Two-step cleansing has been gaining popularity in the skincare world for quite some time now, but if you’re still sceptical or don’t know exactly what it entails, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll take you through exactly what double cleansing is and how to do it step by step, so you can see just how effective it can be! Double cleansing uses two different cleansers that meet your skin at different times.
What is double cleansing
Double cleansing is a two-step process of cleansing your face with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. The oil-based cleanser will remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil from your skin, while the water-based cleanser will cleanse your pores and remove any remaining impurities. Double cleansing is the best way to ensure that your skin is thoroughly clean and free of any debris that could clog your pores.
Why you should double cleanse?
If you want to achieve flawless skin, you should consider double cleansing as part of your skincare routine. Double cleansing helps to remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Plus, it helps to prep your skin for the rest of your skincare products, allowing them to work their best. Here’s how to double cleanse your face for flawless skin:
Step 1: Use an oil-based cleanser
An oil-based cleanser will help break down makeup, dirt, and excess oil on your skin. Apply it to your dry face and massage it in for about a minute before rinsing it off with warm water. For example, this May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon Oil is great for people who have combination or oily skin. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin types because of its soybean oil base. It smells heavenly, too! You can also check out the Drunk Elephant Marula Luxury Facial Oil, which smells like chocolate! Oils or balms should be used in step one, or you could use micellar water which is also great at taking make-up off.
Step 2: Use a nourishing cream or cleanser
Using a nourishing cream or milk cleanser is the second step in double cleansing your face. This type of cleanser will help remove any dirt, makeup, or oil that your first cleanser may have missed. Be sure to massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 60 seconds before rinsing it off. This is a great opportunity to add in salicylic acid or AHAs for some depth ahead of your treatments.
Final Thoughts on Double Cleansing
Double cleansing is great at preparing your skin to take in the serums or ointments which follow. It creates the clean canvas needed to gain the most from your skincare regime! Double cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based debris that might have accumulated on your face throughout the day without over-drying your skin. To double cleanse, first use a cleanser with a low pH (i.e., 6) to remove dirt and excess oils from the surface of your skin, then follow up with a second cleanser with higher pH (i.e., 8) which will penetrate deep into pores and hydrate your skin while removing any residual makeup or grime. After each step, you can apply serums or moisturisers. Double cleansing is best done as part of your night-time routine so you can wake up to fresh and clean skin!
Here’s some of our favourite cleansers for Step 1
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Purifying Cream Cleanser (125ml)
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (Various Sizes)
Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser, £25, Beauty Pie (personal favourite)
Here’s some of our favourite cleansers for Step 2
Laura Mercier Purifying Micellar Water 200ml
