Double Cleansing: What It Is & How It Can Help Your Skin

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Sometimes, breakouts are inevitable — in part because there are so many reasons why you could be having one. Maybe you slept with your makeup on one night, or you’re having a moment of hormonal ebb and flow. Whatever the cause, it’s frustrating, and I for one try to avoid breakouts as much as I can. The most powerful tool in my arsenal for that is double cleansing — here’s why I love it and what you should know about it. 

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: a face wash routine that involves two rounds of cleansing. As it stands, most of us don’t wash our face for long enough on the first go around (at least 30 seconds), and even if you are, double cleansing will ensure you’re more thorough. Double cleansing requires the use of two different face washes, meaning you’ll reap the benefits of both products, and get rid of impurities on the surface of your skin AND down below. This method of washing will decrease your risk of random breakouts and leave your skin feeling clean and fresh for much longer than your standard cleanse. 

The Benefits

Double cleansing can offer the following benefits to those you do it regularly: 

  • Thoroughly Removes Impurities - from makeup, sweat, and environmental pollutants

  • Prevents Breakouts - by preventing and clearing clogged pores

  • Enhances Absorption of Skincare Products - by clearing your canvas, which allows products to penetrate deeper into the skin versus sit on top of it

  • Improves Skin Texture - overtime double cleansing can leave your skin smoother and softer  

  • Helps Combat Aging - reduces premature aging by reducing your risk of collagen degradation and oxidative stress on the skin

  • Balances Oil Production - double cleansing helps regulate sebum production, keeping oily skin balanced without stripping away natural moisture 

  • Promotes Healthy Skin Barrier - double cleansing supports our skin barrier (outermost layer of skin) and reduces sensitivity and irritation 

  • Refreshes and Revitalizes the Skin - you’ll be shocked how much of a difference it makes in how your skin feels!

  • Suitable for All Skin Types - because you’re choosing the products, you can customize your double cleanse for your skin type and needs

  • Sets the Stage for Makeup Application - clean skin means better makeup application and longer lasting wear!

How To Double Cleanse

Now, double cleansing doesn’t just mean using the same cleanser twice – there is a method to the technique. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, then the first cleanser should be an oil-based one. Here are a few examples of good oil-based cleansers: 

To use an oil cleanser… 

  1. Dispense a small amount onto your hands (your hands should be dry, no water yet)

  2. Massage gently onto your dry face in circular motions

  3. Slowly add a few drops of lukewarm water to your hands, and continue to massage your face so the water and oil emulsify

  4. After 30 to 60 seconds, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel

If you aren’t one for makeup or don’t have a heavy sunscreen on, a gentle first cleanser option is a micellar water or toner.  My favorites are: 

After completing the first cleanse, you can move on to the second, which involves a water-based cleanser. For these, you should first wet your face with lukewarm water, dispense a small amount of cleanser onto your hands, and massage it into your face as usual. I like to focus on my T-zone, which is where I get the most oil and breakouts. After 30 to 60 seconds, rinse and pat dry with a towel. 

A few water-based cleansers I’ve used and liked are: 

For those with sensitive or dry skin, it’s recommended that you only double cleanse on days when you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, or when you sweat a lot (after workouts or on hot days). Heavy makeup or sunscreen users can double cleanse daily, while combination skin types can double cleanse when they feel it’s necessary (think during hormonal breakouts, after long flights, when you just feel like you need a deeper wash). 

When you’re considering which facial cleanser to buy, the most important factors to take into account are your skin type and how you’ve reacted to products in the past. Finding the right combination may take a little trial and error, so just use your best judgment and do your research! 

Xo, 

Renata