Double Cleansing: What Is It And Why You Should Be Doing It
We have been content with washing our faces with soap and water - and that was it. We did at the end of the day, went to bed, and felt completely fine about that. But then “double cleansing” came to the surface, and anyone who cared about their skincare routine has never turned back.
It comes as no surprise that just cleansing with water and soap isn’t enough to get rid of all the impurities and dirt that we’ve accumulated throughout the day.
What Is Double Cleansing?
As the name implies, double cleansing is a way of cleaning your face in two steps. The first step uses an oil-based cleanser, and the second step uses a water-based cleanser. This two-step process removes dirt and grime that causes acne, clogs pores, and stay on the skin if you only wash it once.
Benefits Of Double Cleansing
Why should you double cleanse? The main benefit of this skincare routine is two-fold. The first step removes makeup, excess oils, and dirt that you’ve been exposed to from your day. The second step, depending on your skin type, will address specific skin concerns - and will smoothen, hydrate, treat acne, or exfoliate the skin.
Aside from these benefits, doing both steps will ensure that any other skin treatment that you are doing - whether it’s combating acne or moisturizing dry skin - becomes more effective.
Double Cleansing Based On Your Skin Type
As mentioned earlier, the second step in double cleansing will rely on your particular skin type. Unlike other skincare regimens, double cleansing is not a one-size-fits-all routine. Read on to find what kind of second cleansing is suitable for your skin type.
Oily Skin
We have mentioned that the first cleansing involves an oil-based cleanser. But what if you already have oily skin? This does sound like it will do more harm than good, right? Wrong!
An oil-based cleanser will be more effective in getting rid of excess sebum and impurities because oil attracts oil. It will help in removing sweat, makeup, and excess oil that has accumulated on the skin.
What if you aren’t a fan of oils? Simply get a cotton ball or pad and soak it in micellar water. Dab it lightly over the face and eyes. The micelles - tiny oil molecules - will work proactively to draw out excess oil and dirt that would otherwise clog your pores.
For the second cleansing, use a clay face cleanser or gel. Go for products that contain rose, aloe, moringa seed, green tea, and glycolic acid. These ingredients are potent in keeping moisture, maintaining normal oil production, and preventing inflammation in the skin.
The goal of double cleansing is to get rid of excess oil and dirt while also maintaining the skin’s balance and hydration.
Dry Skin
Overwashing becomes riskier with dry skin, so double cleansing may cause more harm - but only if you’re using the wrong kind of skin products.
For dry skin, use cleansing balms and emollients that contain quenching ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower. These naturally improve hydration and improve the lipid barrier of your skin.
Dry skin isn’t just unsightly - it is also more at risk to signs of premature aging. With this in mind, it’s good to be on the lookout for products that feature green tea, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid. These have anti-aging ingredients that can help protect dry skin while moisturizing it.
After cleansing, be sure to use night face oils or moisturizers while the skin is still quite damp - this will help lock in the moisture.
Normal And Combination Skin
Combination skin can be harder to deal with. Some areas feel parched and dry, while others seem constantly oily. For this skin type, the goal is to use products that’ll restore the skin’s balance while improving texture.
Go for oil-based cleansers that are rich in ceramides and nutrients, as they can moisturize the skin while keeping it plump. Those with normal skin should also follow this skincare routine.
Massage your face with cleansing oils containing jojoba, argan, or safflower oil. These ingredients are effective in maintaining normal skin balance. Follow this with a foam cleanser that contains almond oil or squalene oil, and glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid. This routine will cleanse your face while keeping the skin’s pH in balance and letting the skin keep its natural hydration. They’re also great at improving the complexion and smoothness of your skin.
Sensitive Or Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive skin requires very simple skincare routines. Double cleansing can sound counterproductive and you might think it can rile up skin irritation. Comedogenic oils can even worsen acne-prone skin. However, cleansing properly is the most important facet of skincare.
For sensitive and acne-prone skin, the key is to choose gentle cleansing oils to remove dirt and makeup. Look for products with anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants, such as green tea, vitamin E, tea tree oil, and glycolic acid. These will not just calm existing irritations, but will also avoid further breakouts.
Milk cleansers will also be a good option because of their inherently gentle and mild formulas, which help keep the skin soft and supple. They prevent acne by unclogging pores, too.
Aging Skin
Mature skin will require double cleansing products that contain ingredients which address common aging skin concerns, at the same time removing all traces of impurities.
Use cleansing oils that are infused with essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect, nourish, repair damaged skin cells, and restore the skin’s natural elasticity. These will cleanse the skin thoroughly while maintaining balance and promoting moisture.
Avoid any products that are alcohol-based, which will further strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, choose cleansers that have ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E. These have potent anti-aging properties, and also boost hydration and protection against day-to-day environmental impurities and stressors.
A Final Word
Double cleansing is an important way to keep the skin clean and free from impurities while also tending to its concerns, be it lack of moisture, excessive oils, acne breakouts, or premature aging. Be sure to choose the right ingredients in your skincare products to have the healthiest and most vibrant skin possible.
References:
https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-double-cleansing
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/best-natural-oils-healthy-skin/
https://www.cerave.com/about-cerave/what-are-ceramides
https://www.skincarerx.com/blog/concerns/balancing-act-ph-balance-skin/
https://www.self.com/story/what-is-squalane-oil-skin-care
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits