Four reasons why you should be double cleansing every night - Number 3 will shock you!

For a long time, it was believed that washing our faces with soap and water is all the cleansing our skin needs before going to bed. Turns out that the usual routine of wiping our faces with a soap-and-water combo isn't the best solution if we want all that gunk and germs removed after a full day of exposing your skin to dirt, debris and other pollutants.

What is a better way of removing all that? It’s double cleansing! You really need a deep and refreshing cleanse to achieve healthy and glowing skin. Double cleansing ensures your skin is cleaned to a deeper level while removing all the dirt and airborne bacteria that potentially contributes to dull skin, aging and breakouts.

The good news is that this is a simple and fast process that can be easily performed every night.

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing refers to the process of washing your face twice. It involves two simple steps - cleaning your face with an oil-based cleanser and then following with a water-based cleanser.

Step 1 - Oil-based cleanser

Dispense an adequate amount of oil cleanser onto the palm of your hand; 1-2 pumps should be sufficient for this. Gently massage the cleanser onto dry skin, all over the face and neck, for 30 seconds to a minute. This helps to loosen dead skin, sunscreen, and makeup (even waterproof).

Add a little water to the palm of your hand and massage your face and neck until the cleanser turns milky. This is when it emulsifies and is now ready to be rinsed off with lukewarm water.

Step 2 - Water-based cleanser

Take a small quantity of cleanser into the palm of your hand and add some water to it until it forms a nice foam. Massage your face as you lather the cleanser in an upward circular motion. Continue to do this for a minute and then rinse off with lukewarm water.

This second step is important because it will remove any remaining dirt and residue from the oil cleanse step.

4 benefits of double cleansing

The main benefit of double cleansing is that each cleanser is good at removing different types of impurities, as “like dissolves like.” This means oil-based cleansers are great at removing oil-soluble substances (such as makeup, excess sebum and sunscreen), while water-based cleansers are good at removing dust, dirt and other pollutants (including residue remaining from the first cleanse).

1. Removes more than just dust and pollutants

A quick rinse with water seems like an easy and attractive option at the end of a long day, but it cannot remove all the makeup particles and dirt off your face. This is especially important if you use waterproof makeup and sunscreen. If you really want to properly remove the residue left on your skin, double cleansing is the best way, as splashing your face with water cannot clean your skin thoroughly.

2. Allows skincare products to work more effectively

Double cleansing washes away impurities and lets other skincare products, such as serums, creams and moisturisers, penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Double cleansing every night can also help to reduce the skin’s inflammation.

3. Does wonders for oily skin

If you have oily skin and feel the usual way of cleansing your face isn't removing the excess oil, an oil-based cleanser will help get rid of impurities and sebum in the skin. Oil attracts oil. Thus, it eliminates sebum, sweat and other sticky particles that have accumulated on the skin and within the pores. As a result, acne-prone and/or combination skin types can benefit from double cleansing!

This goes against the notion that oil will make your skin more oily, which is a common misconception!

4. Fights aging and provides a better complexion

If impurities and dirt are remaining on the skin, the process of cell regeneration is delayed, causing the skin to age, and become dull. Double cleansing makes way for younger-looking skin, and minimises the signs of aging by sloughing away dead skin cells. It can improve your skin's texture, giving you a beautiful glow.

How to choose the correct cleanser

Double cleansing is appropriate for all skin types. Use a gentle cleanser with a non-irritating formula for sensitive skin. If you have oily skin, use a cleanser with appropriate ingredients that help regulate oil production in the skin and promote healthy cell turnover. 

Cleansers with jojoba oil, shea butter and a balmy texture, including emollients, help nourish and moisturise dry skin. For normal skin, make sure to choose a mild cleanser that keeps the skin hydrated and plump.

Oil cleansers typically exist as two main formulations; liquid oil consistency and solid balms (which are dispensed using a spatula).

When choosing a water-based cleanser, look for a slightly acidic pH. Most Korean cleansers typically have a pH of approximately 5.5, which is slightly acidic and is the ideal range for healthy skin (as it is similar to the skin's natural pH level). Their gentle formulas keep your skin soft and supple, rather than stripping it and causing a tight feeling.

Looking for a suitable cleanser? Check out these products:

Product recommendations:

Oil-based cleansers

Purito From Green Cleansing Oil

This oil thoroughly removes all trace of makeup and sun cream without causing irritation. It is packed with olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil to moisturise the skin. This cleansing oil is vegan-friendly and does not contain harmful ingredients such as PEG and ethanol.

iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

This is another gentle cleansing oil containing 94% pure plant oils and calendula flower, which has skin-calming properties. It gently removes all makeup particles and impurities in just one step, leaving the skin soothed and moisturised.

Water-based cleansers

Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser

This lovely gel cleanser consists of a low pH formula (pH 5.5) and gentle skin-friendly ingredients, such as tea tree leaf oil, Centella asiatica extract, royal jelly extract, and other natural elements. It removes skin impurities and restores damaged skin.

iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam

This is a mild, self-foaming bubble cleanser enriched with 69% Centella asiatica leaf water, which helps to calm and soothe irritated skin, making it suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. It leaves your skin feeling deeply cleansed and perfectly balanced. 

Have you tried double cleansing? If so, have you noticed an improvement in your skin's texture?