Why You Should Add The Double Cleanse Method to Your Skincare Routine
I’ve been double cleansing for years now.
I’ve fallen off the tracks a few times over that time period, but whenever my skin was in need of some major TLC…
I went back to using the double cleansing method and my skin ALWAYS improved.
I used to think just washing my face with a typical cleanser (or eek.. using JUST a makeup wipe) was all I needed to remove oil, makeup and grim from the day but boy was I wrong.
The first time I heard about double cleansing was in my early teens when I just started to get into skincare.
One day I stumbled upon skincare videos using k-beauty skincare products and their intense 10-step skincare routines. I instantly became obsessed with their glass-like appearance and dewy glow that came from their skincare routines.
One thing I never heard before watching these videos was the double cleanse.
As soon as I saw the double cleanse and how well it worked to remove makeup and grime, I knew I had to give it a go.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is a method used to cleanse your face twice. Sounds simple…
But WOW is it effective. First, you use an oil based cleanser, followed by a water based cleanser.
The first oil cleanser will work to remove makeup, oil and other impurities from the day. This first oil cleanse helps attract oil and debris as “like attracts like”, so the oil cleanser attracts oils on your face to purify and lift away.
The second water based cleanser will then be able to work better at clearing out your pores from the deep seated impurities.
What Do I Use To Double Cleanse?
There are so many different products you can use to double cleanse. There is no ONE miracle solution so the double cleansing method can be used by everyone in their skincare routine.
A person can use anything from a cleansing oil, balm cleanser, micellar water, or even a singular cleanser twice for the first step in double cleansing.
However, I prefer to use cleansing oils or balms because they are typically formulated specifically to remove makeup and oil. Then once water is added to the face the product will emulsify, turning into a milky white consistency that helps lift the makeup.
Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oils typically come in a pump like tube as they are thin like most cooking oils.
These oils are formulated to be used on the face and will pick up debris and then emulsify when water is added to lift away these debris.
Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms are extremely similar to cleansing oils, except for the texture.
These balms are thick and creamy, almost like a lotion. They are usually sold in solid form in a container or tub.
With balms I highly recommend you find a cleansing balm that comes with or invest in a little spatula. The spatula will help you to pick up the product without sticking your fingers in the container and spreading bacteria.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a great option for those worried about putting oil on your face.
This form of makeup remover has the viscosity and look of normal water, but works in an entirely different way. This cleansing product is a combination of mild surfactant, hydrating ingredients and purified water.
The mild surfactants will group together naturally creating spheres called micelles, which then act to grab onto dirt and oil.
Normal Cleanser
If you would like you can use a cleanser twice to double cleanse. Although if you are going to opt for this I would use a cream based cleanser so you don’t strip your skin of all the natural oils.
Water based cleanser
Water based cleansers are used as the second step after oil cleansing. You can use just about any cleanser you would like for this step. My all time favorite cleanser is this one from Mario Badescu. However, K-beauty lovers like to use foam based cleansers as their second step and there are some bomb ones on the market.
How Do I Oil Cleanse?
Start with a dry face, pump or get a quarter sized amount of balm in your hand and begin to warm up the product.
Using a light circular motion apply the cleanse to your face and cheeks. Don’t forget to bring the oil cleanser down your neck to remove any stubborn and often forgotten makeup.
I try to avoid my eyes until the end where I add a bit more cleansing oil to your palms and begin to very gently massage around your eyes and lash line.
Once all the makeup is dissolved, add a little water to your face to emulsify the oil cleanser. This will further pull off any oil or makeup from your face.
Rinse your face with warm water to remove the oil cleanser
Lastly, follow up your oil cleanse with your favorite water based cleanser. Wash your face as you normally would, making sure to rinse thoroughly.
My Favorite Oil and Water Based Cleansers
I’ve tried a bunch of different and oil based cleansers over the years so I am going to link not only ones I have tried and loved but also a bunch that I am dying to try!
I love talking skincare so let me know what other skincare posts you guys want to see and also if this convinced you to give double cleansing a go.
xoxo