Double Cleansing Method – Do You Need To?

Double cleansing method is the method of cleansing your face twice with either cleansing balm or cleansing oil. It can help remove stubborn dirt and impurities that may remain on the skin after washing your face. Both cleansing balms and cleansing oils are the best way to do double cleansing.

Cleansing balm and cleansing oils are easily my favourite choice for cleansing and removing makeup. They get the job done brilliantly without causing an imbalance in the skin’s acid mantle. Both cleansing balm and oil are great for double cleansing in the evening time when you have your SPF and makeup on.

You must have heard of the K-Beauty’s most popular way of Cleansing “Double Cleansing”. Although there are lots of cleansers out there, K-Beauty emphasizes using Cleansing Balms or Cleansing Oils as your first cleanse followed by cleansing gel, lotion, and milk that best suits your skin type. In my opinion, there are no rules to the type of cleanser to use for your second cleanse. You can use the same product as your first and second cleanse.

What Is the Double Cleansing Method?

Double cleansing is a two-step process that involves using two different types of cleansers to thoroughly clean your skin. The idea is to first remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil with an oil-based cleanser, and then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities, like sweat, dirt, and pollutants. This method ensures that your skin is deeply cleansed without being stripped of its natural moisture.

What Are Cleansing Balms?

Cleansing balms are similar to cold cream cleansers except they have petroleum jelly consistency. They are packaged in a small plastic jar that requires scooping with hands or a spatula and are used to remove waterproof makeup and sunscreens. The product starts to melt when it comes in contact with facial skin warmth. In most cases, you would find mineral oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, apricot seed oil, avocado oil, almond oil and other essential oils. These oils are in combination with beeswax, shea butter, and polyethylene to create a thick spread.

Cleansing balms are great for all skin types especially oily skin types due to their consistency and texture.

Note: Concerns About Polyethylene In Cleansing Balm

Polyethylenes are microplastics that are often found in skincare and cosmetic products to add body, hardness and slip to these products. Although it is safe for the skin, it is considered unsafe for oceans and wildlife. When you wash your cleansing balm off the face, the residue goes straight into the ocean creating little plastic spheres that look like food to fish. This caused the FDA to create a microbead-free water act in 2015.

So if you don’t want to incorporate polyethene into your skincare routine, it is worth considering Polyethylene-free products. I am so sure that a lot of skincare companies are trying to move away from using polyethene.

In addition, I will be posting some cleansing balms containing polyethene as well as polyethylene-free cleansing balms to help you make the best choices.

Favourite Cleansing Balms With Polyethylene

Favourite Cleansing Balms Without Polyethylene

What Are Cleansing Oils?

Cleansing oils are not your regular cleanser. They are formulated in a water-in-oil emulsion to remove facial and eyelid waterproof cosmetics that cannot be removed easily with soap and water. Cleansing oils are usually more gentle and more effective in removing stubborn makeup. They are packaged in a jar with a pump to dispense on your palm. It is also great for all skin types, especially for dry skin types.

Favourite Cleansing Oils

How To Double Cleanse Your Face Properly

Now that we know what cleansing oils and cleansing balms are. It is time to incorporate them into your skincare routine. Whether you decide to use a cleansing oil or cleansing balm, it is the first step in double-cleansing. The best time to do this is in the evening time to remove makeup and sunscreens. These are the few steps to using cleansing balm and oil

• Get a small amount of either cleansing oil or balm on your palm and apply it to your skin. Rub the product gently in a circular motion to loosen eye makeup and products on the cheeks. Remove debris with a soft washcloth and rinse out with lukewarm water.
• Next is the second cleanse. This is the stage where you massage your regular (water-based) cleanser on your skin. Rinse out with lukewarm water
• Now you are ready for the rest of your skincare routine.

Benefits of the Double Cleansing Method

1. Thoroughly Removes Makeup and Sunscreen

One of the main benefits of double cleansing is its ability to thoroughly remove makeup and sunscreen. Traditional cleansers might not always break down heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen effectively, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Double cleansing ensures that all traces of these products are removed, leaving your skin clean and free from potential irritants.

2. Helps Prevent Breakouts

By removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities more effectively than a single cleanse, the double cleansing method can help prevent breakouts. When your pores are clean and clear, there’s less chance of them becoming clogged with debris that can cause acne.

3. Improves the Effectiveness of Skincare Products

When your skin is thoroughly cleansed, it’s better able to absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products, such as serums, moisturizers, and treatments. Double cleansing ensures that your skin is free of any barriers that might prevent these products from penetrating deeply, allowing them to work more effectively.

4. Supports a Healthy Skin Barrier

Over-cleansing with harsh products can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier. Double cleansing, when done correctly with gentle products, helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance while still providing a deep clean. This method supports a healthy skin barrier, which is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated, smooth, and protected from environmental stressors.

5. Suitable for All Skin Types

The double cleansing method can be adapted to suit any skin type. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, you can choose oil-based and water-based cleansers that cater to your specific needs. For example, if you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser. For dry or sensitive skin, a nourishing oil cleanser followed by a hydrating cream or gel cleanser can work wonders.

Tips for Double Cleansing

• Choose the Right Products: Select cleansers that are suitable for your skin type. Look for oil-based cleansers that don’t contain mineral oil or heavy fragrances, and choose water-based cleansers that are gentle and non-stripping.

• Be Gentle: Don’t scrub your skin too hard during cleansing. Use gentle, circular motions to avoid irritation and damage to your skin.

• Don’t Overdo It: Double cleansing is typically recommended at night to remove the day’s buildup of makeup, sunscreen, and dirt. In the morning, a single gentle cleanse is usually sufficient.

• Follow Up with a Skincare Routine: After double cleansing, continue with your regular skincare routine, including toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen if it’s daytime.

Conclusion

The double cleansing method is a highly effective way to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleaned without compromising its natural barrier. By incorporating this two-step process into your nightly skincare routine, you can help prevent breakouts, enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products, and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. If you haven’t tried double cleansing yet, now is the perfect time to give it a go and experience the benefits for yourself.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from this skincare technique. And if you have any questions or experiences with double cleansing, feel free to share them in the comments below!