If you have watched Hailey Bieber’s Skincare Routine on YouTube, you probably are already familiar with the term “Double Cleansing”. Maybe you’ve heard it from different 10 step Korean routines, or some celebrity mentioned it on a Vogue beauty interview.
But the real question is, do you really need to double cleanse and will it help you achieve a glowing youthful look? Find out below!
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What Is Double Cleansing Method
Double cleansing is the process of washing your face twice that originated from Japan and popularized in Korea. The first step to this method is to wash your face with an oil-based cleanser then cleanse again with a water-based cleanser right after.
This technique was used by the Japanese geishas to remove the thick white makeup on their face and was later seen adopted by different Korean skincare routines. It is said that the second cleanse helps remove stubborn dirt and impurities from your pores that were not washed away on the first wash.
Not only does it cleanse the skin from dirt, but it also prepares your face for better absorption of skincare products. Keep in mind that oil cleansers remove oil-based impurities such as excess sebum, sunscreen, makeup, and other bad oil while water-based cleansers help remove water-based debris such as sweat and dirt. To know more about the benefits of double cleansing, read below:
Benefits of Double Cleansing
What Does Double Cleansing Do to Your Face?
- Deep Cleanse the Skin: Double cleansing get rid of deep-seated dirt from your pores and remove any makeup residue.
- Minimize Acne Breakout: By double cleansing, you make sure that all dirt, bacteria, oil, and pollution accumulated all throughout the day will be washed away minimizing the chance of acne breakouts.
- Slow Down Premature Aging: Proper cleansing can help combat premature aging by ensuring the skin keeps moisturized and hydrated.
Check out how this TikTok user (@caudalie) show the importance of double cleansing:
@caudalie Watch to see why it's so important to #doublecleanse to fully remove #makeup! 🍋 #caudalie #skintok #cleanskingreenplanet ♬
Who Needs It the Most
Anyone can double cleanse but those who wear make-up are the ones who need it the most. Makeup wipes are not enough to remove dirt and bacteria from our face. Read more about why make-up sucks here.
If you are not a makeup lover, you may also benefit from double cleansing. Here is a list of skin types and what they should use:
- Normal Skin: Try products with moisturizing and creamy formula
- Oily Skin: Use a lightweight cleanser that won’t clog pores
- Dry Skin: Look for a gentle moisturizing formula that won’t over dry your skin
- Combination Skin: Cleansers with ceramides are best used for this skin type
“Won’t That Over Cleanse Your Face?”
If done properly, it won’t. There is still a mixed opinion about double cleansing and how it can dry out the skin by overly washing. However, when you find and use the right cleansers based on your skin type, double cleansing should not harm the skin but rather provide better skin health.
So how do you know if you are over cleansing? Look out for these signs:
- Skin feels tight and super dry
- Skin is oilier than usual
- Skin suddenly develops acne breakouts
Note: If you use products with exfoliants, your skin may show signs of purging. Read here to know more about the skin adjustment period.
How to Double Cleanse
The idea behind double cleansing is simple: wash off all the dirt and makeup on your skin before you use a cleanser.
Step 1: Start with an oil cleanser. Lather up your cleansing oil cleanser with a little water and massage it into your skin. Massage it for a minute or two to loosen any impurities, makeup, dirt, and sunscreen on your skin. Wash your face and apply step 2.
Step 2: Grab your water-based cleanser and apply a pea size amount. Lather the cleanser and apply in a circular motion. Make sure you don't rub too hard, as this can cause irritation. Rinse off all the water based cleanser with lukewarm water and pat dry skin.
Double cleansing is especially important if you wear heavy make-up or sunscreen, live in a polluted area, or sweat heavily. Start by double cleansing in the evening and slowing incorporate in your morning routine too.
When To Double Cleanse
Double cleansing may seem like a hassle, but it's important if you wear make-up or sunscreen, live in a polluted area, or sweat heavily. Even if your skin doesn't feel oily or dirty after wearing makeup all day, there is still dirt and bacteria that will cause breakouts if left on the skin. Start by double cleansing in the evening and slowing incorporate in your morning routine too.
Check our this article for a Complete Morning and Evening Skincare Layering Guide.
You also might want to check out Pure Biology’s Gentle Facial Cleanser on Amazon.
