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Without a doubt, double cleansing has become popular in the skincare community. Double cleansing first became popular in South Korea and Japan and has recently achieved great popularity in the United States and Europe. But is double cleansing really necessary? Will double cleansing help you achieve your skincare goals? Below, you can learn how to master the art of double cleansing.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing can serve as an important aspect of your skincare routine. The art of double cleansing involves cleansing your face twice:
First: Cleansing your face with an oil-based cleanser. Throughout the day we are exposed to dirt and other bacteria that settle on the skin. An oil-based cleanser is designed to remove sunscreen, makeup, pollution, and impurities without stripping the moisture barrier.
Second: Cleansing your face with a gentle, water-based cleanser. A gentle-water-based cleanser should remove any of the remaining impurities and water-based makeup.
Double cleansing can gently and effectively remove pore-clogging and acne-causing impurities that remain on the skin after washing your face once.
The Benefits of Double Cleansing
The art of double cleansing provides many amazing benefits:
1. Double cleansing provides a more thorough cleanse.
If you wear waterproof sunscreen or makeup, you may find it difficult to completely remove everything without stripping the skin. The first cleanser helps break down cosmetics, remove excess oils, and impurities. The second cleanser, in addition to being gentle and water-based, should have ingredients that cater to your skincare concerns (acne, hydration, exfoliation, smoothing, and etc.).
2. Double cleansing prevents you from over-washing or over-drying your skin.
When we strip too much of our natural oils, our bodies may respond by producing more oil that can lead to acne breakouts. In addition, double cleansing reduces skin dryness that comes with wearing makeup.
3. Double cleansing is a great, gentle way to remove sebum from acne-prone skin.
Double cleansing has the potential to reduce acne flare-ups. In addition, if you are using retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other potentially drying acne products, you may find double cleansing helpful to maintain the skin’s moisture.
4. Double cleansing helps maintain the skin’s moisture
Those who have naturally dry skin or who live in cold, dry climates will find double cleansing helpful in maintaining moisturized skin.
5. Double cleansing revitalizes the skin
Double cleansing can help rejuvenate dull skin and allow other products in your skincare routine to penetrate the skin better.
6. Double cleansing helps your additional skincare products absorb better.
7. Double cleansing creates a smooth, moisturized canvas for better makeup application.
8. Double cleansing provides a soothing, nondrying cleansing experience for those with eczema.
Is Double Cleansing Right For You?
Double cleansing is not absolutely necessary. However, you will find double cleansing beneficial if:
1. You have oily skin. Those with oily skin will benefit from double-cleansing. By using two gentle cleansers, you can prevent your skin from producing excess oil that results from using one harsh cleanser.
2. You have acne-prone skin. Double cleansing can help gently remove bacteria that lead to breakouts and blemishes.
3. You wear makeup. Double cleansing can help thoroughly remove makeup without stripping the skin or causing irritation.
4. You exercise often. Double cleansing can help adequately remove dirt and sweat from an intense workout.
5. You are outdoorsy. If you spend a lot of time outside, double cleansing can help remove pollutants from the environment.
6. You wear waterproof or hard-to-remove sunscreen.
How To Double Cleanse
To reap the benefits of double cleansing, follow these steps:
1. Apply a cleansing balm, oil, or micellar water to dry skin.
2. Use your hands or a cotton pad to gently massage the first cleanser into your skin. Gently massaging the oil-based cleanser into the skin for about a minute can help remove makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Don’t forget your neck!
3. Wash off your first cleanser with lukewarm water. It is better to use lukewarm water because cold water can sometimes cause an oil-based cleanser to harden and leave a film.
4. Apply the second cleanser to your damp face and use your fingertips or a cleansing device to massage the cleanser into the skin. You can do this for about a minute.
5. Rinse off the second cleanser with cold or lukewarm water.
6. Gently pat your face dry and continue with the rest of your skincare routine.
When Should You Double Cleanse?
Determining when to double cleanse during the day is up to you. However, it is common to double cleanse at night to remove makeup and the day’s dirt and grime.
You can also double cleanse in the morning to remove sebum that is produced while you sleep.
It is best the find a double cleansing technique that best suits your lifestyle and stick with it. Consistency is key, ladies!
Double Cleansing FAQS
What kind of oil-based cleansers should you use?
You can either use a balm, oil, or micellar water to double cleanse. However, be careful when using micellar water, as it can sometimes cause irritation around the eyes.
Can you use coconut oil or some other kind of vegetable oil?
If you decide to use coconut oil to double cleanse, please do so with caution! Coconut oil, olive oil, and other oils that you can find in the kitchen do not contain an emulsifier and you may find it difficult to rinse the oil off. Emulsifiers are additives used to help mix two liquids, dissolve oils, and gently rinse off the oil cleanser. People with acne-prone skin should steer clear from using coconut oil or a non-emulsifying oil cleanser, as it may cause more acne.
Is Double Cleansing Time Consuming?
Double cleansing should only take about 2 minutes. For greater efficiency, do your first cleanse prior to stepping into the shower. Then, step into the shower, rinse and proceed with your second cleanse.
How Long Does It Take To Reap the Benefits?
Depends. It usually takes about 1-2 weeks for you to notice the benefits of double cleansing. After about 2 weeks, your skin may be brighter, have fewer breakouts, and be more moisturized.
If you are not seeing any visible changes, try using a different cleanser that may be better suited for your skin’s needs.
I hope that this blog post helps you master the art of double cleansing!
For more inspiration, check out:
Best Korean Skincare on Amazon for Glowing Skin
Why Every Woman Needs Hyaluronic Acid For Youthful Skin
Love,
Miracle With Grace