Why You Should Double Cleanse

For many things skincare, we often turn to Korean beauty trends to help us guide to our quest to glowing skin. The ritual of double cleansing is one of the many beauty secrets of Korean women, which if performed with the right products and regularly, it can lead to surprising skincare results.

Double cleansing consists of a precise morning and nighttime routine comprised of two steps: the first is using an oil-based cleanser to draw out oil-based impurities such as makeup, sebum, pollutants, and SPF, while the second is applying a water-based cleanser to remove water-based debris such as sweat and dirt. The process of double cleansing prevents buildup of sebum and bacteria, helping to fight off acne flare-ups, and can also improve the efficacy of your other skincare products, letting them penetrate into your pores better. It's important to double cleanse even in the morning, because our skin produces oil and sweat as we sleep, and it will help remove any excess product that may be left on the skin from your nighttime routine.

Double cleansing is as simple as starting with an oil-based face wash or cleansing balm and gently massaging it onto dry skin to break down makeup and pore-clogging build-up, focusing on the T-zone and other oily parts of the face. After rinsing off your cleansing oil, move onto your water-based cleanser and wash your face normally for one minute before rinsing with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a towel, and follow with the rest of your skincare regimen.

Double cleansing can be beneficial for all skin types, as long as you are using the right formulas. If you have dry skin, opt for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. If you have oily skin, antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamin E and vitamin C can help fight blackheads. Feel free to swap the oil-based product with micellar water if you are concerned about oily balms breaking out your skin. Combination skin types will benefit from a balancing cleanser that contains fatty acids to retain moisture as well as something more lightweight to hydrate while still controlling oil, while sensitive skin types should definitely go for mild and fragrance-free formulas. 

If you are suffering from a skin condition such as a rosacea outbreak or cystic acne, stick to only one cleanse, as double cleansing can over-stimulate the skin. 

After considering your skin type and taking into account your specific skin concerns, double cleansing may be the two-step technique that could dramatically enhance your skincare game.