carl
“Double-washing,” also known as “double cleansing”, is all the rage in the beauty world right now. But what is it all about? Essentially, it’s washing your face twice, using different cleansing products. It’s particularly important at night so you can thoroughly get rid of dirt buildup, sunscreen, and makeup. Read on for more on this beauty routine and how to do it the right way.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Before we dive into whether or not you should double-cleanse your face, it’s important to understand what the concept is actually all about.
Essentially, double cleansing means cleaning your skin with a cleanser for face twice in one session.
Most people will use two different types of cleansers to get the job done. For example, they’ll start with an oil-based cleanser to get rid of makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil from the day, followed by a water-based cleanser for a deeper clean.
The Science Behind Cleansing
Cleansing your skin is vital for its health. Many environmental impurities and cosmetic products won’t wash off with water alone. Science shows various benefits to using a facial cleanser that can not only clean the skin but also improve its health.
So, why is it important to thoroughly remove impurities from your skin?
Regular deep cleansing helps to prevent acne, irritation, and premature ageing by allowing your skin to breathe and absorb skincare products much more effectively. If you don’t clean your skin, it will appear inflamed, oily, unevenly textured, and dull, which is what most of us try to avoid.
Benefits of Double Cleansing
It’s clear that cleansing the skin is an important part of any skincare regimen, but let’s get down to the specifics: what are the benefits of double cleansing over simply cleansing your skin once?
Here are some potential benefits of double cleansing:
- More effective removal of impurities: Because you’re washing your face twice with two different types of cleansers, you can get rid of all impurities that may not be washed away with a single cleanse. This is especially important for those who wear makeup or sunscreen.
- Prevents clogged pores and acne breakouts: A build-up of debris, oil, and other impurities can quickly lead to acne. Removing these impurities regularly could lead to smoother, acne-free skin.
- Improves absorption of other skincare products: Products such as serums and moisturisers require a blank slate to absorb properly. Cleansing the face twice ensures there are no blockages, allowing for better overall absorption.
Potential Downsides of Double Cleansing
If you’re keen to double cleanse, it’s important that you are aware of possible downsides.
The biggest issue with double cleansing is over-cleansing, which can lead to dry, irritated, and inflamed skin. This is more likely to happen if you already have dry and sensitive skin or if you use products that are too harsh for your skin.
Double cleansing could also break down your skin’s natural barrier. If this layer is overly stripped, your skin could become prone to acne breakouts, eczema, and other skin conditions. It can also lead to signs of ageing, such as more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Double Cleanse the Right Way
If you decide to double cleanse, it’s essential to do it the right way. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Start by cleansing with an oil-based cleanser. This will help get rid of makeup, oil, sunscreen, and other residue.
- Follow up with a water-based formula. Follow up with your preferred water-based formula to get rid of all remaining impurities.
- Rinse, dry, and finish with a serum and moisturiser. Now that you have a blank slate apply your favourite serum and moisturiser.
It’s best to double cleanse at night to get rid of pollutants and makeup. It also allows your skin to better absorb serums and moisturisers, ensuring a dewy complexion when you wake up. You don’t have to do a double cleanse in the morning; a gentle, conditioning wash is enough to refresh the skin.
Tip: If you’re going to double cleanse, make sure you’re purchasing products recommended for your skin type (dry, sensitive, oily, etc.). Avoid products containing harsh ingredients that can strip your skin.
If you notice your skin is not responding positively to double cleansing, or if you experience excessive dryness or irritation, stop double cleansing or reduce it to just once or twice a week.
Should You Double Cleanse?
Whether you decide to double cleanse or not is entirely up to you. If you have oily skin or wear a lot of makeup and sunscreen, double cleansing may be right for you. Those with dry or sensitive skin, or who don’t wear products throughout the day, should be fine with a high-quality cleanser used once at night. The key is to find a routine that suits your skin’s unique needs.
