Double Cleansing: Why Two Is Better Than One for Clear and Glowing Skin

As skincare lovers, some of us are more extreme than others with how we care for our skin, but when it comes to cleansing your face, well, we’ve got to get real. Washing only once just doesn’t cut it. That’s why we’re discussing the practice of double cleansing. Think of it like this: double the cleanse, double the refreshment!

What is Double Cleansing?

So, what is double cleansing, you ask? Naturally we might assume it’s simply washing your face twice, most likely with the same cleanser perhaps, but, it’s actually a little deeper than that (a deeper cleanse, get it? LOL). But, hey, it’s true.

Double cleansing, a long practiced tradition in Korea, is actually using two different types of cleansers to achieve a deeper cleanse, indeed. Generally double cleansing is defined, in this traditional sense, as first using an oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup, dirt or debris that’s been left on your skin at the end of the day.

So that’s cleanse number one–using an oil-based cleanser. Now, for the second cleanse, we use a water-based cleanser to help target pores and remove those things we don’t necessarily see with the naked eye, such as: oil, bacteria, environmental pollutants, and any additional debris.

The Main Benefits of Double Cleansing

All of the above sounds pretty simple, right? But, now you’re probably wondering, what’s the point of double cleansing–what’s truly in it for my skin? Well, we can think of the double cleanse as showering your skin with double love. And, with this double love, you’re not only just thoroughly washing all of the impurities from your skin so that it feels extra clean and refreshed, but you’re also being proactive. You’re helping to prevent acne breakouts, and you’re helping to “feed” your skin and keep it better nourished. That’s because double cleansing works to improve the effectiveness of any serums and moisturizers you’re using, allowing your products to penetrate on a deeper level. Your skin is then able to show up healthier and clearer.

And, going even further, what are the benefits of double cleansing for those of us with darker shades?

Double Cleansing for Dark Skin

Double cleansing can be especially beneficial to those of us with skin of color. So, why is that? Well, darker skin can have the tendency, at times, to produce more oil. For some, this might be just natural, but for others, it could be due to the fact that the skin is not moisturized properly which makes your skin produce more oil. And, excess oil can lead to clogged pores and acne. Something none of us want. But, if you’re dealing with oily skin and or breakouts, double cleansing can help to remove extra oil, as well as thoroughly cleanse your skin, minimizing breakouts, ultimately promoting clearer skin.

When looking for an oil-based cleanser, go for ones that are made with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil as they’re less likely to irritate your skin or cause dryness (and yes, some oils can be drying . . . that’s another article for another day). And, as was discussed above, for your second cleanse, choose a water-based cleanser that is gentle on your skin and doesn’t strip it of its own natural oils.

Who Should Double Cleanse–Should YOU?

While double cleansing has amazing benefits, it’s not the best practice for everyone. If you wear makeup daily or have oily skin, you’ll most likely experience the many benefits from double cleansing. But, on the contrary, if you don’t particularly have oily skin or you only wear makeup occasionally, just using a gentle cleanser might be all you need, of course, depending on your specific skin care needs.

And, if you have dry or sensitive skin, or are dealing with eczema, or rosacea (while rosacea is not common in most African-Americans, it can and does sometimes occur), it might be best for you to avoid double cleansing as it could be too stripping for your skin.

Top Tips for Double Cleansing

When you’re ready to start double cleansing like a pro, here are some basic steps we suggest:

1. Apply your oil-based cleanser. This cleansing oil will be your makeup remover, if needed. Take the time to massage your skin to ensure that you’re removing any makeup, sunscreen and other debris.
2. Rinse cleanser off. Use lukewarm water to rinse your skin and, if necessary, use a washcloth to remove your makeup or any stubborn debris.
3. Apply your water-based cleanser. This second cleanse helps to gently exfoliate your skin and cleanse your pores while also hydrating your skin. Massage in gentle, circular motions on your face.
4. Rinse the second cleanser off. Remove this second layer of cleanser with lukewarm water either using just your hands or a washcloth and then gently pat your skin dry.
5. Moisturize your skin. Whether you have oily skin or not, right after double cleansing, it’s important that you rehydrate your skin immediately with a good moisturizer to lock in essential moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling like your skin needs a boost, double cleansing could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Skin that’s deeply cleansed, feels more refreshed, is clearer, more hydrated and nourished, what more could you ask for? Double cleansing could be a great solution, but, as with any new skin care product or technique, take things slowly, and test out double cleansing once or twice to see how your skin reacts.

Here’s to so-fresh-and-so-clean skin.