All you need to know about double cleansing
.png)
Back then when I was a teenager, I didn't care about my skin and in-fact I used to use body soap on my face too for years and years. Now that I'm into skincare, it hurts my soul thinking that I had used a bar of soap on my face.
In 2015, I've started watching YouTube and along the way, I got hooked to skincare videos. Upon doing a lot of research with the available resources, I've curated a simple CTM routine for me and guess what it made a huge difference on how my skin looks and feels. I've completely stopped using bar soap on my face ever since and started using a cleanser to wash my face.
But what is double cleansing? Why should you bother cleansing your face twice? And is it really for everyone?
Hold on to your seat and keep reading for all the answers to your burning questions.
Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds. It involves thoroughly washing your face twice with two cleansers .The only catch is that the cleansers need to be two different types to have the desired effect.
The first is usually an oil-based cleanser(if you don't have what oil based cleanser is, click here to check my post on the same) . This is followed up by a water-based one. However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you.
Why do you need to use two cleansers? Well, here’s where the types matter.
An oil-based cleanser is designed to remove oil-based impurities, including makeup, sunscreen, sebum, dirt and pollution which water based cleanser can't remove to 100%.
By getting rid of this stuff first, the second water-based cleanser can really work its way into the skin, removing the likes of grime and sweat.
Not only is a double cleanse meant to give a more thorough cleanse, but it can also revitalize dull skin and allow other skin care products to penetrate more effectively.
Double cleansing isn’t a necessity for everyone , but certain skin types may find it to be more worthwhile than others.
Take people with oily skin. Two gentle formulas are generally a better way to combat excess oil than one strong formula that could leave skin feeling too dry.
Acne-prone individuals may also want to gently double cleanse to help
Finally, the technique can be useful for those who wear heavy makeup.
Japan and Korea are the founding fathers of double cleansing.
According to reports, Japanese geishas used cleansing oils followed by a foamy cleanser to remove their white makeup.
The technique also became popular as part of the Korean 10-step skin care regime, which has migrated into Western culture in recent years.
Whether you pick a cleansing oil or oil-based balm followed by a gel, lotion, or cream, the method is the same ( don't be lost by seeing all the new words, check out my post here on oil based cleansing to know more).
Apply the oil-based cleanser to your palm, and use your fingers to gently massage it into your skin using circular motions for around a minute. Don’t forget the area around the eyes and the hairline. Oil-based cleansers should be fine to remove eye makeup as long as they’re free from fragrance.
When it comes to rinsing, use either a washcloth or your hands and lukewarm water to avoid dehydration. Oil-based cleansers that contain an emulsifier are typically easier to remove, as the oil combines with water to create a milky-type substance.
Ready for the second cleanser? Keep your skin damp and apply the water-based formula in exactly the same way as before.
You shouldn’t need to use a lot — just a dollop that’ll nicely cover your face. Once the minute is up, rinse off with lukewarm water and pat skin dry with a soft towel. Remember to read the instructions on product labels and amend your technique to suit.
It’s common to only double cleanse at night. After all, this is the time you remove all the makeup and dirt you have had since morning. It is absolutely important to keep your skin super clean before going to bed as our skin rejuvenates and heals during night.
But you can adopt the technique in the mornings too, as sebum can be produced while you sleep. Also, if you have a night skincare routine that included facial oils, heavy creams, serums then it is important to do double cleanse during mornings. Pick a frequency that suits your lifestyle, and try to stick to it daily for the best results.
If you forget to double cleanse one morning or evening, don’t panic. Just pick it back up again the next day.
The cleansers you choose all depend on your skin type. But there are a few general rules to stick to.
Avoid cleansers containing sulfates (you can look the ingredient list and if you see a word sulfate, better put it back in the shelf sis..), which can strip natural oils, or potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance, essential oils and alcohol.
You can either pick oil cleanser or cleansing balms for first cleanse and gel/foam/lotion based cleanser for the second cleanse. Here are a few recommendations for each skin type.
Normal skin
Normal skin types don’t have to worry about a particular concern, though it’s still best to opt for moisturizing or creamy formulas.
Oil based - Plum cleansing balm, faceshop rice water bright rich cleansing oil , Clinique take the day off for high budget folks.
Water based - Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser , bio derma gel purifying cleanser, COSRX low PH morning gel cleanser for high budget folks out there.
Dry or sensitive skin
No matter the product, people with dry or sensitive skin should always look for a gentle, non-irritating formula. A neutral pH level can help ensure skin isn’t dried out further.
Oil based - TNW cleansing balm, Clinique take the day off
Micellar water is a great alternative for dry and sensitive skin folks - Bio-derma, simple skin care oil be gone micellar water.
Water based- Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, be minimalist 6% oat gentle cleanser.
Oily or acne-prone skin
Stick to lightweight cleansers designed to regulate oil production. For acne specifically, pay special attention to products containing anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tea tree and acne control ingredients like salicylic acid.
I prefer micellar water instead of oil balms as my first cleanser for oily/acne prone skin.
Micellar water-Bio-derma, simple skin care oil be gone micellar water.
Water based - be minimalist 2% salicylic face wash, Body shop tea tree facewash, bio derma gel purifying cleanser.
Combination skin
People with combo skin types need to look for cleansers that’ll avoid oiliness but won’t leave skin feeling dry. Choose a rich, oil-based cleanser containing moisturizing ceramides, followed by a revitalizing foaming cleanser.
Oil based - Earth rythym cleansing balm with tea tree oil, juicy chemistry white tea and sandal wood cleansing balm.
Water based - Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, be minimalist 6% oat gentle cleanser.
As soon as you’re done with the double cleanse, you’ll need to seal in moisture before getting on with the rest of your skin care regime.
Helpful posts on skincare:
- What is skincare?-https://skintastick.blogspot.com/2022/06/what-is-skincare.html
- Ultimate guide to CTM Routine - https://skintastick.blogspot.com/2022/06/ctm-routine-for-healthy-skin.html
- Monsoon skincare - https://skintastick.blogspot.com/2022/07/monsoon-skincare-routine.html
It’ll probably take around a 2-3 week for you to notice the benefits of double cleansing, whether that’s a brighter complexion, fewer breakouts, or simply cleaner-feeling skin.
But if you’ve been trying the technique for a while with no visible change, consider investing in different products.
Still nothing? There are a few alternative methods. Try:
- cleansing with a cloth or gentle cleansing brush instead of your hands
- double cleansing with the same cleanser instead of two different ones
- returning to your regular one-cleanse routine
Still unsure if double cleansing is worth your time and effort? Here are a few more important details.
Isn’t it time-consuming?
You may find yourself put in less effort because when we use single cleanser , we tend to use it for a long time to get rid of all the gunk but when two cleansers are used , by the time you use second cleanser , your skin is almost clear. So, it will take less time than anticipated
Plus, you’ll probably only spend an extra minute all in all. Hey, spending this extra minutes can make a huge difference. So, why not?
Do you need to double cleanse if you don’t wear makeup?
First of all, no one has to double cleanse . But it helps our skin if we do so and it isn’t just beneficial for makeup wearers.
Oil-based cleansers get rid of sunscreen and other oily substances that naturally build up on the skin. Once these are gone, the second cleanser doesn’t have to fight through an extra layer of impurities.
Won’t an oil cleanser cause breakouts?
This is a common misconception, according to some experts but I do agree with this point.
They say that oil plus oil doesn’t create more oil, pointing out that cleansing oils can remove pore-clogging substances that may lead to breakouts.
However, there’s little research to back this up, and the American Academy of Dermatology advises people with oily skin to avoid oil-based cleansers.
Is it possible to over-wash your skin?
Yes, and it’s easily noticeable, as skin is likely to show signs of dryness or irritation.
However, with the right cleansers and technique, double cleansing shouldn’t harm the skin.
Ensure you gently massage the skin, rather than harshly rubbing it, and stick to a nighttime double cleanse if you feel twice a day is too much. Certain skin types should look out for specific over-washing signs.
People with dry skin will obviously notice further dryness, but oily skin types may notice their skin becomes oilier and more prone to breakouts. Inflammation may occur in those who have acne. So, look out for ingredients and select the best one that suits your skin type to avoid such issues.
There’s no harm in getting on board with double cleansing.
Remember: Gentle is the keyword, whether that’s the formula of your cleansers or the technique you use.
And if you really can’t be bothered, then don’t. A single cleanse may be just as effective when done properly.
Comments
Post a Comment