The first and most important thing to recognise with double cleansing is what you’re actually applying to your skin each day/week. Do you wear make-up, sunscreen or apply other ointments to your face that might mean a bit more is needed when cleansing your skin? If the answer is yes, then double cleansing is definitely something to consider.
Simply put, it means cleansing your skin twice, traditionally an oil cleanser for the first, followed by a foaming cleanser. That said, using two different cleansers isn’t essential. If one cleanser suits your skin, using it twice can work just as well.
The other most important thing to know is that cleansing your skin too much can also cause problems, so this is really about balance. Double cleansing both morning and night usually isn’t necessary. Its best saved for the evening when your skin has more product to remove, with just a quick light cleanse the following morning being plenty.
If your skin is prone to dryness start slowly. Once or twice a week to begin with and see how your skin responds. Too much double cleansing can really dry out the skin. You might even tie it in with weekly face mask evening and build up from there.
Try not to think about double cleansing as something that should take ages. Once your skin is clean its done. Move on, pat dry and apply your moisturiser.
Cleansing around the eye area first is important, and using a cloth to do this part is definitely worth it, as you’re then not rubbing eye make-up around the eye area, where skin is much more delicate than other areas.
Ultimately double cleansing is just a way to make sure your skin is properly clean, with no leftover make-up, sunscreen or daily pollution.
Tools like CloudCloths work really well, one side for make-up removal and the other for a second light cleanse. I usually spend around 20 seconds on the second cleanse, focussing on the nose and mouth area and being extra gentle around the eye area to make sure everything is clean.
So really double cleansing isn’t something everyone has to do, it’s just a helpful option if your skin needs a little more at the end of the day. Like most things in skincare, it’s about listening to your skin and finding the balance that works for you.
