Double Cleansing

What is double cleansing, and what is the best double cleansing method for clear and hydrated skin?

How to double cleanse

What Is Double Cleansing?

Could it really be as simple as it sounds?

Double cleansing involves using two different types of cleansing on your face at night before bed (it's less beneficial if you apply makeup to your face straight away afterwards). It can be used in the morning too if you find your skin produces a lot of sebum while you sleep. As with any type of skincare, it's best if you incorporate it into your skincare routine regularly if you want to see the benefits. Having said that, if you miss a day of double cleansing, don't worry, you can just pick it up again the next day.

The double cleansing method originated in East Asia, specifically in Japan and South Korea and this has been adopted by Western culture in recent years.

Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser, such as cleansing oil or micellar water to remove makeup, sebum, and any other residue you might find on your skin at the end of the day. Oil-based cleansers are particularly effective at doing this, because they're adept at dissolving all types of makeup and are great at removing tough sunscreen formulas. The reason we don't suggest using pure oil is because without the water element, the oil can't form a milky emulsion which makes it easy to rinse from skin, and thus it would leave a greasy residue on your skin and likely clog your pores more easily. Once you've used your oil-based cleanser, it should be followed with a water-based cleanser. However, it's okay to use two cleansers without oils if oils don't interact with your skin well.

Why should you double cleanse?

By double cleansing, you're helping to lift and clear away all the dirt, makeup, and sebum from your face to allow your second cleanser to be more effective without having to work through everything on the surface of your skin first. If you're looking for a more thorough cleansing method, we'd suggest double cleansing. Often double cleansing is very beneficial for those who have oily skin, and find they have a lot of sebum build up that they struggle to control. Not everyone needs to double cleanse though - if you find your skin is happy and you don't wear a lot of makeup each day, a one-step routine using micellar water should be enough to keep your skin refreshed and cleansed each day.

lady using cotton paid for double cleansing

lady double cleansing using a face wash over the sink

3 reasons why you should start double cleansing

Your skin gathers lots of dirt, sebum, and pollution during the day when you're out and about, not to mention many people spend all day with makeup on their face
Skincare products absorb into the skin better, which means your skin will benefit more from your skincare routine and you'll likely see better results
Your skin will likely improve and you'll have less impurities and breakouts

How to double cleanse - 6 step guide

Apply your oil-based cleanser to your palm or cotton pad and apply it to either wet or dry skin, using circular motions to massage it into your skin and lift any dirt or makeup without being too abrasive.
Briefly rinse your face with cold water to remove some of the oil if your cleanser is particularly oily.
Keep your skin damp and apply the water- based formula in the same way as before, using your fingers to gently massage it into your skin in circular motions for 1-2 minutes.
Rinse your face or gently remove the cleanser with a damp washcloth
Pat (don't rub!) your skin dry with a dry face cloth or soft towel.
Apply your serums, moisturisers, eye creams in the way you usually would as part of your daily skincare routine.

How often should you use a double cleansing method?

As we know, over washing your face can lead to dry, sensitive or even irritated skin. Double cleansing your face once a day should be plenty, and by using oil-based and water-based caring cleansers you run less risk of over washing your face. If you were using something that contains alcohol or lots of drying ingredients, you should give your skin a break and limit your double cleansing to every other day. However, we should suggest investing in some more caring skin cleansers such as the NIVEA Micellar Professional Make-Up Remover.

lady using a cotton pad to double cleanse while wearing a towel

Cleansing in the morning is important too

How do you know if your double cleansing is working?

With any skincare, you need to use any new methods or products as part of your skincare routine regularly to achieve any kind of skincare benefits. Double cleansing is no different, and should be done for at least a week before you're likely to see and noticeable differences in your skin. This might be a brighter complexion, clearer skin due to less breakouts, or skin that feels more balanced and oil controlled.