How to Properly Double Cleanse

How to Double Cleanse

Double cleansing has become the mainstream face-washing and makeup-removing method. It’s touted to be the gentlest way of washing your face where cleansing itself becomes sort of a moisturizing step as opposed to the traditional drying step. Well, I can say from personal experience that everything they say about double cleansing is true! Ever since I learned about double cleansing, it’s been the only way I wash my face.

If your cleansing step requires a boost, or if you see makeup residue lingering on your skin even if you use a potent face cleanser, double cleansing might be what your skincare routine needs. If you’re new to it, keep reading to find out why and how to double cleanse.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a 2-step face-washing method that involves an oil-based cleanser, such as cleansing balm or cleansing oil, to dissolve makeup followed by a regular face wash to wash everything away.

Double cleansing is not cleansing your face twice with the same cleanser. It’s cleansing your face using two different types of cleansers.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

1. It Removes Makeup Thoroughly

The most important benefit of double cleansing is that it thoroughly removes makeup. Waterproof makeup, or heavy foundation is not easy to just wash away with a water-based cleanser. But by double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser, you break down and separate oil-based makeup, making it easy to wash away without needing multiple uses.

2. It’s Moisturizing for the Skin

Double cleansing is moisturizing for the skin, which is especially great for people with dry skin. While regular cleansing can leave your skin tight and dry, double cleansing ensures your skin is replenished. This way, you don’t have to deal with traditional post-cleansing tight feel.

3. It’s Great for Oily Skin

Double cleansing is also beneficial for people with oily skin. If you have excess oil that doesn’t seem to come off with your regular gel or foam cleanser, you’re inclined to fash your face twice, which leaves oily skin dehydrated. In some cases, it can even aggravate acne. By using an oil-based cleanser to break down sebum, you can balance your complexion, and minimize excess oil without drying out your skin.

4. It Supports Skin Elasticity

When you often wear a lot of makeup, you tend to rub your skin a lot to make sure you get everything off. This rubbing and stretching during makeup removal can hurt your skin’s elasticity. But double cleansing is all about massaging your skin. That’s why it’s the perfect way to maintain a clean face when you’re following an anti-aging skincare routine. Most plant oils in cleansers also have antioxidant properties that help with signs of aging as well.

How To Double Cleanse

Step 1: Apply Oil-Based Cleanser

Make sure your skin is dry before you start double cleansing. Get a scoop out of your cleansing balm or a pump out of your cleansing oil. Massage your cleanser into the skin all over the face including the eye area.

Step 2: Massage Your Skin

Work your oil-based cleanser into the skin by massaging it. The heat from your skin makes your oil cleanser break down your makeup. As your makeup separates, your face will be painted black from mascara, brown from the foundation, and red from lipstick. It means you’re doing it right. Keep doing it until you’re sure everything came off.

Step 3: Rinse First Cleanser

It’s time to rinse your skin to get rid of that melt-away makeup. Use lukewarm water to rinse your skin or a washcloth to wipe everything away.

Step 4: Apply Second Cleanser

Use your regular cleanser, such as gel/foam cleanser to wash your face. Wash your face the way you normally do and work your cleanser into your skin, allowing it to pick up residual oils.

Step 5: Rinse Second Cleanser

Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove your second cleanser. You’ll see that your skin is completely clean and free of any dirt, grime, makeup, and oils. Finish your routine by applying toner, serum, and moisturizer.

So this is how to double cleanse your skin. If you’re ready to get started, keep reading to find out how to find the right double cleanser for your skin.

How to Choose a Double Cleanser

When choosing a double cleanser, you should always keep your skin type in mind. Below is how to choose an oil cleanser for double cleansing based on your skin type.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, look for cleansing balms that contain fatty-acid-rich oils. This will ensure maximum moisture benefits. You can also benefit from ceramides in your double cleanser to help restore the compromised skin barrier.

Oily Skin

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, look for double cleansers that contain non-comedogenic oils. You can also look for exfoliants like salicylic acid, which will help with enlarged pores and acne.

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, go for double cleansers that are gently formulated. Oils that are fragrant like lavender oil can irritate your skin or cause redness. You can also go for micellar waters as your first step in double-cleansing.

Combination Skin

Depending on your skin’s tendency to be combination/oily or combination/dry, you can go for a balancing oil cleanser. It’s best to avoid comedogenic oils and go for light, emollient oils so that both dry and oily parts of your face can benefit.

If you’re ready to jump on the trend, here is our round-up of the best cleansing balms to get started. If balm isn’t your thing, check out our round-up of the best cleansing oils to double cleanse with!

FAQs

Read Next: How To Manage Dehydrated Oily Skin

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