Double cleansing is the act of cleaning your face with two types of cleansers, one after the other. Double cleansing was made popular by Japanese and Korean beauty rituals and is now loved by the beauty community, the world over. Is this method of cleansing your face all that it’s made out to be? We tell you everything about the trend so you can decide if it is worth the extra effort and time!
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is the process of cleaning your skin, usually at night, with an oil-based cleanser followed by a regular one. There are no rules about the exact cleanser you should be using, but most work with an oil-based product such as cleansing balm followed by a cream or gel-based cleanser. The idea behind using an oil-based cleanser is to allow the oil to dissolve any makeup, dirt, sunscreen etc. When followed up with a normal cleanser after, what you get is true, squeaky-clean skin!
How does double cleansing help the skin?
What double cleansing gives your skin is a proper wash! Cleaning the skin twice helps to remove bacteria, sweat, makeup, dead skin cells – and thoroughly. This also means that your pores are clean enough to absorb the skincare that’s coming after.
It is not essential for everyone to double cleanse their skin, but it does help those with a certain skin type or lifestyle. If you continuously wear heavy makeup and sunscreen, chances are that your usual cleanser will not suffice. Double cleansing makes sure that ALL the traces of makeup and sunscreen are removed giving you a clean canvas to work from. It can also help those with oily or acne-prone skin, so when the excess sebum is washed off, you’ll get clean skin without the accompanying dryness.
How do you choose the right cleanser for your face?
If you choose your cleanser well, a double cleanse should work for most skin types. Not only will it give you clearer skin, but it will also make the rest of your skincare work harder, and hence effectively.
If you have dry skin, look for ingredients like honey, shea butter and squalene. Oily skin types should use cleansers that come with salicylic acid, niacinamide and other anti-inflammatory ingredients. Try and avoid cleansers with harsh formulations or you stand the risk of drying up your skin excessively. If you have sensitive skin, try and stick to a cleanser marked safe for your skin type.
How should you double cleanse?
Do we have you convinced? Follow these steps at the end of your day and look forward to better skin, starting now!
- Wash your hands first to get any bacteria and grime off them.
- Apply your oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm all over your face. Leave on and massage for a minute.
- Wash off with warm water or remove using a damp, clean wash cloth.
- Then apply a small amount of your regular cleanser, and massage for another minute or so.
- Wash off with water.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply your serum, and the rest of your skincare before your skin is completely dry.
- Get ready to enjoy better skin!
Don’t forget to check out the range of cleansing essentials on Cosmetics Now
