What is double cleansing? Why should you bother adding an extra step to your routine? And is it really for everyone?

Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds. It involves thoroughly washing your face with two cleansers.

The only catch is that the cleansers need to be two different types to have the desired effect.

The first is usually an oil-based cleanser. This is followed up by a water-based one.

However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you.

Why do you need to use two cleansers?

An oil-based cleanser is designed to remove oil-based impurities, including makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution—basically anything found in your pores and on the surface of the skin at the end of the day.

By getting rid of this stuff first, the second water-based cleanser ensures anything that wasn’t removed in the first step is washed away so that it can really work its way into the skin, removing the likes of grime and sweat.

That makes room for any products you apply afterwards to penetrate deeper, making them more effective.

Not only is a double cleanse meant to give a more thorough cleanse, but it can also revitalise dull skin and allow active ingredients to penetrate better and work more effectively.

The end result? Skin that’s gloriously clean and ready to absorb your next skincare products.

Who’s it for?

Double cleansing isn’t a necessity, but certain skin types may find it to be more worthwhile than others.

For people with oily skin. Two gentle formulas are generally a better way to combat excess oil than one strong formula that could leave skin feeling too dry.

Acne-prone individuals may also want to gently double cleanse to help remove the bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Finally, the technique can be useful for those who wear heavy makeup.

Where did this technique originate?

Japan and Korea are the founding fathers of double cleansing.

According to reports, Japanese geishas used cleansing oils followed by a foamy cleanser to remove their white makeup.

The technique also became popular as part of the Korean 10-step skin care regime, which has migrated into Western culture in recent years.

How’s it done?

No matter what your skin type, the main steps involved in double-cleansing are the same:

• Apply a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to dry skin.
• Use your fingers, a cotton pad or a soft cloth to massage the first cleanser into your skin, helping to break down makeup, sebum and sunscreen residue.
• Wet your face with water.
• Apply your second cleanser and massage into skin, using your fingertips, a soft cloth or a cleansing device.
• Rinse off the cleanser and pat your face dry. use a clean dry face washer or tissue your skin dry.
• Always use tepid water, particularly if you're doing a double cleanse. Hot water will dry the delicate skin on your face out, resulting in a compromised skin barrier that’ll lose precious moisture at a more rapid rate.

How often should you do it?

It’s common to only double cleanse at night. After all, this is the time when skin is likely to be covered in makeup and grime.

But you can adopt the technique in the mornings, too, as sebum can be produced while you sleep.

Pick a frequency that suits your lifestyle, and try to stick to it daily for the best results.

If you forget to double cleanse one morning or evening, don’t panic. Just pick it back up again the next day.

Is this all you need?

As soon as you’re done with the double cleanse, you’ll need to seal in moisture before getting on with the rest of your skin care regime.

In the morning, follow up with a toner, hydrating serums,good quality moisturizer and sunscreen.

At night time, choose between hydrating serums, oils, and night creams, or a combination.

Isn’t it time-consuming?

You may actually find you put in less effort with a double cleanse, as you don’t have to work as hard with each product.

Plus, you’ll probably only spend an extra minute in all.