Double Cleansing: Why Do it and How to Do It Right
Double cleansing is not just a skincare trend—it's a crucial step for those seeking healthy and radiant skin. This method involves using two different types of cleansers in the same routine one after the another to thoroughly cleanse your face. Here’s what you need to know about double cleansing, its benefits, and how to do it effectively.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is the process of washing your face twice using two different cleansers in sequence. The first cleanse typically uses an oil-based cleanser, while the second is a water-based cleanser. This method ensures that all makeup, sunscreen, and impurities are effectively removed, prepping your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine. Do it once daily, preferably in the evening to remove all the day’s grime. Use a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any unstable actives before sun exposure.
NOTE: you can do double cleansing using the same cleanser.
Why Do We Need to Double Cleanse?
- Dissolve makeup and sunscreen: Oil-based cleansers are excellent at breaking down and dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based impurities. These products often don't dissolve completely with just water-based cleansers, so a first step with an oil-based cleanser helps ensure they're removed. People with skin of colour tend to use dark eye liner and highly pigmented cosmetics, which can be difficult to remove from the skin.
- Deep cleaning of pores: Water-based cleansers help remove any remaining residue and cleanses deeper into the pores. This step ensures that any remaining impurities from the first cleanse are fully washed away, preventing potential clogging of pores.
- Prevention of Skin Issues: With double cleansing, you help prevent issues such as acne, blackheads, and dullness. Residual makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants can clog pores and contribute to these problems.
- Better absorption of skincare products: When your skin is thoroughly cleansed, your serums, moisturisers, and other treatments can penetrate more effectively. This ensures that your skincare products work as intended and can deliver their benefits more efficiently.
- Support for Skin Health: Proper cleansing helps remove accumulated dead skin cells, excess oils, and impurities, which can otherwise lead to an imbalance in your skin. This helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevents dehydration or irritation.
- Improved Hydration: With a clean surface, your skin can better absorb hydrating products, which helps in maintaining optimal moisture levels and overall skin health.
How to double cleanse
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
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Choose an Oil-Based Cleanser: This can be an oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or micellar water. The purpose is to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Our Oil Melting Cleanser is perfect for normal/dry/combination. It is a non-comedogenic formula, gently melts makeup and sunscreen. It has no fragrance, essential oils or drying alcohols.
- Apply the Cleanser: Take an adequate amount of the oil cleanser and apply it to your dry face.
- Massage Gently: Use your fingers to gently massage the cleanser into your skin, focusing on areas with makeup or heavy sunscreen. This helps to break down all the oil-based impurities.
- Emulsify: Add a little water to your face and continue to massage. The oil cleanser will emulsify and turn milky, making it easier to rinse off.
- Rinse: Thoroughly rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove the cleanser and impurities.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
- Choose a Water-Based Cleanser: This can be a foam cleanser, micellar gel cleanser, or any cleanser suitable for your skin type. The goal is to remove any remaining impurities and cleanse the skin. Dr. V Miceller Gel Wash has brightening, hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients which strengthens the skin barrier and controls sebum, leaving skin supple and hydrating.
- Apply the Cleanser: Apply the water-based cleanser to your damp face.
- Massage Gently: Using gentle, circular motions, massage the cleanser into your skin. Focus on all areas of your face to ensure even cleansing.
- Rinse: Rinse your face with lukewarm water until all the cleanser is removed.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel
Biggest Mistake: Over-cleansing - this can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its barrier, leading to dry, dull, and sensitive skin. Always maintain a balance to ensure your skin remains healthy and hydrated. 1-2 times per day is more than enough for most people.
Who Should Avoid Double Cleansing?
If you have acne-prone skin, double cleansing may not be suitable for you, even if your oil-based cleanser is non-comedogenic. It can be too much for your skin and exacerbate acne. Also, if your skin barrier is damaged, or if you have conditions like rosacea or active irritation, it's best to avoid double cleansing and focus on repairing your skin barrier.
Ingredients to avoid: When choosing your cleansers make sure you choose a NAFE safe product meaning no denatured alcohol as it leads to dryness of the skin, no fragrance as it may lead to contact dermatitis, no essential oils as it may sensitise the skin.
Ingredients to look for in oil cleanser: If you have normal to dry skin, look for oil-based cleansers that contain nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, cannabis oil, and squalane. On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider using a salicylic acid exfoliator instead of an oil-based cleanser.
Double cleansing can transform your skincare routine, ensuring that your skin is clean, hydrated, and primed for the next steps. Always follow up with a suitable toner, serum, and moisturiser tailored to your skin type and concerns. Regularly using sunscreen during the day is also crucial to protect your skin from UV damage.
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