DOUBLE CLEANSING
Full transparency: I only learned about double cleansing in 2020. That being said, double cleansing became an extremely popular subject over the course of the past year, where many of us have doubled-down on our home skincare routines as a part of our daily lockdown activities.
Double cleansing is exactly what you’d imagine it to be, with a few important things to keep in mind. And, as always, we’re right here to walk you through it.
WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?
The name speaks for itself! Double cleansing means using two different cleansers (or cleansing twice with the same one) in order to properly and entirely remove dirt, dead skin cells, makeup, SPF, and excess sebum from the skin.
The major benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanse will then address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth, exfoliate or treat acne”, explains New York–based dermatologist Craig Austin, founder of Cane+Austin.
Properly cleansing the skin means fewer blocked pores, brighter skin, and better penetration of the rest of your products that are meant to be absorbed into the skin.
WHEN SHOULD I DOUBLE CLEANSE?
Tracy Evans, M.D., a California-based, board-certified dermatologist, suggests double cleansing only at night in order to make sure you’re not altering the natural balance of oils and microbes on your skin. (We echo this by adding that you usually have dirt and makeup to wash off at the end of the day, and to ALWAYS wash your face before going to bed).
HOW DO I DO IT?
To double cleanse, you can start off with a balm cleanser which is designed to be massaged onto dry skin (you can even go over your eyes with it). The milky texture left behind can then be removed with a towelette soaked in warm (not hot) water.
You can then follow up with a gel or foam-based cleanser (depending on your skin type and preferences), using gentle circular motions to wash your entire face and neck area before rinsing off with lukewarm or cold water and patting dry.
Using the best double-cleansing products for your skin type also allows you to avoid over-washing and over-drying your skin. If we strip too much of our natural oils, our body can respond by producing more oil that can lead to breakouts and irritation,” explains Evans. Make sure to follow up with your favorite serum or toner and then seal it all in with a high-quality moisturizer.
BIOPHORA CALMING CLEANSER $38
ZO SKIN HEALTH HYDRATING CLEANSER $61
IS CLINICAL CREAM CLEANSER $66.60
IMAGE SKIN CARE SALICYLIC GEL CLEANSER $60
Skin that is cleaned, hydrated, and loved is always the healthiest skin –– so make sure not to cut corners at night and to take the time to give yourself the best glow possible.
Take care of the skin you are in!
Until next week,
Mathilde