The Dirt on Double Cleansing

Double cleansing.  Whether you’ve seen this term on the Internet – or already practice this ritual – it’s a term gaining popularity in the skincare world and it’s more than just a trend. 

Proven to truly purify the skin, double cleansing means exactly what it says:  you cleanse your face, twice.  However, there’s a proper way to implement it into your routine, as well as specific skin types that should and should not indulge.   Read more on the who, what and how to double cleanse, so you can learn if it’s the right practice for you.

The Definiton of a Double Cleanse

Let’s set the perfect scene for a double cleanse – you’ve enjoyed a girls night out with a round of cocktails, high heels on and chic dress adorned.  You wore a nude lip that perfectly complemented your smokey eye, and your cheeks have been highlighted and contoured accordingly. 

You’re now headed home and slightly dreading the night routine that follows – taking off your makeup and doing your skincare.  Because, yes, even on late nights… YSE women do not skip their daily regimens.  And this scenario leads us to the ideal occasion for a double cleanse – an evening you wore more makeup than usual.

In short, double cleansing helps remove stubborn makeup, dirt, dead skin and oil buildup from the surface.  It’s especially important after long days or nights with makeup worn, but it’s also beneficial if you’re someone that enjoys lots of sun time or your activities find you outside often.  Double cleansing assists in the removal of sunscreen, environmental pollutants your skin may have come into contact with, and also removes those old skin cells sitting on the surface.

Your Skin's Daily Double

Ok, let’s get started.  First, you’re going to begin with an oil-based wash like a balm, cream or oil-based cleanser to help eliminate that first layer of makeup, sunblock and other impurities.  Once your face is adequately clean, the second step comes in, which works to further penetrate the pores to remove any remaining dirt and oil.  For the second cleanser, you’ll want to use a water-based gel, foam or micellar water to exfoliate, smooth and hydrate the skin.

How to (Correctly) Double Cleanse

Don't: Rely on Face Wipes

Yes, we know how easy it is to just grab a makeup wipe and remove all your makeup while watching a TV show at night.  And we’re not against it;  However, this should not be included in your double cleanse steps.   Because, ultimately, they are not formulated to actually clean your skin. Your face might look makeup-free when you're done, but these wipes tend to leave behind a residue that isn't doing your skin any favors.  If you’re a creature of habit and want to keep using them, go ahead –  just double cleanser after.

Do: Use An Oil-Based Cleanser First

Not all cleansers are created equally.   For the first step, you’ll want to enlist the help of an oil-based cleanser, like our Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser.  It’s especially effective for your first cleanse, as the oils help to melt away makeup, sweat and grime, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Do: Massage Your First Cleanse

To help your oil-based cleanser properly do its work, you’ll want to aid the process by massaging into the skin with your knuckles and fingers.  With our cleanser, you’ll actually apply the cleanser onto dry skin, then add water to emulsify and further purify the skin.  Plus, giving the face a little massage encourages lymphatic drainage, sculpting the face and allowing for drainage to reduce puffiness. 

Do: Start with Warm Water

After the first step of double cleansing, wash off with warm water and a damp cloth. This helps to keep pores open, as you work in the next cleanser.  Just make sure to wash with lukewarm water, as hot water dries out the skin and can cause irritation.

Do: Use a Water-Based Cleanser Secondly

As mentioned previously, you’ll want a water-based cleanser next to help eliminate any leftover residue or water-based impurities from your skin—including dirt and sweat. If you’re not sure what cleanser is right for your skin type, a board-certified dermatologist will have the answers.  However, micellar water is a gentle, easy place to start.

Don't: Finish with Warm Water

With a fresh face, and cleansed pores to prove it, you should now rinse off with cold water.  This helps to close your pores, so residue isn’t getting back inside, and assists in further tightening the skin.

Don't: Neglect Your Neck + Décolletage

Skincare doesn’t stop at the face. If you wear foundation, bronzer or tanning lotion, we encourage extending the double cleanse down to your neck and décolletage, as those areas need proper exfoliating, as well.

Your Cleanser Needs Backup

Now that your skin has a fresh slate, maximize the effects of a fresh canvas by applying your serums and moisturizers as the final steps.  Because, post-cleanse, your skin is going to immediately soak up those formulas.

Serums, like our Last Call Retinol Serum, target more specific concerns, like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.  Follow with our Xtremely Rich™ Moisturizer to seal all those ingredients in, and deeply hydrate the complexion for a smooth finish.  

Don’t Sleep on Double Cleansing

Too much of a good thing does exist, and double cleansing twice a day can strip the skin of its natural oils.  Essentially, it will do more harm than good.   To acclimate your skin to a double cleanse, start with 2-3 times per week, especially after days or evenings you’ve worn more makeup and/or sunscreen than usual.  

If you suffer from rosacea or acne, it might be best to avoid double cleansing altogether and opt for a gentle oil or cleansing milk.  However, check with your licensed dermatologist, given every skin issue (and the best routine for it) is unique to that individual.

Hot tip?  Oily, acne-prone and combination skin respond especially well to daily double cleansing.  It’s also ideal for those who exercise regularly, and women who wear makeup frequently throughout the week.  

Okay, now you can get some beauty rest.  And yes, although that may have taken an extra 5-10 minutes to complete before bedtime – you’ll thank us in the morning.