Tired of washing your face with soap and water or using face wipes, only to find that your skin still feels dirty and dull at the end of the day? Turns out, these methods may not be enough to remove all the gunk and grime that accumulate on your skin after a full day of work or partying. But worry not! There's a solution: double cleansing.
Another step? Pass. We hear you! Don't let the word “double” scare you that easily. Trust us when we say spending a few extra minutes washing your face can make a huge impact on the health and appearance of skin, even for the laziest of girls. Below, we're answering all your burning questions, including if *you* actually need it.
"What is double cleansing in skincare?"
Double cleansing is your gateway to clean and clear complexion. The two-step cleansing method, also known as "the double cleanse," involves using two different cleansers - one oil-based and the other water-based - to give your skin a deep and thorough clean without stripping it of its natural oils.
Double cleansing has been around for years and continues to gain popularity worldwide. It originated in Japan and Korea, where their beauty regimens are known for being some of the most rigorous in the world. The Japanese geishas are believed to have used cleansing oils in tandem with a foamy cleanser to get rid of their white cast. On the other hand, the Korean 10-step skincare routine, which typically includes double cleansing, has been adopted by beauty enthusiasts all around the world.
So, if you're on the lookout for a skincare routine that will give you a deep, thorough clean, double cleansing might be just the extra step you need.
"What are the benefits of double cleansing?"
First, it removes any makeup, dirt, or pollutants accumulated on your skin throughout the day. This is important because if you apply your skincare products on top of a layer of grime, they won't be able to penetrate your skin effectively.
Secondly, double cleansing helps unclog your pores, keeping breakouts and blackheads at bay. By thoroughly cleaning your skin, you're allowing it to breathe and function as it should.
"Who should double cleanse?"
If you wear makeup daily or have greasy skin, double cleansing every evening — provided you're using the right products — might work wonders for you.
However, double cleansing isn't necessary for everyone. For most people, washing your face once thoroughly with a gentle cleanser should suffice. Overwashing can lead to dryness, irritation, and the breakdown of the skin barrier, which causes issues like breakouts and eczema.
You might want to avoid the conventional double cleansing altogether if you have rosacea, eczema, or particularly sensitive or dry skin.
Regardless of your skin type, always moisturize after to reinstall hydration immediately. As with any new skincare routine, start slow. Try it once every other day, then monitor how your skin reacts. Sometimes, the method is not to blame, but the products you're using. So don't be afraid to give it another go with another product (tip: researching real-people reviews online can save you from bad purchases).
If you're still unsure whether double cleansing is ideal for your skin, seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist.
"Should I double cleanse if I don't wear makeup?"
If you're only an occasional makeup wearer or your skin isn't oily, double cleansing every single day probably isn't necessary. A gentle cleanser alone should be enough.
"Why it's important to double cleanse according to my skin type?"
Not all cleansers are created equal. Look beyond brand names and price tags. Investigate the ingredients list. At the very least, they should contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, that won't suck out the moisture from your skin or leave it feeling parched.
"Is double cleansing just washing my face twice?"
It's not about simply washing your face two times, but about using the right products to provide a deep and thorough clean. The oil-based cleanser helps to remove any excess oil, dirt, and leftover makeup, while the water-based cleanser clears out any remaining dirt from your pores, leaving your skin squeaky clean through and through.
"How often should I double cleanse my skin?"
The key is to double cleanse only at night when you actually have dirt, grime, and makeup to wash off. This ensures you're not messing with your skin's natural balance of oils and microbes.
Determine a frequency that suits your lifestyle, and try to stick to it daily. If you forget to double cleanse, don't panic. Just pick it back up again the next day.
"What cleanser to use for double cleansing?"
With so many products available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the appropriate cleansers. You don't want to end up with a product that harms more than helps your skin stay healthy.
If you love wearing a full canvas of makeup or have oily skin, you might prefer an oil-based formula to a micellar one. Oil-based cleansers are generally more effective at removing makeup and sebum, which dissolves in oil.
When choosing a cleanser, avoid formulas with active ingredients like exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide. Stay away from those containing sulfates, fragrance, and alcohol, which can strip natural oils and irritate the skin.
It's also important to examine the pH level of the products you're using. The skin's average pH level is around 5, so find a cleanser with a similar level to keep things balanced.
"How to double cleanse?"
Start by applying a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to dry skin. Use your fingers or a soft cloth to massage it into your skin, helping to break down makeup, sebum, and sunscreen residue. Then, wet your face with water and apply your second cleanser. Rinse the suds off and pat your face dry.
"Do I still need facials if I'm double cleansing every day already?"
Double cleansing is an excellent way to maintain healthy-looking skin, but it doesn't necessarily replace all the benefits of a professional facial. Facials provide a deeper level of exfoliation, which can help eliminate impurities and dead skin cells that are not easily removed by daily cleansing. Additionally, some facials use specialized treatments like steaming and blackhead extraction, plus products that target specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, among others.
In short, while double cleansing is a great addition to your daily skincare routine, it's still advisable to get a facial every once in a while to give your skin the extra care and cleansing it deserves.
"If I'm not double-cleansing, what other ways can I wash my face?"
If you have sensitive pelts and find chemical makeup removers of any brand too harsh, don't worry. Here are two simple steps to keep your skin squeaky clean!
- Step 1: Use a makeup remover pad that is gentle on your skin. Our top pick is the MAVIAN™ Makeup Remover Pads, which are made of microfiber material that activates with water to dissolve makeup. These reusable double-sided pads are perfect for sensitive skin, as they don't cause irritation or redness. Eco-conscious? You'll be pleased to know they can be used up to 200 times, eliminating the need for single-use cotton pads!
- Step 1.5 (optional): To keep hair dry and away from your face, use the MAVIAN™ Headband you can purchase with the Makeup Remover Pads.
- Step 2: Consider a sonic facial cleansing brush that provides a gentle yet effective pore-cleaning experience, like The Profound Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush. With its gentle heat and vibrations, this massaging device decongests your pores, exfoliates your skin, and locks in freshness for a relaxed, radiant complexion. It emits gentle heat (40°C) and 10,000 vibrations per minute to deeply cleanse without irritating your skin. Plus, it doubles as a massager with eight adjustable vibration intensities to soothe and relax your skin. And the best part? It's waterproof, so you can use it in the shower for a spa-like experience and shorten your bathtime routine.
If you want to try our double cleansing method, we've got you covered with our specially-priced Cleansing Bundle. Checkout everything you need at once and enjoy an exclusive discount with it. Happy face washing!
Shop the Cleansing Bundle.
For more beauty tips and trends, browse the Mavian Beauty blog.
Shop from Mavian Beauty and enjoy free standard shipping on U.S. orders over $75.
