Double Cleansing:
I believe, if I can recall, I started double cleansing when I was eighteen or nineteen. I think back then I did not really know what I was doing, and I wish I would have had someone to tell me the why and what behind it all. Cause I have definitely made some mistakes along that way which have prevented me from having the skin that I really desired.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is the use of two cleansing, first, with a oil based cleanser, then a water based cleanser. This technique or step is very popular and pretty much arose from East Asian culture. Many Korean brands have their own cleansing oils and all of my favorite oil cleansers or balms have come from Korean brands.
The way you cleanse your face is important when it comes to a cleansing oil/balm.
When using a cleansing oil, (first read the directions to make sure) most follow the same steps. With your face dry, start with one to two pumps, depending if you are wearing makeup or just taking off the dirt and grime from the day. Then massage it into your skin. Once you feel it is good, add water to emulsify by massaging in water to create this milky consistency and color. then rinse it off.
If you are using a cleansing balm, it is pretty similar to a cleansing oil. Scoop out the desired amount, then massage into the skin, then add water and emulsify. Once finished, rinse off.
Onto your water based cleanser.
This is the easy part, just go onto your water based cleanser, removing any cleanser left of the face as well as dirt or makeup.
Why should I double cleanse?
You don’t have to double cleanse, but I recommend it to those who want to step up their skincare routine or if they want to target a skin concern they have.
The oil/balm cleanse is a way of removing all the grime and dirt from the day, and then used in conjunction with the water based cleanser, the second cleanse helps remove any left over oil/balm cleanser.
As a young skincare fanatic, I thought the most important step in my skincare routine was the exfoliant/toner/serum step. Being that that step would hydrate and tone my skin, and yes, it would. But without my skin being properly and thoroughly cleansed, I was not letting my skin shine through because there was still makeup and dirt and grime on my skin when I went to bed. (ugh I cannot believe my younger self)
To explain this more, think of building a house. If the foundation has cracks and broken stone, the whole house will not be able to stand on its own. Just like our skin, we need to understand that no matter how many products we use. If we are not cleansing our skin properly, and getting the day off our face, our products will have to work twice as hard to work properly. The dirt and makeup left over from the day will block your skincare products from penetrating into your skin and showing off their potential.
There were many times I threw away products because I thought they were breaking me out or not working. It was actually me only using a makeup wipe (cringe) to clean my face at night and my makeup or the oil and dead skin cells clogging my pores. Having my moisturizer sit on top of all of that, and act as a barrier from the bad to leave and the good to stay.
When should I double cleanse?
I would recommend only double cleansing at night, to remove makeup, (if you wear it) dirt, and sunscreen off. You can double cleanse in the morning as well, but some people’s skin cannot handle that much stimulation and circulation every morning and night.
I personally only double cleanse at night, to remove any dirt, grime and makeup (and sunscreen of course) off. I go with a water based cleanser in the morning alone.
Recommendations:
Cleansing oils
Sioris; The Fresh Moment Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil is one of the best oils I have used, and I still use it. Definitely the one I always go for. Based in Safflower Oil, and containing many other oils, it removes makeup like a dream. It also removes dirt and sunscreen smoothly. Emulsifies beautifully, and I can use this around my eyes and it does not sting.
Dear, Klairs; Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil is beautiful and feels light on the skin. Removes makeup easily and is great around the eyes (for me at least) it is hypoallergenic- I did not even know that! I love how lightweight this cleanser is, and it helps to remove every spot of makeup and dirt off of my face. A few highlighted ingredients in this oil is the black sesame oil, along with black currant seed oil, and jojoba oil. This cleansing oil is great for dry/dryer skin types.
Cleansing Balms:
Then I Met You; Living Cleansing Balm
If you know anything about cleansing balms, this is probably one that you have heard about before. I definitely gravitate towards cleansing oils more than balms but this is one of the exceptions because of the amazing texture, and how effectively cleanses the skin. I highly recommend this to those of you who want to try out cleansing balms, and those who may wear medium to heavy makeup on a regular basis because I often find balms can be a little messy taking off makeup, but this one glides so well on the skin to help remove every last stitch of makeup and grime. (and it does not sting my eyes)
Banila Co; Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm
I have only tried this a few times, but I found that this cleansing balm turns into a beauty oil as you rub it into your skin. It removes makeup impressively and does not sting my eyes. They have different types from this balm, clarifying/purifying, revitalizing, and nourishing.
Water Based Cleansers:
Krave Beauty; Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
This cleanser surprised me when I felt the texture, very jelly-like. It lathers well, and does not leave the skin dry or tight after use. I like using this as my second step, and definitely love this in the morning as it just removes any oils or sebum that I wake up with, while still prepping my skin for my morning skincare.
Tatcha; The Rice Wash
I actually was not expecting to like this cleanser as I find sometimes rice could be too much exfoliation for my skin, but this was nothing like I expected. It is soft and does not exfoliate your skin, and only you add water to it and froth it up, it becomes milky and creates this lather that removes any excess dirt or makeup.