What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds. Double cleansing is when you cleanse your face twice with two separate cleansers (although you can use the same one twice if you wish). This practice is often recommended to remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and other impurities from the skin first. Double cleansing should be part of your daily skincare routine, and it can make a huge difference when it comes to letting your skin breathe at night and recover while letting your skincare products go to work! This Korean-based skincare technique is tried and true!
Most professionals recommend double cleansing first with an oil-based cleanser (micellar water, cleansing balms, etc.). For the second cleanser, it is recommended to use a water-based cleanser (this would be your facial cleanser you use daily). While we have great recommendations below, don’t be afraid to mix it up and find what works best for your skin!
It is important to understand double cleansing for your skin type. Check out this awesome article on how to double cleanse for your skin type. If you wear makeup or SPF (you should prevent aging with SPF every day!), the golden rule is to wash your face before bed. In particular, double cleanse before you do your skincare routine at night. While double cleansing may not be for everyone, it is widely practiced and proven to improve your skin.
No matter what your skin type, the main steps involved in double-cleansing are the same:
Apply a cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water to dry skin. We personally love the Cleansing Complex for this step. Although it is not an oil-based cleanser, it looks, feels, and acts like one! This cleanser breaks down makeup and SPF with NO problems!
Use your fingers, a cotton pad, or a soft cloth to massage the first cleanser into your skin, helping to break down makeup, sebum, and sunscreen residue. This helps “take the day off” before you go in with your cleanser.
Wet your face with water.
Apply your second cleanser and massage it into the skin, using your fingertips, a soft cloth, or a cleansing device. If you took our advice and used the Cleansing Complex for the first step, you can also go in with this again for a second cleanse! We also have listed our recommended products below if you want to switch it up with a different cleanser.
Rinse off the cleanser and pat your face dry.
Here are some cleansers we recommend:
