Double Cleansing: Why is it Important for All Skin Types?
Raise your hand if you have even once been forced to get out of bed and remove makeup from your face. Especially after a long day or a night out, this can be frustrating, right? However, even if this is not the happiest activity we do, we don’t skip it.
What we don’t know is that many of us are removing makeup in a wrong or incomplete way. The face should be completely clean, so other ingredients from your toner, serum, or moisturizer can penetrate deeply.
Double cleansing came into the spotlight at the same time as the Korean skincare routine. This method of cleansing your face is utterly effective, yet it won’t damage the skin barrier. Read more further below.
What is Double Cleansing?
The double cleansing method consists of two face washes. First, you use an oil-based cleanser you remove the makeup, and then you use a water-based cleanser so your face is perfectly clean. This type of cleansing can remove the most stubborn and pore-clogging impurities. At the same time, you can see the benefit of double cleansing immediately. The first cleanser will remove any makeup, excess oil, and dirt on the skin. The second, water-based one will target specific skin needs, like exfoliation, treating acne, or simply hydration.
How to Double Cleanse According to Your Skin Type
Regardless of the skin type, a double cleanse consists of these few steps:
- Apply a cleansing oil or an oily balm to the dry skin with clean hands
- Use fingers or a cotton pad to massage the cleanser into the skin, paying attention to the areas with makeup. This will also remove sunscreen residue and excess sebum.
- Wet the face with water.
- Apply the second cleanser and massage it with your fingers into the skin.
- Rinse off the second cleanser and pat your skin dry.
This process can vary a bit if you have certain skin types. Here is what you can try if you have:
Oily Skin Type
Layering oily products on oily skin may sound like a disaster, but it is not so bad idea. Since oil attracts oil, this type of cleanser will remove extra sebum, makeup residues, sweat, and other impurities that were building up during the day.
If you are still not conceived to use an oily cleanser, then go for micellar water. The one that is made for oily skin should remove the first layer of dirt, makeup, and extra sebum. Follow with a gel cleanser and look for ingredients that are good for your skin type. The key is removing all the dirt without damaging your oily skin.
Dry Skin Type
When you have dry skin, overwashing it can do more damage than good. That is why you should pay attention to those oily cleansing balms that are made specifically for dry skin types. Balms should be enriched with shea butter, coconut, or jojoba oil so they can boost hydration and restore your lipid barrier.
For the second cleanse, pick a mild cleanser in foam or gel formulations that will clean everything without drying your skin. Some of the ingredients to look for are Vitamin C, green tea, hyaluronic and glycolic acid.
Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin Type
Sensitive skin can be easily irritated. Not to mention some comedogenic oils that can make your skin break out and influence more acne to appear. That is why you must pick an oily cleanser that is gentle when cleansing. Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients, aloe, green tea, vitamin E, etc.
For the second cleanse, pick a gel or foam cleanser that contains glycolic or salicylic acid. They are perfect for keeping your pores unclogged and your complexion bright.
Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-tank-top-washing-her-face-with-soap-8142195/
Normal to Combination Skin Type
Combination skin can be a bit tricky to take care of. While some parts of the face might be with extra sebum, others can be super dry and even itchy. You need something that helps to find a balance, improve texture, and keeping complexion bright. Go for cleansers with ceramides, and nutrient-rich oils. These types of cleansers will moisturize the skin and make it look plump. This is valid for normal skin as well.
The second cleanser should balance your pH with ingredients that allow your skin to hold its moisture, as well as brighten the complexion.
