This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.

We are all aware of the significance of a well-curated, efficient skincare routine; for many people, less is more.
It can be challenging for these minimalists to reconcile the two-step face wash process known as double cleansing. Does this extra step really matter that much, after all?
Let’s find out if this popular cleansing method is actually worth your time.
- 15 Best Spa Facials & Facial Treatments For Acne-Prone Skin
- At-Home Steam Facial On A Budget (+Steaming Benefits)
What Is Double Cleansing?
The procedure known as double cleansing, which is exclusively used at night, includes washing your face with two different cleansers.
The first formula, which is frequently a balm or oil, is designed to dissolve makeup, dirt, oil, and debris and remove them from your face.
While the second formula, which may be a more conventional foaming or gel cleanser, should pick up any residue that the first cleanser may have missed and leave your face perfectly clean.
Benefits Of Double Cleansing
What is the double cleansing method’s greatest advantage? It is made to remove makeup, excess oil, and dirt without the use of harsh chemicals or manual scrubbing.
Using abrasive or powerful chemicals and scrubbing while removing makeup, can create irritated skin reactions. Aggressive rubbing can also damage superficial capillaries and blood vessels, which results in redness.
As double cleansing calls for kinder products and a more delicate approach, you can skip both.
The first phase of your double cleanse allows you to carefully break down whatever it is you need to eliminate; the second should replenish your moisture and provide calming effects. Another advantage of utilizing this technique is that it thoroughly cleans your skin before applying a subsequent cleanser.
And because of this, I would say that double cleansing is worth it.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Double Cleansing
Although it benefits most skin types, double cleaning is especially beneficial for people with oily skin because it gives you two chances to eliminate (but not strip!) excess oil.
However, it can be drying. This procedure can eliminate the little oil you produce on your own if you are already on the drier side.
Another drawback to take into account is that, if you don’t often wear a lot of makeup, it may result in over-cleansing, which irritates the skin.
In the end, you can only decide if double cleansing is right for you by giving it a try. It’s a success if you wake up with more balanced skin, but if you feel tight or dry, it’s preferable to go back to a single cleanse.
How To Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is simple, just add one additional step to your regular evening skincare routine to perform double cleansing.
Work your oil-based cleanser into your skin first. You can also use micellar water, which is applied with a cotton ball, reusable microfiber pad, or towel made specifically for removing makeup. To make eye makeup removal easier, lay the pad over your eyes for 15 to 20 seconds. This will help the makeup break down.
After that, rinse with lukewarm water before applying your second cleanser, which should either be foam- or gel-based. Then use a circular motion to massage this product into your face.
When And How Often Should You Be Double Cleansing?
While there is no set time or frequency for double cleansing, it is usually done at night to remove the day’s makeup and debris.
Double cleanse every night if you wear makeup. If not, one cleanse should be sufficient unless you have been exposed to the outside environment and dust for an extended period of time.
No matter the skin type, moisturize after the double cleansing to add back that lost hydration. Even a single cleansing can momentarily compromise the skin barrier, causing trans-epidermal water loss and dry skin. A ceramide-based moisturizer must be used right after double cleansing.
Using a therapy serum containing active ingredients for skin restoration after cleansing is the recommended routine when using actives and follow it up with a moisturizer to add back hydration.
Leave a Reply