‘From old-school three-step routines to more complex Korean inspired ones, when it comes to skin care, trends come and go. However, one of the more enduring practices in recent years is double cleansing. But is it genuinely beneficial, or just another fleeting fad?
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step process designed to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleaned. The first step involves using an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. The second step uses a water-based cleanser to clear away any remaining residue and to clean the skin of water-based impurities like sweat and dirt. The idea is that this two-step process offers a deeper cleanse than a single cleanser could provide.
What type of cleansers should you use?
For an effective double cleanse, start by selecting a gentle oil-based cleanser that suits your skin type – whether it’s a balm, oil, or micellar water. Follow this with a water-based cleanser that addresses your skin concerns, such as a foaming cleanser for oily skin or a hydrating cleanser for dry skin.
Oil-Based Cleansers
Oil-based cleansers are effective at breaking down and dissolving oil-based substances. When you apply an oil cleanser, it binds with makeup and sebum on your skin, allowing them to be easily wiped away. This step is crucial for removing stubborn products like waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation, which are difficult to remove with just water-based cleansers.
Water-Based Cleansers
After the oil-based cleanser has done its job, the water-based cleanser helps to remove any remaining debris and impurities. This step cleanses your pores and skin surface, addressing any remaining dirt or sweat that the oil cleanser might have missed. Water-based cleansers are typically formulated to target skin-specific concerns, such as acne or dehydration, providing a more tailored approach to cleansing.
Benefits of Double Cleansing
One of the primary advantages of double cleansing is its ability to ensure that all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants are removed. This thorough cleansing prevents clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts and dull skin. By removing impurities more effectively, double cleansing also prepares your skin to better absorb subsequent skin care products.
When impurities are properly removed, your skin is less likely to suffer from issues like clogged pores and dullness. Regular use of double cleansing can lead to a more radiant complexion and smoother skin texture. It helps in preventing the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil, contributing to clearer and healthier-looking skin.
A clean canvas allows your skin care products to work more effectively. When your skin is free from residual makeup and impurities, serums, moisturisers, and treatments can penetrate better and deliver more noticeable results. Double cleansing ensures that your skin is in the best possible condition to benefit from your skin care regimen.
A common misconception is that double cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. However, if you choose gentle, well-formulated cleansers and follow up with appropriate moisturisation, double cleansing can actually balance your skin’s oil levels rather than disrupt them.
13 products that are perfect for double cleansing
If you haven’t yet tried double cleansing, invest in one (or two!) of these products and discover the benefits for yourself. Your skin will thank you!
1. HydraClean Creamy Cleansing Lotion, $33, by Nu Skin Nutricentials
2. Cleansing Balm, $40, by Neutriderm
3. Enriched Cleansing Milk, $68, by Beaute Pacifique
4. Clean Canvas Jelly Cleanser, $27, by Essano Happy Skin
5. Niacin Biome Mela Scissors Cleansing Foam, $39, by AHC at Priceline
6. Be Your Best Cleanser, $60, by Trinny London
7. Blue Moon Cleansing Balm, $83, by Sunday Riley at Mecca
8. Nourishing Cleansing Oil, $47, by Jurlique
9. Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, $38, by Paula’s Choice at Sephora
10. Reversaderm Glycolic Cleanser, $34.95, by Dr Lewinn’s
11. DermResults Advanced Gel Cleanser, $75, by Arbonne
12. Signature Cleansing Oil, $18, by Sukin
13. Glow C Cream Cleanser, $26, by Face Theory at Sephora
14. Glow Vitamin-C Rich Cleansing Butter, $35, by Mco Beauty
