Double cleansing. Have you heard of it? It’s a term that’s been on the skincare scene for a few years. But what does it actually mean, how do you do it, and are you doing it right? Don’t fret it’s not complicated. It’s literally as simple as the name suggests… As a side note, whilst we’re on the cleansing topic… (I’ve said it before, but I’ll repeat it!) when I say cleansing I absolutely do not mean wipes if you haven’t stopped using makeup wipes already just stop right now! Read why they’re a bad idea.
Why Double Cleanse?
The theory behind double cleansing is first to remove your makeup and sunscreen, and then the second cleanse is to actually clean your skin. This ensures you are left with truly clean skin for your next skincare products, not just smushed around makeup, sweat and dirt.
There’s nothing worse for your skin than sleeping in old makeup from not cleansing properly; it clogs your pores and is gross! Having truly ‘clean’ skin will also help your skincare products, like serums and night retinol products, penetrate better into the skin more efficiently.
How do you Double Cleanse?
Simply put you cleanse your skin twice, and it can be that easy – just use your current cleanser two times.
What most do, however, is use an oil-based cleanser first. Something like a cleansing oil, balm, or cream is absolutely fine. Take time to massage into the skin I often do the first cleanse on dry skin. The first step breaks down all the makeup, sunscreen, dirt and pollution from the day. Finishing by using a damp face cloth to wash away.
The second cleanse is then a water-based cleanser (like a gel, lotion or foam) that’s suitable for your skin type. The second step is meant to clean your, now makeup-free, skin.
I tend to reserve double cleansing for nighttime skin routines when there is more ‘stuff’ to remove and clean. For the morning, a light gel cleanser is best.
Question: Can I just use coconut oil or some other plant oil?
Personally I would say these aren’t great options. Pure single ingredient oil doesn’t mix with water well and often leaves a greasy feeling. Whereas cleansing oils are designed and formulated to emulsify in contact with water; they become milky and rinse from the skin without leaving a residue.
Cleansers I can recommend for you:
First cleanser / Oil Based
Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
A beautiful yet simple cleansing oil with a base of sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, sweet almond oil and grape seed oil. It’s nice to use and efficiently takes off all your eye makeup.
Feels more like a gel when you squeeze it out from the tube, but sure enough, it rubs in like an oil. It’s pleasant to use and has no fragrance – making it suitable for sensitive skin types…
This is a simple product, and in terms of efficiency, it’s excellent, but it is my least favourite of this list because of the texture. It has a tiny grain to it, which to be fair isn’t all that noticeable, but it’s enough to put me off personally, however. It’s a fabulous price though, and you get a large amount of product, so it’s safe for budgets.
A cream cleanser with a base of sunflower seed oil, plus a load of other plant actives, which makes for a beautiful sensory experience before washing away.
Second Cleansers / Water Based
Farmacy Clean Bee Gel Cleanser
I love the smell of this one! To be honest, that’s why it’s on this list. But it does work well. You get an excellent clean, along with nice honey scents.
This was the first foam product I tried, knowing it’s ok for the skin as they are made it in a way that is far less stripping to the skin than the old formulas. This one is so nice to use, and has no fragrance or unnecessary ingredients, making it safer for problematic skin.
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
Another one for the smell, gosh I’m a sucker! But I highly suggest you go smell this one in-store, even if you don’t need a new cleanser, just smell it! Think something strawberry but not o ‘fake’ strawberry, this product has strawberry seed oil in it!
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
This one is a second cleanser reserved for once or twice a week, and it’s one of the brand’ top-selling products for a reason. Leaves you with bright, soft, smooth skin. Hello, we all want that!
