What is double cleansing?

It can feel a little like falling down a rabbit hole when it comes to this skincare world. We really are spoilt for choice, and with that comes complete confusion a lot of the time, especially when, not only are there hundreds of different products, but also countless methods of using them! Double cleansing is a prime example of this, for you who are unsure of what the double cleansing method is, it is a very popular cleansing routine found in Korea. The method involves using a two-step, firstly to remove all makeup and sunscreen from the skin using an oil-based cleanser (it can also be a Miceller cleansing water if you prefer) followed by a water based cleanser to give your skin a deeper, more thorough clean of any bacteria and aggressors from the day. So, with this in mind, let us now explore what it is, how you do it, why you should do it and much more!

How to double cleanse

A quick swipe of a makeup wipe, although very time affective just doesn’t cut the mustard when it comes to removing your makeup properly as well as the pollutions and daily aggressors that your skin has to tackle on a daily basis, the idea of a double cleanse means just that, cleansing your skin twice.

With products that are available in abundance claiming to remove makeup and cleanse the skin in one go, you wouldn’t be blamed to believe this is the best way to clear the skin at the end of the day.

When in actual fact, the best way to clear away makeup will be to use an oil- based makeup remover first of all. The oil will dissolve any foundation or mascara very easily without any harsh movements that can result in irritated eyes and red skin from excessive rubbing.

Once your skin is makeup free, with the double cleansing method, the next step is to reach for a water-based cleanser to help remove any leftover makeup and general grime of the day. Splash your face with water and really work the cleanser into every nook and cranny of your face. Taking that little extra time to work the product will really work wonders for the appearance of your skin and you will certainly feel squeaky clean!

Double cleansing by all means can also be used twice a day, morning and evening. However, it has been shown that focusing this skincare routine for the evening will have considerable effect on your skin’s health and glow. Following up the double cleanse with facial oils and night time moisturisers will restore the anti-oxidants and beneficial vitamins and minerals needed to revitalise the skin whilst you catch some beauty sleep.  

What are the benefits of double cleansing?

Adding double cleansing to your skincare routine is very beneficial for everyone, in particular city dwellers who face a great deal more pollution. The oil cleansing method is the most gentle and thorough way of removing all traces of makeup without drying out the skin of it’s much needed sebum, the natural oil your skin produces.

The second, deeper cleanse works away any dead skin cells that are on the surface of the face. Having the second cleanse work hard will have the results of a brighter complexion, looking lifted and no signs of dullness.

For any of you who are a bit more blemish prone, double cleansing could be the answer to your everyday skincare regime. By using the 2 step cleanse in the evenings, you would have the peace of mind all remaining sunscreen, makeup and germs are off of the skin without being too abrasive to any active spots, which can not only be painful, but if broken will spread the bacteria across the face resulting in more blemishes. 

Can you over wash your skin using the double cleanse method?

In a word, yes. Your skin needs to be cleansed twice a day, once in the mornings and again in the evenings. However, this does not call the need to use the double cleanse method both times, it’s best to keep the more extensive routine for evenings ensuring your skin is at it’s cleanest before bed. For mornings, some focus on your eyes and areas that have a tendency to either become oily or dry using something light such as miceller water or a product best suited for your skin type and lifestyle. 

We can’t deny that double cleansing is great for the skin, but you can have too much of a good thing. It’s best avoiding using the method morning and evening as the skin could begin to dry out, causing it to feel uncomfortable and stripping away the sebum of the skin can in fact cause more of it to be produced resulting in an oily, shiny face.

If you find your skin is after a little extra help and exfoliation, you can always give the double cleanse a miss for one evening and instead remove your makeup and then use a face scrub, Procoal's Exfoliating Face Scrub, is great way of buffing away dead skin cells and dirt from your pores, without being too harsh for the skin. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of double cleansing

Here are a couple do’s and don’ts to help you maintain an effective skincare routine when using double cleansing.

Do-

• Cleanse for longer than a minute
  Very similar to brushing your teeth, taking more than a minute to work the products into your skin, lifting away dirt and bacteria leaving the skin feeling fresh, clean and makeup free. It may feel like a long time however you will get the hang of it in no time and I promise you, you’ll love the results!
• Use a wash in the morning
  As previously mentioned, to double cleanse twice daily can in fact cause some skin concerns of oily areas or tight and uncomfortable skin. We recommend you find a face wash that you can use in the morning to help awaken the face and start the day with clean skin. 
• Use the right formula for your skin type
  We recommended using an oil based cleanser for the first step at removing your makeup. However, you know your skin type best, for example, for more dry skins using something that has a cream base could be the better choice for you and your skin.

Don’t

• Preserve with cleansers that don’t suit your skin type
  It is tempting to stick with a product until it’s all used up. Doing this can cause a lot of trouble for the skin from drying it out or making it breakout in blemishes. If you find your skin isn’t taking to your cleanser, it’s best to pass it on to someone else. Don’t be mistaken in your skin reacting badly to the cleanser if a number of spots appear after a week of using it, this is usually a sign the products and method are working and is removing all the dirt that makes it’s way into your pores, which can cause breakouts. If however, the blemishes don’t calm down after a week of using, it’s best to stop using the cleanser.
• Just rely of makeup wipes
  Don’t get us wrong, makeup wipes are brilliant for removing makeup once in a while or if you are at a festival. However, with wipes you will find they just lightly remove makeup and grime. Getting a deep clean and removing all traces of makeup won’t happen with a makeup wipe. You will also find that they are quite rough on the skin as you have to remember that are made from wood, so not exactly the most gentle approach to cleansing. 

So, there you have it, a little more information of what double cleansing is, how to use the method affectively and also some tips on the do’s and don’ts. The method has got to be the most gentle why of fully cleansing the skin, depending on your lifestyle etc there is no way this method wouldn’t work for you. So why not give it a try and test out some products that will truly benefit your skin.