What Is Double Cleansing & Why Every Skin Type Desperately Needs It

You may have heard the term ‘double cleansing’ a lot especially when it comes to a night time skin care routine. But what exactly does double cleansing really mean? If you’ve guessed that it’s related to cleansing the skin twice, you’re kind of right. And this simple skincare step is what will make all the difference to your skin health. Here’s everything you need to know about it and a guide on how to double cleanse at home.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is the act of using two cleansing steps to thoroughly cleanse your skin of dirt and waterproof makeup. Double cleansing is specially designed for makeup lovers to effectively take off makeup before bed and ensure that pores are properly cleaned with no remnants of makeup left behind that could clog your pores. Double cleansing typically involves a makeup remover product like a cleansing balm, micellar water, cleansing oil, or makeup wipes as a first cleansing step. After the first step, the second cleansing round is done with a gentle face wash.

Is Double Cleansing Necessary for All Skin Types?

Absolutely. Double cleansing is meant for all skin types because everyone who wears makeup needs to follow this step if they want to maintain clear skin. You can use different cleansing products according to your skin type to make your double cleansing routine work for your skin type. But you must double cleanse to take off your makeup irrespective of your skin type.

Benefits Of Double Cleansing

Melts Makeup Easily

Double cleansing will help you take off makeup easily and effectively. The first cleanser that you use on your skin is specially formulated to melt and remove makeup, but that will only clean the surface of your skin. The second cleanser that you use in double cleansing then removes all the deep rooted dirt and any remaining makeup particles that may have been left behind.

Removes Waterproof Makeup

That waterproof mascara or kajal that still stays on and makes you look like a panda even after you wash your face will not be there if you follow a double cleansing routine. The first cleanser will break down the waterproof makeup and then the second cleanser will completely remove all traces of the waterproof makeup.

Unclogs Pores

Double cleansing ensures the pores are squeaky clean; you will feel it too. Most times if you just take off your makeup with a makeup remover, there may be some product still left behind and that will interact with the other dirt and impurities that may have accumulated in your pores and cause breakouts. Double cleansing ensures all of that dirt and makeup is completely removed so your pores can breathe.

Leaves No Dirt Behind

Just a single cleanser will not remove deep rooted impurities but double cleansing will. It makes sure the skin is properly cleansed and is not too harsh.

Clears Skin

Double cleansing is the key to attaining clear skin. Oftentimes people with acne prone skin experience breakouts after wearing makeup and taking it off with a single cleanser at the end of the day. A single cleanser does not remove all the dirt and makeup and that’s why whatever remains in the pores causes breakouts. Double cleansing on the other hand thoroughly yet gently cleanses the skin and therefore prevents acne from forming.

How To Double Cleanse Your Face?

Step 1: Begin with a makeup remover. If it is a cleansing balm or oil, massage it on your face and focus on the areas like eyes and lips too to melt the makeup and then wipe or wash it off. If you’re using a wipe or micellar water, wipe off your makeup and rinse your face with water.

Step 2: Massage a gentle face wash on your damp face. Massage in circular motions all over your face for a few seconds and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Step 3: Pat your skin dry with a microfiber face towel and proceed to apply your face serum and night cream.

How To Pick The Right Cleanser To Double Cleanse Based On Your Skin Type?

Picking the right cleanser for your skin for double cleansing is super important. And we’re here to help you make the right choice. Here are some amazing facial cleansers for each skin type.

Normal to Dry Skin

Normal skin is usually well balanced and can use a gentle facial cleanser to keep it clean and clear. Anything too drying will put this skin type off balance and create skin trouble.

St.Botanica Recommends Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Boost Foaming Face Wash for Normal to Dry Skin

St.Botanica

Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Boost Foaming Face Wash, 120ml

₹ 445

This is the right cleanser for normal skin because it super hydrating and oh so gentle on the skin. It is a foam cleanser which is easy to use and super lightweight. It makes the skin feel fresh and helps lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated for long hours.

Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin can be acne prone because it tends to produce excess sebum and that can clog pores and lead to pimples when it mixes with other bacteria in the pores. Controlling excess oil production is the most important thing when it comes to finding products for oily acne prone skin.

St.Botanica Recommends Neem, Tea Tree And Basil Anti Acne Face Wash for Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Oriental Botanics

Neem, Tea Tree And Basil Anti Acne Face Wash Controls Acne | Acne Face Wash With Neem & Tea Tree Oil | Clears Skin | 100g

₹ 340

This is the best face wash for double cleansing oily acne prone skin because it is loaded with acne fighting ingredients that also feel super refreshing on the skin. It controls excess oil production and removes deep rooted impurities without drying out the skin.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is tricky to care for because it has both dry and oily areas of skin on the face. The right products for this skin type are those that are hydrating and maintain skin’s natural pH levels.

St.Botanica Recommends Vitamin C Brightening Foaming Face Wash with Built in Brush for Combination Skin

St.Botanica

Vitamin C Brightening Foaming Face Wash with Built in Brush, 120ml

₹ 499

This vitamin C face cleanser is the best cleanser for combination skin. It is hydrating and helps with fading acne scars, spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. It also comes with a built in brush to gently exfoliate the face and unclog pores effectively.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs special care. It is prone to inflammation and breakouts and therefore only certain products specially formulated for the skin type can be used. A patch test is also recommended before using any skin care products on this skin type.

St.Botanica Recommends Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Hydrating Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Oriental Botanics

Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Hydrating Face Wash, 100ml

₹ 349

Soothing ingredients like aloe vera extract, cucumber, and green tea is the best for treating sensitive skin and that’s why this face wash is perfect for this skin type. It is super hydrating and can calm skin while effectively getting rid of dirt, makeup and other impurities.

FAQs On Double Cleansing

Is double cleansing good for oily skin?

Yes, double cleansing will benefit oily skin.

Can you double-cleanse with the same cleanser?

Not really. You need a makeup remover cleanser as the first step and a regular gentle face cleanser for the second round of cleansing.

Why double cleansing is important?

It is important to properly remove makeup and unclog pores as a single cleanser will not be able to completely remove these impurities from the pores.

How to use micellar water for double cleansing?

First soap a cotton pad in micellar water and use it to wipe off your makeup. After this, dampen your face with water and use a gentle cleanser to wash your face.

How often should you do double cleansing?

Whenever you wear makeup, it is important to double cleanse before going to bed to take it off. So if you wear makeup everyday, you have double cleanse everyday.

Should I double cleanse even if I don’t wear makeup?

You can with a face scrub or chemical exfoliator, but then just double cleanse once a week.

Conclusion

Double cleansing is super important for your skin’s health. Whether you have oily skin or normal skin, double cleansing to take off your makeup is a beauty ritual that you should never skip.

What Is Double Cleansing & Why Every Skin Type Desperately Needs It