Nowadays, skin care has become a serious science – we are all wondering what the best way to go about it is, how we can take care of our delicate skin, how to keep it young, fresh, and clean throughout the week. Naturally, cleansing has become a standard part of most people’s daily routine, but now we hear all about double cleansing and how it is necessary and important!
But what is double cleansing? Is it effective? Is it necessary? And if so, how do you do double cleanse?
What Is Double Cleansing?
We know what cleansing is, but what is double cleansing? Double cleansing is the “twice is nice” type of cleansing.
To remove all the makeup, dirt, and dead skin from your face, you start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and then use your regular cleanser to lather your face and clean off any impurities.
What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing?
Now, you may wonder, okay, double cleansing seems like one extra step in your daily routine but is it worth it? Nobody has time to clean their face twice if they don’t have to! Luckily, there are some benefits to double cleansing.
The experts agree that removing the makeup first before going in with your regular face wash ensures better cleaning and more thorough makeup removal. We know that foundations tend to be hard to remove, and don’t even get us started on concealers, so introducing the second step in your cleansing routine guarantees that no makeup will stay on your face when you go to sleep. This allows your pores to breathe and alleviates the risk of spots and acne.
The second benefit to double cleansing is an aesthetic one. When you put on your makeup in the morning, you have to start with a fresh canvas, and having a clean face from the night before will allow for better application and smoother finish.
When Should You Double Cleanse?
The next questions is when should you double cleansing? Should you do it…
- When you wear heavy makeup?
- Once a week?
- When you have an event and need extra clean skin?
Well, none of the above.
The answer, of course, as always, depends on the situation and your skin type. First off, even if you don’t wear makeup every day, you should cleanse your face in the evening with a mild face wash to remove any dirt and impurities from your skin.
Secondly, deciding if double cleansing is for you will depend on a few factors. If your skin is super sensitive, dry, or if you have rosacea, when doing the double cleanse, it is best to start with a just simple water rinse instead of any harsh cleansers or oils. This will prevent over-drying and will prevent any more damage or irritation.
If you have acne-prone skin or if your skin is oily, double cleansing will do wonders for you. You can go ahead with the standard double cleansing routine without fear that your skin will over-dry.
Also, if you were wearing heavy makeup throughout the day, you should do the double cleanse, even if your skin is sensitive, make sure that all the foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and any other impurities are washed off your lovely face.
How to Double Cleanse
Double cleansing only sounds complicated. In reality, it is really simple and very effective. There are a few steps to follow:
Start with an Oil-Based Cleanser First
First off, wash your makeup off your face. This means that you should be very thorough and remove every last bit of it. For this, you can use micellar water or an oil-based cleanser to wash away the war paint.
These products will remove your makeup gently and effectively, and leave your skin smooth and ready for the actual cleansing.
Oil-based cleansers are much more capable of removing sebum, makeup, SPF, and dirt from your face. Water-based cleansers don’t do this job as well because water cannot remove oil, only oil can.
Use Either a Foam or Cream Cleanser Second
After the first step is done, you can move on to your regular foamy or creamy cleanser and water. These cleansers will gently remove any sweat and leftover impurities from your skin and keep it fresh and squeaky clean. Also, these products are good for the removal of any water-based debris, which oil-based products cannot do.
If you’re not sure what type of cleanser you should use, foaming cleansers are great for acne-prone, oily and combination skin types. If you have normal or dry skin, opt for a cream cleanser.
This step is pretty basic and common, and you should use your regular cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water. Massage your cleanser into your skin for a minute or two and use upward and outward gentle movements to force out all the impurities from your pores.
An extra tip is to be mindful of the temperature of the water you use to wash your face. If the water is too hot, you are risking irritation and over-drying, and if the water is too cold, it may cause your pores to shrink and make it harder to remove the dirt and impurities from them. The safest bet is to use lukewarm water which is suitable for all skin types.
