Double Cleansing: What It Is and How to Do It Right

From glass skin to ice facials, Korean skincare trends are the gift that keeps on giving. While there are countless ones to try, we’ve always had a soft spot for double cleansing. As the name implies, this popular technique involves washing your face twice—first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based cleanser—to help remove oil, makeup, and other debris. Knowing how to double cleanse correctly is essential if you’re embracing the trend, since overwashing your face can lead to dryness or dehydration. If double cleansing intrigues you but you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, we reveal the benefits of double cleansing and provide a step-by-step guide to this method. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite double cleansing face products for skin that feels clean, but not stripped. Once you try this beloved K-beauty trend, you may never go back to your standard single cleanse. What Is Double Cleansing? The double cleansing method is exactly what it sounds like—cleansing the skin twice rather than once. “Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that typically consists of [using] an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser,” says dermatology resident physician Dr. Joyce Kim. “The first cleanse helps dissolve makeup, oil, sunscreen, and other impurities, while the second cleanse helps remove any residual debris to ensure a thorough, deep clean without stripping your skin.” What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing? After a long day of work, an evening HIIT class, and dinner with friends, your skin can start to feel pretty, well, grimy. That’s where a double cleanse can come in handy. Here are just a few benefits of double cleansing in your skincare routine. Helps unclog pores Helps reduce existing blackheads and prevents new spots from forming Removes debris like sweat, dirt, and oil Removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen Suitable for a range of skin types and concerns Leaves skin fresh and clean so products like serum and moisturizer can absorb effectively What Skin Types Should Double Cleanse? The double cleansing method, generally speaking, is suitable for all skin types. The key is to select double cleansing face products that align with your skin type, needs, and concerns. If you have dry skin, for example, you may want to use a rich, oil-based cleansing balm and a hydrating cream cleanser. Those with oily skin will typically fare best with lightweight cleansing oils and foaming or exfoliating cleansers. No matter your skin type, though, it’s a good idea to make sure your chosen cleansing balm or oil is non-comedogenic—this designation means it’s unlikely to clog your pores or contribute to breakouts. How Often Should You Double Cleanse? Knowing how to double cleanse is only one part of the equation—it’s also important to ensure you’re following the right schedule for your skin type. While some can double cleanse daily, others should adopt a less frequent schedule to avoid disrupting their skin barrier. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right double cleansing schedule is to pay close attention to your skin and how it looks and feels. Should You Double Cleanse In the Morning? If we’re being honest, double cleansing in the morning is not really necessary. Hopefully, you got all of the gunk from the day before off your skin and out of your pores before bed, so there shouldn’t be much to remove in the morning. While you certainly can double cleanse your skin when you wake up, your skin is typically better off with a single cleanse in the early morning hours. Should You Double Cleanse at Night? If you’re interested in incorporating double cleansing into your routine, nighttime is the time to do it. During the day, your skin comes into contact with a lot—sunscreen, makeup, sweat, dirt, oil, and even air pollution. Giving your skin a thorough double cleanse at night can help remove all of this debris and ensure your skin is squeaky-clean and well-prepped for beauty sleep. How to Double Cleanse Step 1: Apply an oil-based cleanser Begin your double cleansing routine by washing your face with an oil-based cleanser to help remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. The way you use your cleansing oil depends on the formula, although many are intended to be applied to dry (rather than damp) skin. Read the packaging, then apply an appropriate amount of the cleanser to your face, keeping your eyes tightly closed if you’re using your cleanser to remove eye makeup. Step 2: Massage the cleanser in for a minute Once you’ve applied your oil-based cleanser, it’s time to make it work. Massage it onto your face for one minute to help loosen surface debris and melt away the day’s makeup. Step 3: Add water to emulsify Next, wet your hands with lukewarm water and continue massaging in upward circular motions for another 30 seconds. At this point, you should notice the oil-based cleanser begin to emulsify—in other words, turn milky or foamy. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly After your oil-based cleanser has emulsified, rinse your face well to remove all traces of product from your skin. Be sure to use lukewarm, rather than hot, water—high temperatures can strip your skin, leaving it feeling tight and dry. Step 5: Lather up with a water-based cleanser This is where the double cleansing method really gets going. After rinsing off your cleansing oil, wash your face again—but this time, with a water-based cleanser. This second cleanse helps remove any remaining impurities, ensuring a deep and thorough clean. Washing your face with a water-based cleanser is fairly straightforward—simply dispense a small amount into your palms, lather, and massage it into your skin for about 30 seconds. Step 6: Rinse thoroughly Rinse your face once more (using lukewarm water!), then pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel or washcloth. Double cleansing complete! Step 7: Continue your skincare routine as usual Once your skin is clean, you can complete the rest of your skincare routine with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Just remember to apply your skincare products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest to make sure they absorb the way they should. 5 of Our Favorite Oil-Based Cleansers 1. Aēsop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil If you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity, we suggest giving this herbaceous cleansing oil a try. The vitamin E-infused formula helps remove impurities while nourishing the skin, and it’s gentle enough to use morning and night. 2. Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm Vitamin C For those looking to brighten skin while double cleansing, this cleansing balm with vitamin C is ready and waiting. It’s specifically formulated to remove all types of long-wear makeup for eyes, lips, and face, and it will take off every stitch of sunscreen, too. Plus, it doubles as a brightening face mask (just leave it on for ten minutes before rinsing). 3. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil Dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping your skin with this luxurious, lavender-infused cleansing oil. It transforms from a lightweight oil to a cleansing milk when mixed with water, and it leaves skin feeling soft, supple, and replenished. This pick is also great for a double cleansing method for acne-prone skin, since the non-comedogenic formula won’t clog your pores. 4. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil Streamline your double cleansing and shower routines with this multi-purpose cleansing oil, which is designed for use on both face and body. We love that the glycerin-infused formula hydrates as it cleanses, too. And the fact that it’s suitable for all skin types—even highly sensitive skin—is just the cherry on top. 5. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser CeraVe is well known for its lineup of gentle, non-irritating cleansers, but this oil-based face wash is among our favorites. It contains a nourishing blend of squalane, hyaluronic acid, and the brand’s signature ceramides, and provides a gentle lather that whisks away dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 6 of Our Favorite Water-Based Cleansers 1. La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Facial Gel Cleanser With Melasyl + Niacinamide If you’ve noticed some dark spots cropping up, consider swapping out your current cleanser for this gentle micro-peeling option that cleanses and visibly reduces dark spots simultaneously. It’s made with La Roche-Posay’s signature Melasyl ingredient, niacinamide, and PHA, and it helps to exfoliate and cleanse the skin without stripping. 2. IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser Water-based cleansers can come in an array of textures, from foams to lightweight creams and gels. This one does it all, since it combines a foam cleanser with the hydration of a serum, which means you’ll reap tons of benefits of double cleansing. The powerful multitasker gently removes makeup, oil, SPF, and traces of pollution while supporting the skin barrier, thanks to nourishing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s suitable for all skin types and even ophthalmologist-tested, so it can be used around your eyes, too. 3. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser We like to think of this cult-favorite gel cleanser as a green juice for your face. It contains a powerful blend of antioxidants from superfoods, including kale, spinach, and green tea. The cleanser helps prevent buildup and balance the skin’s pH without leaving it feeling dry or tight. 4. SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel Adding an exfoliating cleanser to your double cleansing routine is a great idea if you frequently struggle with congested pores, dullness, or uneven skin tone. This one contains a 12% blend of lipo, alpha, and beta hydroxy acids, which are all effective exfoliants. Use it daily to reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin over time. 5. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin should consider adding this gentle foaming cleanser to their double cleansing face lineup. The cleanser transforms to a dense micro-foam with tiny bubbles that help cleanse dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without compromising your skin barrier. Amino acid surfactants help remove impurities, while squalane and glycerin hydrate and moisturize, so you’re left with a fresher-feeling, more balanced complexion. 6. CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a cleanser that can help break down excess oil without stripping or disrupting your moisture barrier. This cleanser contains barrier-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide a thorough cleanse without drying out your skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for use on the face and body. Talk about a double cleansing triple win. Next Up: How Much of Each Skincare Product Should I Apply?

Double Cleansing: What It Is and How to Do It Right

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