Double-cleansing your skin: All you need to know.

By now, you must know that cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine—it removes the buildup of dirt, oil, and makeup and helps in better absorption of the subsequent products in your routine. 

However, with the increase in pollution and dust, a single cleanse is not always enough. Makeup and water-resistant products can create a layer on the skin that can clog pores and cause skin concerns such as blackheads and dullness if not thoroughly removed. 

This is where double cleansing comes into the picture.  

If you’re diligent with your skincare but your skin still feels dull, congested, or just not at its best—double cleansing could be the game-changer you’re missing. 

Wondering what double cleansing is and how it works? 

Let’s dive into this simple yet transformative skincare ritual!

What is double cleansing?

As the name suggests, double cleansing means washing your face twice - first with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, followed by a water-based cleanser.

Why do you need double cleansing?

The skin produces oil and sweat throughout the day while coping with external aggressors like the sun and pollution.

But when you wear sunscreen and makeup, it forms an additional layer on your skin.

Product buildup, be it makeup, sunscreen, or dirt, can clog your pores, causing breakouts and dullness. 

It is important to get rid of this layer and all the dirt and oil, to let your skin breathe overnight. 

A two-step cleansing method will help you keep your skin cleansed, leaving behind a blank canvas for your skincare routine to nourish and calm the skin.

How does double cleansing work?

The first step of double cleansing helps remove all lipophilic (oil-soluble) formulas from your skin, such as makeup and waterproof sunscreen, along with excess sebum.  

The second step helps wash off all the remaining residual sweat, product buildup, and dirt from your skin. 

This two-step process provides a deep cleanse of your dermis, preventing breakouts and acne.

Who should double cleanse?

Should everyone double-cleanse? Yes.  

According to dermatologists, you must cleanse your skin thoroughly before you hit the sack. Your skin should be devoid of traces of dirt, oil, impurities, makeup, or even sunscreen to aid the overnight repair process.

Therefore, you should have a double cleansing routine, wherein, you opt for a suitable product as per your skin type and concern.   

However, if you have hypersensitive or very dry skin, you can skip double cleansing as it can lead to dryness, and irritation and weaken the skin’s natural barrier.

What are the benefits of double cleansing?

If you wear sunscreen, waterproof products, full-coverage makeup, and/or have severely oily skin, a single cleanse might not be enough for you. Here’s why double cleansing is a more effective skincare ritual for you:

• It cleanses the skin thoroughly
  Double cleansing helps clean your skin thoroughly by breaking down dirt, sebum, or product buildup, leaving no residue behind.  

• It enhances skincare absorption
  Double-cleansing ensures your skin is cleansed enough to absorb the different ingredients faster and more effectively, preventing congestion. 

• It balances oil production
  Double-cleansing helps oily skin balance the excess oil without any dryness.
  By using a two-step cleansing process, you help keep your pores clean and prevent breakouts.

How to double cleanse your face? The simplest step-by-step guide to follow

Here’s a quick guide for you to choose the right formula based on your skin type.

1. Dry skin

Dry skin is prone to dehydration, so opt for: 

• cleansing balms or nourishing cleansing oils that cleanse, hydrate, and nourish. 

• For the second step, opt for cream-based cleansers for a hydrating cleanse.

2. Oily skin

Oily skin produces excess oil, so opt for:

• Lightweight oil cleansers with active ingredients like tea tree oil and green tea, that will soothe your skin. You can also use micellar water for the same. 

• For the second step, opt for salicylic acid cleansers or niacinamide, Green Tea or , to get a non-drying cleanse and unclog pores. 

3. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is easily irritated, so opt for:

• fragrance-free and non-alcohol-based products. 

• gentle micellar water or milk-based cleansers are the best options as they will not cause any irritation/inflammation to your sensitive skin.

What are the common mistakes while double cleansing?

When it comes to double cleansing, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Using oil-based cleansers on damp skin – Oil cleansers work best on dry surfaces because they need to bind with the oil and impurities on your skin. Therefore, avoid applying oil-based cleansers on wet skin. If you are using a cleansing mousse, you can work on damp skin as their formula is suited to work with water. 

2. Rushing the process 

Hastily massaging the cleanser on your face for 5 seconds and rinsing it off will do you no good. It’s essential to take about 30-60 seconds for the first cleanse to allow the product to effectively dissolve makeup, waterproof skincare, and sebum. Rushing through this step can leave residue behind, defeating the purpose of double cleansing. 

3. Skipping the second cleanse sometimes

Skipping the water-based cleanser after an oil cleanse can leave behind oils and impurities that could clog pores and lead to breakouts. Follow up with a water-based cleanser after oil or micellar water. 

4. Skipping moisturizer 

Be it oily, dry, or sensitive skin, skipping hydration is one of the root causes of skin problems. Skipping moisturizer after a double cleanse can leave your skin feeling tight or dehydrated. Always follow up with a toner, serum, and moisturizer to complete your routine. 

Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, double cleansing is the best way to deep-clean your face. By removing impurities from deep within, double cleansing not only improves skin texture but also boosts product absorption.

FAQs:

How often should I double cleanse?

If you wear full-coverage makeup regularly and/or have oily, acne-prone skin, double cleanse in your PM routine. Sleeping with dirt and makeup is not a good idea.  

Will double cleansing dry out my skin?

Use of harsh or unsuitable products can dry out your skin. Therefore, use gentle products for double cleansing that suit your skin type.

Can I skip double cleansing if I don’t wear makeup?

No, you need double cleaning regardless of whether you apply makeup or not. 

It is also suggested to do double cleansing daily to remove oil, dirt and sunscreen in your PM routine.