minimized five-step routine, it seemed double cleansing was deemed too important to ditch.

I couldn't help but wonder why so I had to try it for myself. Needless to say, three years later I still firmly stick to a strict double cleanse routine.

So why should you introduce double cleansing? To answer that, we should first look at what is double cleansing and how does it work.

What Is Double Cleansing

Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist in New York City, revealed to Allure that "It is extremely important to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants that have accumulated on your skin." She added that when the skin is not well cleansed, it can lead to "major acne breakouts including painful cysts."

This is where double cleansing comes in. The technique involves washing your face twice using two different cleansers. Most commonly, a person will use an oil cleanser followed by a foaming or gel cleanser. However, if you have extremely dry skin you can use an oil cleanser for two steps.

How Double Cleansing Works

Trust me, even though it's super tempting to fall into bed with your makeup on after a long night out, it is a bad idea. And while a quick wash or using a makeup wipe might take off the surface makeup, it simply doesn't take everything off.

The idea of double cleansing is to remove the surface layer of makeup, dirt, and grime to allow the second cleanser to penetrate deeper and clean the pores. This gives your skin cells a chance to regenerate and promotes cell turnover.

Benefits OF Double Cleansing

According to the experts, there are two major benefits to double-cleansing. The first is that it allows you to effectively remove all traces of makeup.

The second is that since the skin is completely clean and products applied afterward are able to penetrate deeper. This helps increase their effectiveness thus giving you better results overall.

"Think of your skin like a canvas. You need a clean canvas to start your work. Clean skin will allow active ingredients to penetrate better and work more effectively."

said Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based dermatologist.

When To Double Cleanse

At first, I believed that double cleansing was solely for those who wore makeup everyday. However, I later realized this is not the case as we also need to remove things like sunscreen and thick moisturizer.

"It's important not only to remove makeup, but also dirt and pollution that accumulates on our skin during the day. Not only do these cause oxidative damage to the skin, but they contribute to the breakdown of collagen and development of wrinkles and sun spots."

explained Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist in New York City, to Allure.

Possibility Of Overcleansing

However, Charlotte Cho, founder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You, warns that it is possible to over-cleanse. For those with more sensitive or dry skin, it is important to carefully assess your skin.

Those who are rosacea-prone should also be careful. If your skin feels like it is drying out, try using an oil cleanser for both steps or using just water as the first step followed by your cleanser.

How To Double Cleanse

To begin, use a makeup remover or oil-based cleanser like a cleansing balm. If you use an oil cleanser ensure to rub it onto dry skin and work it in for a few minutes then add some water and emulsify it while gently massaging it into the skin to break up your makeup. Finally,, gently rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Follow this with a foaming water-based cleanser. Create a thick lather in your hands before applying it to the face to avoid tugging on the skin. Rinse off as you usually would with luke warm water and follow with the rest of your routne.