How to Double Cleanse Your Face? The Ultimate Guide

Double cleansing may have emerged as a K-beauty trend, but today it is a skincare routine staple for millions across the globe. The idea is fairly simple. You use an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to reap the benefits of both and prepare your skin for absorbing the lovely skincare products you apply afterward.

This two-step process rids your skin of dust, impurities, and makeup so you are left with a clean slate. When done right, double cleansing remedies clear clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin. Oh, and you will never have to worry about makeup and oily remnants ruining your beautiful pillowcases!

How does double cleansing work?

With pollution going out of control worldwide, it’s never been more important to have a solid night skincare routine that cleans, hydrates, and protects. Environmental pollutants can wreak havoc on one’s skin, and you have to consider how prolonged buildup of dirt, oil, makeup, and even sunscreen can damage your skin health. This is where double cleansing comes into the picture. We combine two cleansers, each with a different purpose, for the best of both worlds.

Sunscreen, while a necessity, can sink deep into the skin, which makes it difficult to remove. Oil-based and waterproof makeup products are incredibly long-lasting, but taking your makeup off at the end of the day can be painful when you use them regularly. Fortunately, an oil-based cleanser can break down stubborn impurities, sunscreen, makeup, skincare residue, and sebum. The water-based cleanser you use next can finish the job by washing away dirt and sweat from the surface, leaving you with clean, glowy, and velvety soft skin.

Double cleansing is a technique that will prove useful irrespective of your choice of brands. You can customize a duo that works for your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, you can use a cleansing oil followed by a creamy, hydrating cleanser. On the other hand, if you have normal skin, you can use any oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming face wash. However, there is one universal rule. After you have double-cleansed your skin, apply a rich moisturizer that will rehydrate and nourish the skin.

How to double cleanse?

If you are interested in double cleansing and want to do it right, here are the steps you should follow:

1) Wash your hands and tie your hair back

Trust us on this. Your hands collect a lot of germs and impurities throughout the day; double cleansing without washing your hands would be moot. You also do not want any oil and dirt residue from your hair interfering with the process.

2) Apply the oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm

Lather up the oil-based cleanser on your palm and apply it on the face in a swirling motion. Massage it well all over for 60 seconds so that all the oil and impurities on your skin break down.

3) Rinse off the first cleanser

You can use lukewarm or cold water to wash away the oil-based cleanser before moving on to the next step. Pat the excess water with a soft towel but let your skin remain wet.

4) Use a water-based cleanser

Apply your water-based cleanser and keep it on your skin for another 60 seconds. Do note that you are free to choose one that meets the specific needs of your skin — this could be hydrating, exfoliating, moisturizing, or just about anything else that suits you.

5) Rinse and pat dry

Use cold or lukewarm water to wash your face and then pat it dry with the towel.

6) Follow your usual skincare routine or apply a generous amount of moisturizer

Once you have double-cleansed your skin, you can carry on with your regular skincare routine, which should ideally include a serum and a moisturizer. Or, you can simply apply a rich moisturizer and call it a day.

FAQs

1) Is it good to double cleanse every day? 

The answer to this question is nuanced as it will vary from person to person depending on their lifestyle and what their skin needs. Those who wear makeup regularly or have oily skin can get away with double cleansing daily and even benefit from it. However, those who avoid makeup or have drier skin don’t need to double cleanse every day.

That said, if you live and travel in more polluted cities, double cleansing daily is the best way to rid your skin of the impurities and dirt collected.

2) Why is my face so red after double cleansing? 

Do note that double cleansing is not gentle on the skin; it needs to have a stripping effect to be effective. If you have sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, the process may irritate and redden your skin, especially if you are using fragrance-heavy, sulfate-based cleansers.

3) Can I use micellar water to double cleanse?

Yes, you can use micellar water in your double-cleansing routine; you set the rules. Micellar water contains micelles that gently lift impurities, dirt, and makeup off the skin. There’s no need to rinse it off; you can move on to the cleanser of your choice. You can even get your hands on a bi-phase micellar water for the first step.

4) Should I double cleanse only at night?

Double cleansing at the end of the day is the obvious choice. However, you may want to opt for it in some other situations as well. For example, you are feeling sweaty and grimy after a particularly rigorous mid-day workout or you are getting ready for a fabulous evening party after traveling in the sun all day. Feel free to double cleanse when needed; just be careful not to strip your skin dry.