Are you a fan of the K-beauty skincare routine? If you've been dreaming of having flawless glass skin like the Koreans, allow me to explain one of their most essential skincare secrets: double-cleansing.
If you believe it's as simple as washing your face twice, you're mistaken! With an abundance of benefits, the double cleansing approach has gained popularity among beauty experts worldwide and is the newest way to get clean, bright, and beautiful skin. Besides, cleansing is undoubtedly the most critical component in any skincare routine, as it’s a must for maintaining healthy skin.
In this post, I’ll cover all you need to know about double cleansing, including its benefits, why you should add this to your skincare routine, and how to get started.
What is Double Cleansing?
The technique of cleaning your face with two different types of cleansers is known as double-cleansing. The initial wash should be with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser.
It's important to know what these facial cleansing products do to understand double-cleansing. In summary:
Oil-based cleansers aid in the breakdown of the natural oils found on the skin and the oils included in makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products.
Water-based cleansers aid in the removal of dirt, sweat, and grime — in other words, anything that is not greasy.
The idea is that if you wash with an oil-based cleanser first, then with a water-based one, you'll get rid of all kinds of impurities and get a deep cleanse.
It’s usually done at night to remove all of the day's dirt, makeup, and grime from the face, so you’ll go to sleep with a perfectly cleansed face.
You Might Also Like: 4 Tips To Help You Find The Best Skincare Products That Work For You
The Benefits Of Double Cleansing
Double cleansing has a ton of perks and advantages for your skin! The most noticeable of these benefits is that double cleansing removes impurities and dirt created from oil and water accumulated on your skin throughout the day.
In addition to causing skin discoloration and even bacterial infections, makeup and sunscreen residue can also clog pores, and an oil-based cleanser eradicates these impurities. On the other hand, water-based cleaners aid in the removal of sweat and bacteria that can cling to skin and lodge deep into pores.
With double cleansing, you can effectively eliminate basically all dirt that your skin may come into contact with throughout the day.
Double cleansing can boost the performance of your other skincare products, as well, causing them to penetrate the skin faster! The outcome? Your pores are now cleansed and ready to absorb serums and moisturizers leaving you with an enhanced skin glow, smoother skin texture, fewer pimples, and smooth canvas for your makeup!
Is Double Cleansing Worth It?
Maybe you are still questioning why you need to double cleanse at this point or if you really need it.
In a nutshell, the double cleansing step is very effective for specific individuals and situations who:
wear makeup
use heavy SPF formulas
engage in regular physical activity
sweat heavily
These individuals may not completely remove all product, oil, and filth from their skin with a single cleanse, but that won't be an issue with a double cleanse. So, yes! It is definitely worth it.
What’s great is that you don’t have to double cleanse all the time, only when you need to do such as one of the issues above occur.
How To Double Cleanse
While the process is the same for all skin types, the cleansers you use should be appropriate for your particular skin type.
This is how it's done:
Using your fingers, massage a small amount of the oil-based cleanser into your skin.
Alternate between cheeks, under-eyes, forehead, and chin with gentle circular motions. The massage should last at least one minute.
Take a small amount of water in your palms and continue massaging halfway through the massage.
When the oil cleanser on your face produces a creamy emulsion, you've done it right.
Rinse well with lukewarm water or a damp cloth.
Apply the water-based cleanser while your skin is still damp from the first wash; the same amount as the first can be used.
Repeat the massage in the same manner as the first.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently dry your face and neck
And that's it! You are fully double cleansed!
Choosing The Right Double Cleanse For Your Skin
To determine which oil- and water-based cleansers are best for your skin, you'll want to read the ingredients list thoroughly. Naturally, avoid substances that cause allergic reactions and avoid strong artificial perfumes and extremely alkaline face cleansers.
Essentially, you should avoid any product that does not nourish and cleanse the skin.
Some double cleansers to get you started (great for all skin types):
THE BOTTOM LINE
An excellent way to make sure your skin is clean and ready for your treatments and serums before going to bed is to double cleanse.
This is especially important if you’re a makeup wearer like myself. Using both an oil-based and water-based cleanser on your face at the same time can rejuvenate your skin and improve the absorption of other products.
Whatever you do, be consistent - your skin will thank you for taking care of it! Click here to shop for all the products I mentioned in this post! Follow my shop @shanelamari on the @shop.LTK app and get my exclusive app-only content.
Until next time,
Shanel