How to Double Cleanse: Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, to double cleanse or double cleansing has become a buzzword in the skincare community, particularly among those who love a thorough skincare routine. This technique, rooted in Korean beauty practices, promises a deeper clean, helping to achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion. But what exactly is double cleansing? Is it necessary for everyone? And how do you incorporate it into your daily routine? This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about double cleansing, including when it’s essential and when you can skip it.

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a two-step skincare process that involves using two different types of cleansers consecutively. There’s two ways you can look at the steps – one is that you’re taking off ‘the day’ first – makeup SPF, daily dirt & grime, then your second cleanse actually cleans your face- clearing out pores, making sure you removed everything from first step, perhaps with exfoliating ingredients too. The other way to differentiate the steps is that: the first step typically involves an oil-based cleanser, then is followed by a water-based cleanser. Using two different cleanser types ensures that both surface impurities, such as makeup and sunscreen, and deeper impurities, like sweat and dirt, are effectively removed from the skin.

Why is Double Cleansing Important?

The skin is exposed to various impurities throughout the day, including makeup, sunscreen, environmental pollutants, and the natural oils produced by our skin. These impurities can accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to clogged pores, dullness, and breakouts if not properly removed. Double cleansing addresses this by using an oil-based cleanser to dissolve and lift away oil-based impurities and a water-based cleanser to target any remaining debris. I personally saw a big improvement in my skin when I started double cleansing.

For those who wear makeup or sunscreen daily, or who live in urban environments with high levels of pollution, double cleansing can be a game-changer. By thoroughly cleaning the skin, this method ensures that your pores remain unclogged, which is crucial for maintaining clear, healthy skin. It also allows your other skincare products, like serums and moisturisers, to penetrate the skin more effectively, enhancing their efficacy, which is always a good thing!

How to Double Cleanse

OK now that you understand what double cleansing is and why it’s important, let’s break down the process step by step.

Step One: Use an Oil-Based Cleanser to Remove the Day

The first step in double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser. These cleansers are designed to break down and dissolve oil-based impurities, such as makeup, sebum, sunscreen and air pollutants, which are often difficult to remove with water-based cleansers alone.

To begin, apply the oil-based cleanser to dry skin with dry hands. Gently massage it into your face, focusing on areas with heavy makeup or sunscreen. This massaging action helps to dissolve impurities, allowing the oil to lift them from the skin’s surface. After massaging for about a minute, take a flannel soaked then wrung out in warm water, and gently wipe the oil off your face. Some oil-based cleansers have emulsifiers in them which means they can rinse off clean without need of a flannel, but here at Blue Labelle we advocate using a flannel to remove your oil-based cleanser to make sure you’re removing it & all of that daily grime with it.

If you’ve used a micellar water to remove your makeup, the label will probably say you don’t need to rinse it off, but I always say if you’re at a sink then why not rinse it off then you know it’s all gone.

Step Two: Use a Water-Based Cleanser

After removing the oil-based cleanser and so too your makeup SPF and daily dirt, it’s time to move on to the second step: using a water-based cleanser. This step is important for removing any remaining impurities, such as sweat and dirt, that the oil-based cleanser might have missed, plus ensure your skin has a good clean now that all the sunscreen makeup etc is gone.

Choose a water-based cleanser that suits your skin type. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, a gel or foaming cleanser may be ideal. Those with dry or sensitive skin might prefer a milky or creamy cleanser that is gentler on the skin. At Blue Labelle we have our Glow Hydrating Face & Body Wash, and the Glow Powder Cleanser, for two second cleanse options.

Apply the water-based cleanser to damp skin, massaging it in circular motions for about a minute. This helps to ensure that all remaining impurities are thoroughly cleansed away. Rinse with lukewarm water, and pat your face almost dry with a clean towel, before continuing with your skincare routine – this could just be a moisturiser, facial oil, or you may want to use exfoliating toners, serums, targeted products etc.

Types of Cleansers You Can Use

Choosing the right cleansers for your double cleansing routine is essential for achieving the best results. Here are some options:

• Oil-Based Cleansers: These include cleansing oils, cleansing balms, and micellar waters designed specifically for the first step of double cleansing. They should be formulated to dissolve oil-based impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
• Water-Based Cleansers: These cleansers come in various forms, such as gels, foams, milks and sponges. They are designed to remove water-based impurities like sweat and dirt, and can also provide exfoliation. Depending on your skin type, you can choose a cleanser that provides the right balance of cleansing and hydration.

When to Double Cleanse

Double cleansing is best done at the start of your evening skincare routine, especially after a long day when your skin has been exposed to makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants. However, there are situations where double cleansing may not be necessary, and a single cleanse is enough:

When You’ve Stayed Indoors: If you’ve spent the day at home, without wearing any makeup or sunscreen, and haven’t been exposed to pollutants, your skin probably won’t need the deep clean that double cleansing provides. In these cases, a gentle single cleanse might be all you need to remove any light buildup of oils and impurities.

When Your Skin Feels Dry: Over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. If your skin feels dry or tight, you might consider skipping the double cleanse and opting for a more hydrating, single cleanse instead.

Do You Need to Double Cleanse Every Day?

Double cleansing is a powerful tool for maintaining clear, healthy skin, but it’s not necessarily something you need to do every day. The frequency of double cleansing should be tailored to your skin type, lifestyle, and the amount of makeup or SPF you wear.

For example, if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen daily, double cleansing every evening can help ensure that your skin is thoroughly clean and ready for the rest of your skincare routine. However, on days when you’re makeup-free or have been indoors, you might find that a single cleanse is enough.

Listening to your skin is key. If you notice signs of over-cleansing, such as increased dryness, irritation, or redness, it might be a sign to reduce the frequency of double cleansing or to switch to more hydrating cleansers.

Do You Need to Use Two Different Cleansers when Double Cleansing?

No you don’t. If you just have one cleanser for example one of our organic cleansing oils, and you’ve been wearing makeup and sunscreen, you can just use the cleansing oil twice – the first time it will remove your sunscreen and makeup, the second time it will get down into the pores and give your face a really good clean, without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

Double cleansing can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine, especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen regularly, or live in an environment with high levels of pollution. It provides a thorough clean, ensuring that your skin is free from impurities and ready to absorb the benefits of your subsequent skincare products.

However, it’s important to remember that skincare is a personal thing, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consider your skin’s needs and lifestyle when deciding how often to double cleanse. And if you’re new to double cleansing, start slowly, perhaps once a week, and see how your skin responds.

For those interested in adding double cleansing into their routine, we offer a Double Cleanse Kit that includes everything you need. Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, that kit makes it easy to achieve a thorough, effective cleanse every time. Or for a single cleanse we also have a number of options to get your skin lovely & clean and at its best:

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