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Double Cleansing 101: We Dish The Details on This Transformative Skincare Step
Is twice really nice? That seems to be the case for double cleansing, a method of washing the face twice and is one of the fundamental steps in any proper Korean skincare routine. Now seeing more and more mainstream buzz, the double cleanse method, as the name implies, employs a two-step approach to facial cleansing: first with an oil-based cleanser (like a cleansing balm or oil, or even micellar water with wipes) to remove makeup, excess sebum, or grime, then followed up with a foaming cleanser or lathering facial wash.
Ensuring skin is thoroughly and properly cleansed not only primes it for your best foundation and makeup finish down the line, but more importantly, it sets the stage for better absorption of skincare products, thus further improving skin's texture and health.
Double cleansing benefits
Cleansing just once can leave behind impurities that contribute to acne and premature aging, Charlotte says. You'll be surprised what you leave behind with just one cleanse that isn't necessarily seen with the naked eye. Gently double cleansing with rich ingredients removes these impurities, such as pollution, excess sebum, and even free radicals!
And in case you were worried about the double cleanse being only for those with specific skin concerns, like dry skin, oily skin, or acne, you can rest easy. The double cleanse works for all skin types making sure all impurities are removed, resulting in a soft, nourished glow, Charlotte reassures.
Double cleansing popularity
Although the double cleanse has increased in popularity throughout the last few years, I believe we still have a bit to go before most skin care lovers become true believers, Charlotte says. It can be hard to wrap one's head around washing your face twice during your skincare routine, but it's worth it.
How to double cleanse
When double cleansing, take a few minutes during the oil-cleansing step to massage your skin. Massaging your skin helps promote circulation, which contributes to brighter, bouncier skin, Charlotte advises. We outline the steps below:
Step 1: Use an oil-based cleanser
Remembering the golden rule that oil and water don't mix, the most effective way to remove oil-based impurities, i.e., makeup, sunscreen, or sebum, is to swipe them off with a similar ingredient. Enter: oil-based cleansers. These bind onto makeup and your skin's excess oils for easy removal.
Ed's note: Micellar water on a cotton pad does a similar job if you're in a pinch, or if you find a wipe method easier for your first step (because we've all had those late/tired/drunk/can't-be-bothered nights!).
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
?I really love oil-based cleansing balms, like Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, for this,? recommends Charlotte. In this award-winning balm, hero antioxidant sea buckthorn oil blends luxuriously well with persimmon extract, olive oil, and vitamin E to melt the day's makeup, sunscreen, and sebum away without leaving an oily, filmy cast.
- Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm at Sokoglam for US$38
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution
This beauty industry fave (who doesn't trust a French pharmacy pick?) is dermatologist-tested and gently removes buildup, pollution, and stubborn makeup. We personally like using it on a Q-tip to spot-remove eyeliner and mascara smudges, as it doesn't sting around the eye area.
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution at Amazon for 11.54
Step 2: Finish with a water-based cleanser
How to know if your cleanser is water-based? It lists water as its first ingredient. Oh, and it usually also lathers up quite well.
Washing your face with a foaming or lathering cleanser is the final (and, indeed, super satisfying) step in a double cleanse. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of product onto your palm, and then apply onto a wet forehead, both cheeks, nose, and chin area and emulsify, a.k.a. rub, gently yet thoroughly in an upward-and-outward motion. Rinse with cool water, and tap dry with a tissue or clean face towel. Done!
Malin+Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser
This vegan and cruelty-free bestseller utilizes invigorating grapefruit extract, coconut-based surfactants, and amino acids to cleanse, lather, and tone the skin?they claim you can forego toning altogether after use. Come for the multi- layered benefits, stay for the Scandi skincare efficacy (it's also great on sensitive skin).
- Malin+Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser at Amazon for 29