Is Double Cleansing Necessary?

Is double cleansing necessary? Let’s look into the practice of cleansing our face twice and see if it’s a necessary step in our skincare routine.

Cleansing is the first and most important step in our skincare routine, especially at night. Sleeping with make up on is a big no-no plus, washing the day off our face ensures our skin is prepped to absorb the rest of our skincare products more effectively.

Have you heard of double cleansing? Ever wondered if double cleansing is really necessary? Let’s look at it more closely and find out.

What is a double cleanse?

The double cleansing method is, quite simply, washing our face twice. Normally, the first cleanse is done with an oil-based cleanser and the next, with a water-based cleanser.

It’s been common practice in Japan and Korea for a while. For centuries, actually, when Geishas used emollient oils and foaming cleansers to remove their make up. 

It’s a relatively new concept here, though many skincare enthusiasts now have double cleansing as an integral part of their skincare regimen. 

What’s the reason behind double cleansing?

Using an oil-based cleanser first removes oil-based impurities that water-based cleansers might not effectively remove. Examples include: makeup, sunscreen, sebum and pollution.

Following with a water-based cleanser creates a lather that gets deeper into pores to remove impurities like sweat and grime.

Is double cleansing necessary?

Whether you need to do a double cleanse depends entirely up to you. Skincare experts are divided on the issue but agree that this method would greatly benefit individuals who:

• Have acne prone skin because it helps remove the bacteria and other impurities on the skin that can lead to breakouts.

• Struggle with oily skin. Using a gentle first and second cleanser to manage excess oil is better than using a single, harsh one.

• Wear heavy makeup.

• Wear water-resistant sunscreen.

• Are exposed to high levels of pollution daily, for example: a person who commutes into the city everyday.

How do you do a double cleanse?

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Double cleansing is easy. 

STEP 1: Start with a cleansing oil or an oil-based face balm. 

If using an oil, pump an appropriate amount onto your palm and massage gently on your face. If you’re using a balm, which usually comes with spatulas, scoop about a pea-sized amount and massage on your face. It should melt as soon as it’s applied.

Whatever product you’re using, massage on your face for about a minute before rinsing with water.

I currently use:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (daily)
• I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm (for an extra deep clean)
• Hada Labo Oil Cleanser (lighter weight oil cleanser)

STEP 2: Wash with a water-based cleanser.

While your face is still damp, apply your water-based cleanser. Massage on your face for another minute before rinsing.

That’s it!

The water-based cleansers in my skincare rotation are:

• CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
• Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser
• Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser

Do’s and dont’s of a double cleansing routine

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• When picking oil-based products, try and pick one that contains an emulsifier. What this means is the product turns milky when a little bit of water is applied. This action not only helps lift off the impurities, it also makes the cleanser easier to rinse off.

• Pick gentle cleansers and products that are right for your skin type. The last thing we want to happen is to dry out our skin by using cleansers that are too harsh.

• While double cleansing is normally done at night, you can do it in the morning too. It all depends on your skin (example: you produce excess sebum overnight and wake up with really oil skin).

• So it’s really important to listen to your skin. Observe how it’s reacting to your new double cleansing routine.

So is double cleansing necessary? At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision. 

I double cleanse because I love the way my skin feels after. And since I started double cleansing, my skin is clearer, brighter and overall healthier.

Try it and see if it’s right for you. 

Happy skin experimenting!

Do you double cleanse? Do you think double cleansing is necessary? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

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