What is double cleansing, and why is it so important?
If you’ve vowed to take better care of your skin in 2021 but don’t quite know where to start, start here. Spend a little extra time taking care of your skin on a daily basis.
Cleansing is one of the most underestimated components of a skincare regime. A deep cleanse is never more essential than in the evening, although it’s more than just a way to remove the day’s makeup.
Throughout the day, bacteria and pollution build up on our skin, and if they aren’t washed away properly, they could potentially contribute to ageing, pigmentation and breakouts.
The best way to stop this from happening? And no, we’re not talking about a quick once-over with a face wipe. This is all about double-cleansing.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is the process of using a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to break down makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin, before carrying out a deeper water-based cleanse.
The first stage removes sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells whilst the second round of cleansing works to clean much deeper into the pores, to remove any impurities.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the extra effort, consider this: every single step of your skincare regime post-cleanse isn’t going to be half as effective as it can be if you don’t clear the way for those products to work their magic.
How do you double cleanse effectively?
First, we remove makeup, using oil-based products or micellar water which is especially effective at removing eye makeup.
These greasy products attach themselves to the makeup and excess sebum and lift them away from the skin’s surface when washed off. Repeat this step two or three times until there isn’t a single trace of makeup left. Pro tip: check around your hairline and down the sides of the nose (common areas that makeup is often missed).
Once you’ve removed the surface grime, it’s time for a fully-fledged water-based cleanse. Look for cleansers containing soothing formulas and are ideal for your skin type. This is a great place to add some active ingredients into the mix, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which will fight blemishes whilst revitalising the skin. Whichever your choice, thoroughly massage it into the skin for at least two minutes and rinse it off.
What are the benefits?
A quick once over with a face wipe in the evening will do nothing to dislodge foundation and pollution particles properly. Once this starts building up on the skin, you aren’t giving your skin cells the best chance to regenerate overnight, leading to a dull, tired and aged complexion in the future.
Double cleansing is the best way to ensure that every bit of grime, dirt and pollution has been thoroughly removed from your skin. It will also brighten any dullness, slough away dead skin cells on the surface and ultimately lift the complexion.
A double cleanse in the evening will also allow serums, moisturisers and products such as retinol to penetrate deeper and work their magic more efficiently.
Try one of our favourite cleansers to get you going:
SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age Cleanser
This lightweight gel cleanser sweeps away makeup and excess sebum, dirt, and impurities to create a clear and refined base whilst also using Glycolic and Salicylic Acids to accelerate surface exfoliation. This helps prevent the formation of blemishes and brightens the skin tone, leading to a smooth, radiant and youthful glow.
Neostrata Restore Facial Cleanser
Containing mild extracts and low concentrations of exfoliating PHAs, this soap-free formula effectively removes makeup, impurities and bacteria without irritating the skin or stripping it of vital moisture. Uneven texture is softened, and blotchiness is reduced.
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser
Using a blend of fruit acids to mildly exfoliate and refine uneven texture, this cleanser successfully removes impurities, excess sebum and makeup from the skin’s surface. Simultaneously, a soothing botanical blend of Chamomile, Aloe Vera and Comfrey minimises inflammation and tightness post-cleanse.
Institut Esthederm Micellar Water
This micellar water formulation completes skin cleansing whilst respecting the skins delicate ecosystem. It gives a sensation of invigorating freshness, leaving skin refreshed, squeaky clean, and ready to receive further skincare products.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
