Double Cleansing – the new skin trend! But why do it?!
Heard or read about a new skincare trend called Double Cleansing and are wondering what its all about and why do it?!
Let me explain what this trend is all about and tell you why you should be thinking about adding/ incorporating a 2nd cleanse into your skincare regime!
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is basically a two-step skin cleansing routine that involves cleansing/washing your face twice before going on with the rest of your skincare routine. Double cleansing your face can help remove all impurities such as makeup, dirt (yes you will be surprised how much dirt lands up on your face on a daily basis even if you don’t wear makeup!), and oils that have built up on your face overnight and during the day.
Double cleansing makes clogged pores, irritations, and breakouts less likely. Often you will find that one cleanser does not provide enough of a cleanse/wash and there is actually still plenty of impurities remaining on the skin, which can cause skin problems such as blackheads, blocked pores and acne.
After a 2nd cleanse, you leave your skin with a clean canvas, therefore your skin is able to better receive the skincare products that come next. Your skin will be able to absorb your skincare products better and therefore gain the optimum benefits from them.
By double cleansing the skin, the first cleanse which will usually be either an oil-based cleanser, milk/cream-based cleanser, or a micellar cleanser – breaks down oil-based products such as makeup, and skin oils that may have built up on the skin during the day or night. The second cleanser, usually a foam, gel, or micellar cleanser, focuses on getting to remove the last of the dirt, makeup, etc. that may still be on your skin surface.
This double-step or two-step approach to cleansing your skin leaves the skin much cleaner so that it is less likely to break out and it’s also perfect for removing every last trace of makeup or impurities on the skin. From my personal experience, I can tell you that I really feel this trend is a game changer in ensuring your skin is super clean before applying the rest of your skincare products such as serums, masks, and moisturisers!
Being in my early 50”s now, I started battling with some adult acne on my chin and jawline area a few years back – I put it down to the peri-menopausal stage I’m in! Being a makeup artist that loves wearing makeup on a daily basis – I usually just cleansed my skin once, but well, with my favourite oil cleanser, Fillmed Skin Perfusion Oil Cleanser.
Having heard about the double cleansing routine, I researched this trend and decided to incorporate a 2nd cleanse into my skincare routine.
I decided to use the Filorga Skin Purify Gel cleanser as my second cleanser, as it’s designed for adult problem skin but without the drying effects. In the winter I have opted for the Fillmed Micellar cleanser. For me , adding this 2nd cleanse was a game changer – within a month my skin breakouts (blocked pores and the odd cyst) were a lot better and then gone!
Why Double Cleanse?
The double cleansing face routine has many major benefits.
For starters, the main benefit of a double cleanse is that it’s a highly effective way to remove all makeup, dirt, and any oil from the skin. Less residue on the skin’s surface means pores are less likely to become clogged, and your skincare products can then penetrate your skin better, so that you can fully experience their benefits. This 2nd cleanse approach is highly effective for those with oily skin types and those prone to breakouts. In general, you will experience a much cleaner skin!
Suggested Double Cleanse Skincare Routine:
A step-by-step guide on how to double cleanse :
- First – wash the skin with your 1st cleanser of choice to remove dirt, makeup, any sunscreen and oils. If you wear makeup or have a sensitive skin, I suggest you use an oil cleanser or Milky/cream cleanser as the oils in these cleanser are great at removing and breaking down oil-based makeup, sunscreens, and excess oil. Massage the cleanser into the skin, concentrating on using small circular movements especially around the nose and mouth area. You can use an eye makeup remover to remove eye makeup – a Micellar cleanser is good to use if you don’t want to specifically buy an eye makeup remover. I wouldn’t suggest you use an oil cleanser on the eyes – I find it gets into the eyes and blurs them!
- Rinse the first cleanser off your skin with water and if you like use a facial sponge, cotton rounds or cleansing cloth while doing so. If using a Micellar cleanser as your first cleanser – you do not need to rinse it off.
- With the skin still wet from the 1st cleanse, apply your 2nd cleanser onto the skin and wash the face again. Spend some extra time working the cleanser into your skin to help remove that last makeup or impurities left on your skin. Tip – don’t forget to get into areas such as the ears, hairline and under the jaw – as these are areas one often finds left over makeup and dirt that hasn’t been properly cleansed during the 1st cleanse!
- Apply water and rinse the second cleanser off the skin thoroughly – again you may choose to use a facial sponge, cotton rounds or cleansing cloth to help remove the cleanser and rinse the face.
- Pat dry the face with a clean towel to finish.