Do you really need to double cleanse? Or is it just a skincare myth? What are the actual benefits of doubling up on your cleansing? Odds are, if you’re starting out in skincare you’ve probably heard the term “Double Cleansing” thrown around and possibly a bit lost on what exactly that is. Well, not to worry, we’re here with our Picky Experts to help clear up the confusion!
What Is Single and Double Cleanse?
Single cleanse is just as it sounds, only using a single water based cleanser to wash your face. Double cleansing means cleansing twice. Once with a oil based cleanser, followed by a water based cleanser! Double cleansing can also mean using the same cleanser but twice. However that’s not the one we’ll be focusing on in this article.
Double cleansing came from the Korean 10 step skincare routine and basically means incorporating two different cleansers into your night time routine. The idea behind it being you are cleaning your skin more thoroughly. The first cleanser is oil based, to help with makeup and other residue from the day, followed by a water based cleanser which can help leave any oil, dirt or residue left behind.
For more detailed information about double cleansing and whether it’s right for you, you can check out Picky Guide: All About Double Cleansing.
Why Try Double Cleansing?
What’s the point? Well, washing your face is absolutely crucial for keeping skin clean, clear and happy. But, of course, the fear of stripping your skin with cleansing twice is a legitimate concern. However, double cleansing is meant to be a gentle process. Oil based cleansers are much more emollient, meaning they contain agents that protect the skin from harsh and drying chemicals. Water based cleansers won’t aim to strip your skin since their first ingredient is…well water! Incorporating double cleansing into your routine can help serums, moisturizers and actives penetrate better into your skin.
Do I Really Need To Double Cleanse?
Is it really necessary to wash your face twice? According to our Experts, not really. The answer really depends on your personal preference! Double cleansing can be helpful if you’re searching for the extra clean feeling, but it’s not absolutely mandatory. A single, water based cleanser can be just as effective at removing makeup, sunscreen and other residue. However, the effectiveness depends on how the cleanser is formulated!
Inside tip from a cometic chemist: Cosmetic formulators don’t generally ask the question ‘is this a first or second cleanse?’ but rather the formulation has the right ingredients (surfactants) to cleanse effectively! Bottom line is, if you enjoy double cleansing then stick to it! But if you find a single cleanser that’s good enough, that’s just as good!
How To Double Cleanse
First, start with a dry face! Rub the oil cleanser on your open palm and gentle massage into your face. This will help to remove and dissolve all the oil-based residue from your skin. However, if you wear a good amount of makeup, you might want to do this step twice.
After this point, don’t wash it off with water just yet. Instead, go in with a facial cotton pad and continue the same step again until all the excess is removed.
Once you are satisfied that the surface grime has been removed, it’s time to wash it off with a water-based cleanser! This doesn’t mean just a quick splash of water! Make sure to massage your water-based cleanser gently on your skin for at least a minute. This is important, because this will thoroughly remove makeup, toxins, pollution, and any residual buildup. So, don’t haphazardly speed through this part! Be patient and gentle as you work to remove all dirt on your face, prepare your face for the rest of your skincare routine.
What’s The Right Double Cleansing Duo For You?
Oily Skin
Oil-Based Cleanser
Those with oily skin should keep an eye out for oil cleansers that are high in linoleic acid like grapeseed oils, rosehip oils, evening primrose and safflower oils.
Our Picks
Dear Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Deep Cleansing Oil
Water-Based Cleanser
A great second cleanser for oily skin types is gentle, foaming and contains potential exfoliants like BHA and AHA to help keep that sebum production under control.
Our Picks
Farmacy Whipped Green Oil-Free Cleanser
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
Dry Skin
Oil-Based Cleanser
Dry skin types should search for oil based cleanser containing oleic acids like olive oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil and more!
Our Picks
Gentle Hour Call It A Day Cleansing Balm
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
ELF Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Balm
Water-Based Cleanser
Nice, milky or gel cleansers are a suitable second cleanser match for this skin type since it’s formulated with more hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and tocopherol.
Our Picks
Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
Combination Skin
Oil-Based Cleanser
Going for oils that are beneficial for both oily and dry skin types is a good choice! Definitely jojoba oil, moringa oil and evening primrose are options to look for.
Iunik Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Hue Calm Coconut Moisturizing Cleansing Balm
Water-Based Cleanser
Gentle cleansers are a good fit for any skin type to be honest, and from there you can find one formulated to fit your skin concern or goals. If hydration is what you need, check out cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, for pore control go for BHA and PHA!
Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser
Barr Centella Calming Gel Cleanser
Picky Experts’ Opinion
Our Picky Experts have given all their opinions and insight on double cleansing, you can check it all out here. Is double cleansing a real game changer in your routine and do Experts personally use double cleansing in their routine? Read to find out!
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Created with
Lalita
@skinchemy
Cosmetic Chemist
