Double cleansing originated in South Korea and has been embraced by Korean women for years. This beauty technique recently became popular, hawked by celebrities and beauty influencers. Social media is no stranger to double cleansing. Its TikTok tag has garnered 385 million and counting views. It is a way to remove all traces of dirt, impurities, sunscreen, and makeup from your skin - pursuit of an extra deep clean.
Moreover, double cleansing has received plenty of praise. Makeup lovers and those with oily and acne-prone skin that produces excess sebum, a substance generated by the sebaceous glands that can cause unwanted shininess and follicle-blocking breakouts, are among them.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about double cleansing and if you should be double cleansing!
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is washing your face with two types of cleansers. The first is an oil-based cleanser, which removes makeup and sunscreen from your skin, while the second is a water-based cleanser.
Benefits of Double Cleansing
Removes Impurities From Skin - Surface-level dirt aside from makeup and sunscreen gets removed from the skin with the oil-based cleanser. On the other hand, deeper impurities are removed with the water-based cleanser with the second cleanse.
Gives You Glowing Skin - You usually double cleanse before bed. Before bed at night is the best time to do this because our cell production tends to double, especially from 11 pm to 4 am. Through doing this, you can wake up with healthier and glowing skin.
Better Absorption Of Skincare Products - Double cleansing helps remove deeper congestion, bacteria, and other impurities in your skin. As your skin becomes free of gunk and other residue, it can absorb other skincare products more effectively. As a result, your skincare products will work more effectively.
How To Double Cleanse, The French Way
1. Use an oil-based cleanser.
First, apply an oil-based cleanser to your hands. An oil-based cleanser like the Avene XeraCalm Cleansing Oil that can dissolve makeup and other surface-level dirt and impurities on your skin. It will also ensure thorough cleansing without stripping your skin's natural balance. After massaging the oil-based cleanser, wipe it off with facial tissue, a cotton pad, or a flannel. You can also check out other oil-based cleansers from our Oil-based Cleanser collection.
French 101:
Use a reusable makeup remover pad from Bachca! It’s more sustainable, cost-effective, and also more environmentally-friendly in the long run. We recommend using Bachca Reusable Cotton Pads 2 Pack!
2. Use a water-based cleanser.
A water-based cleanser like La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser helps remove the remaining oil and other impurities from your face. This cleanser has soothing properties, is fragrance-free, and is hypoallergenic. Splash the water on your face, then apply and massage your water-based cleanser. Rinse with warm water. After that, your skin is ready for the other products in your routine.
French 101:
- Never use hot water. This might leave your skin dehydrated or inflamed.
- Choose a formula that benefits your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, you need an oil cleanser that is extra hydrating; the same goes for your facial cleanser.
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Avoid products that leave heavy lathers, like regular soaps. These soaps produce lathers that remove your skin’s essential oils, compromising your skin. Use cleansers with pH-balancing properties, like Embryolisse Lait-Creme Foaming Milk Cleanser, as they won’t strip the skin. This French cult favourite is paraben-free, suitable for all skin types, and leaves the skin feeling clean. You may also check out our Cleanser collection to find one that suits your skin type and preference.
When To Double Cleanse
After A Busy Day
If you work in an area with high pollution and poor air quality, double-cleanse your skin to remove impurities. You can double-cleanse before going to bed, as your skin needs to repair and rejuvenate overnight. Double cleansing in the morning will strip your skin of its natural oils that will protect it. That's why doing this at night is recommended - just when your skin can chill away from all the outdoor elements!
After Wearing Heavy Makeup and Sunscreen
Heavy makeup and sunscreen are challenging to remove. You need to double-cleanse to ensure your face is thoroughly cleansed and to avoid clogged pores.
Another French Tip: If your sunscreen is heavier, you may have to consider getting a daily double cleanse for a more thorough cleanse.
After A Workout
When you work out, your body releases plenty of sweat and other impurities. To protect your skin from clogged pores, you need to double-cleanse. A crucial factor to consider is how the skin reacts to the double cleanse. It is crucial to gauge and consider how your skin responds to the double cleanse, especially if it gets irritated or becomes dry.
Double Cleansing For Different Skin Types
Your skin type can also determine whether double cleansing may work for you.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is defined by excess sebum, and comes with the challenge of acne-prone skin. Those with oily skin may benefit from double cleansing, as oil-based cleansers can dissolve excess sebum buildup, and try a cleanser that helps reduce sebum. Try out our Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel!
Combination Skin
Combination skin type is not uncommon. However, a regimen for combination skin may require gentle products that can moisturise dry areas without creating more oiliness. If you have a combination skin type, you can try double-cleansing, especially if you wear heavy makeup products and are exposed to the elements.
Dry Skin
Dry skin type is often uncomfortable due to its tendency to experience scaling, itching, and cracking. However, a consistent dermatological regimen can make a big difference with dry skin, especially regarding cleansing.
On days when you wear heavy makeup and are exposed to the elements, double-cleansing is necessary. It ensures your skin is thoroughly cleansed and has no remaining impurities that can cause your pores to clog.
Another French Tip: Try a balm oil cleanser formula like SVR SENSIFINE Double Cleansing Balm. This balm has 5% moisturising ingredients and a gentle formula that can benefit those with dry and sensitive skin.
Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive, you can still double cleanse. Just opt for hydrating and gentle products. You can look for Ceramides, Calendula, and other soothing, nourishing ingredients in your oil- and water-based cleansers, like La Roche Posay Micellar Foaming Water Cleanser. It can cleanse your face in just one splash.
Pick out something from our Skincare for Sensitive Skin collection if you want to explore more skincare for sensitive skin!
Double Cleansing FAQs
Can you double-cleanse with the same cleanser?
No, we do not advise using the same cleanser for double cleansing. It would help if you used an oil-based cleanser for the first and then a water-based one for the second.
Can double cleansing cause purging?
For some people, it may be due to the first step with the oil cleanser. However, purging is temporary. It is better to stick to a single cleanse, especially at night.
Is double cleansing necessary?
Double cleansing is not necessary in the morning. However, in the evenings, double cleansing can be helpful because it can give your skin a deep clean, remove the buildup of dirt and other impurities over the day, and allow your skincare products to be absorbed and work better.
Who should double cleanse?
Double cleansing might be for you if you wear plenty of makeup and have oily skin. Double cleansing is ideal for those with oily skin who wear heavy makeup because it can ensure that their skin gets thoroughly cleaned from the gunk accumulated on their face.
What are the cons of double cleansing?
If done wrong, excess double-cleansing can strip your face of its natural oils, making your skin more susceptible to blemishes, acne, and dullness.
Should you double-cleanse every time?
No. Double-cleansing is recommended only sometimes. Never double-cleanse in the mornings, as it can strip the skin of essential oils. We highly recommend double-cleansing at night after a long day.
Does double cleansing even out skin tone?
No. Double cleansing does not even out skin tone. However, it has other benefits, which we’ve mentioned above.
Can I double-cleanse with two different cleansers?
You can double-cleanse with two different cleansers. The first cleanser should be able to remove makeup, while the second cleanser is a facial cleanser that can be rinsed with water. Lastly, ensure that the cleansers have ingredients suitable for your skin type.
Double cleansing is a cleansing self-care ritual South Korean and French beauties have embraced alike. The process primarily involves removing the makeup with an oil cleanser and using a water-based cleanser for a deeper cleanse. It has several benefits, including better product absorption and helping protect your skin from clogged pores, thus preventing any further blemishes and potential skin issues, such as acne, acne scarring, and clogged pores.
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