Photo by Park Street
Don’t most good things come in twos?
What is Double Cleansing?
It’s the process of using an oil-based cleanser, a balm or micellar water first to cleanse your skin, remove SPF, sebum and remove make-up, followed by a water-based cleanser which meets a specific skin need of yours. This can be for example, a hydrating, calming or detoxifying cleanser.
Where does the Double Cleanse method come from?
If you said Korea, you’d be correct! Double cleansing is at the heart of the esteemed 10-step Korean face routine. Now, I’m not suggesting you add another 6-7 steps to your morning and evening routines; however, the double cleanse method is worth the extra 3-5 minutes it’ll take. Where does the Double Cleanse method come from?
Who should double cleanse?
Errbody.
No, in all honesty, you know your skin better than anyone else. I started double cleansing when I swore off foundation, and started studying skincare and Korean beauty.
My skin is sensitive and I also have eczema flare-ups. I live in a city with—you guessed it— a sh*t ton of pollution. I wanted to make sure I was doing my very best to have healthy, clean and balanced skin. To be honest, it makes sense, no? Only oil can bring out oil. Water just won’t do the trick.
When to double cleanse?
It’s okay to double cleanse both in the morning, and the evening, but it’s definitely recommended for the evening to wash away the day.
“Water-based cleansers alone are NOT capable of removing all of the impurities and residue from the skin. Think of it like this - when you add oil to water, it separates. This is the same premise of what happens on your skin”
3 Reasons to Double Cleanse
1. The most efficient way to remove sebum and break down make-up is through an oil-based cleanser. If you live in a city, and there are cars; you should check out double cleansing. If you wear make-up, you should consider double cleansing. Lastly, if you wear SPF (and of course you do!) then double cleansing would be a good step to add to your routine.
2. It’s therapeutic. Adding an extra step to your evening routine is one way you can unwind and check in with yourself and your skin. Heck, throw in a facial massage too and really treat yourself!
3. It’s more targeted. One concern many people have is over-washing their faces and stripping their skin of its natural oils. If you know your skin well, then you can select a combo that will complement your skin and address its individual needs. You don’t need harsh cleansers to have an effective skincare routine. In fact, you should probably just stay away from those things, and focus more on ingredients that replenish, not strip.
Long gone are the days of harsh astringents and “feeling the burn” so you know it’s working! Double cleansing has been such a welcome step in my personal skincare routine, and I can’t help but shout it from the mountain tops! (or at least the interwebs)
