In case you have not heard, one of the most important step in any morning skincare routine is – Sunscreen; while for night skincare routine is – Double Cleansing. The term “double cleansing” has been around in the beauty industry for a long time, but it first originated from Asia in the 14^th Century.

In this post, we will discuss the meaning and importance of double cleansing, is it for everyone and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What is double cleansing?

As simple as it sounds, Double cleansing involves the use of two different types of cleansing agents. The most common method is to first wash your face with an oil-based cleanser (to remove makeup and sunscreen), then followed by the use a water-based facial cleanser of your choice.

There are no fixed guidelines for which type of cleansing method is best for double cleansing. If you are not a fan of oil-based cleanser, there are many other methods to remove top layer of makeup and foundation from your skin – Micellar Water, Cleansing Balm, Cleansing Milk etc.

The basic concept double cleansing is to first remove the top layer of makeup, foundation, sunscreen or tinted moisturizer from your skin, then you cleanse it off with a water-based cleanser that suits your skin type to further remove dirt and impurities.

Why should we Double Cleanse?

A deep cleanse at the end of the day is crucial to healthy skin, especially when you have makeup on and has been out all day long. It’s not just about removing the makeup from your skin; throughout the day our skin has been exposed to airborne bacteria, dust and pollution. Without a deep cleanse in the evening, these pollutants and bacteria can contribute to ageing, pigmentation and breakouts.

The first step of double cleansing using a cleansing oil, balm, milk or micellar water to break down make up, sunscreen and sebum on the surface of your skin first. When you perform the second cleanse, it will clean much deeper into the pores to remove any impurities.

If we are to ignore the first step and cleanse with a water-based cleanser only, not only we are not able to remove makeup completely, but those residues will be trapped in our pores which eventually lead to breakouts.

If I’m not wearing makeup, should I still Double Cleanse?

Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple Yes or No.

Double cleansing isn’t a necessity especially if you do not wear makeup during the day. Thanks (or no Thanks) to COVID-19, most people started to work from home and do not wear makeup or sunscreen during the day anymore. In this case, you may skip the double cleanse and only opt for your regular cleansing routine.

Your skin type also plays a role to whether you should double cleanse (even if you’re not wearing makeup). For oily skin type, double cleansing with gentle formula can benefit the skin and avoid excess oil secretion. While for Acne-prone skin, a gentle double cleanse can help remove bacteria thoroughly and prevent breakouts.

Double cleansing is highly recommended (or a must) if you wear makeup/sunscreen/tinted moisturizer during the day. If not, it is not a necessity but a preferable step.

Can I double cleanse every day? Will it be too dry for my skin?

Double cleanse is commonly performed at night or whenever you are ready to remove your makeup at the end of the day.

Some are worried that double cleansing will further dry out the skin. In fact, it all depends on the cleanser formula you use. The first step of double cleansing, usually an oil-based cleanser, will not dry out your skin, but instead some formulated to help hydrate the skin. The second step is the part where your skin may feel tight and dry after washing, especially when you have a strong water-based cleanser that is not suitable for your skin type.

We always recommend choosing a gentle water-based cleanser, with low pH and preferably with little to no fragrance.

I have Oily Skin, will Oil-Based cleanser make it worse?

If you have oily skin, do not fear for oil-based cleanser. If you remember the basic chemistry we learnt from school – “the like dissolves like”. Therefore, oil dissolves oil. If pair correctly with water-based cleanser and your skincare routine, double cleansing with oil-based cleanser can do wonders to oily skin type.

It is a common misconception that oily skin should avoid oil-based products. In fact, cleansing oil can dissolves sebum inside your pores and remove pore-clogging substances which may leads to breakouts.

However, it is also depending on the type of oil cleanser you are using. While most oil cleansing are carefully formulated to avoid pore clogging ingredients. There are certain oils that are categorized as “Comedogenic”, which is a tendency to cause breakouts by blocking the pores. Some of the most commonly known Comedogenic ingredients that we should avoid are – Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Linseed Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Coconut Butter.

What cleanser should I use?

In general, most oil-based cleanser are suitable for all skin type.

For water-based cleanser, we would avoid cleansers with harmful ingredients such as sulfates and try to stay away from irritating ingredients such as fragrance, essential oils and alcohol.

Here are some recommendations that are suitable for most skin type.

For First step of Double Cleansing:

FANCL MILD CLEANSING OIL

This Japanese FANCL cleansing oil can immediately dissolve and remove the most stubborn makeup and dirt and oil that clog pores after use.

It is additive-free, and the best balance is achieved through carefully selected essential oils and cleansing ingredients without leaving any residue. And its unique silky cushion oil can slide easily to wrap and remove any makeup and dirt without peeling natural oils from the skin, leaving our skin feeling soft and moisturized.

NURSERY YUZU MAKEUP CLEANSING GEL

This is a popular Japanese Makeup Cleansing Gel, not an oil-based cleanser but its gentle yet amazing cleansing power help remove makeup thoroughly from the skin while leaving your skin feels fresh. Made from Natural ingredients, it has Anti-aging properties to prevent the formation of melanin and regulates skin water & oil. This product is free of artificial colors and flavors.

BANILA CO CLEAN IT ZERO CLEANSING BALM

The cult favourite oil cleanser just got upgraded inside out! The texture of the cleanser has been improved to be even smoother and softer with a higher melting point, meaning no more summer meltdowns!

HEIMISH ALL CLEAN BALM

Heimish All Clean Balm goes on as a solid balm, transforms into a silky oil cleanser on the skin then becomes milky while rinsing. The soft and lightweight texture effortlessly removes makeup and residue without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This product is also Vegan Friendly.

HUXLEY BE CLEAN, BE MOIST CLEANSING WATER

Huxley Be Clean, Be Moist Cleansing Water is a Hypoallergenic and moisturizing cleanser & makeup remover. It is enriched with certified-organic, Sahara’s prickly pear cactus oil, which is full of skin-benefiting antioxidants, vitamin E and linoleic acid. Formulated with more than 74% cactus extract, Huxley Cleansing Water hydrates as it thoroughly removes sunscreen, makeup and skin impurities. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture after cleansing while citrus extracts promote clear and smooth skin texture.

For Second step of Double Cleansing:

KANEBO FREEPLUS MILD SOAP

Free Plus is a skincare brand born from research based on sensitive skin. The results focused on using the essence of oriental botanical herbs which protect the skin by the support the barrier function of each individual layer. They offer a Moisture Care Line, which adjusts and protects the texture of the skin as well as an Ageing Care Line, which provides a resilient firmness to the skin.

CUREL FOAMING WASH INTENSIVE MOISTURE CARE

Curél Foaming Wash thoroughly cleanses perspiration and dirt while protecting ceramide and contains cleansing ingredients that minimize stress on skin. It dispenses a foamy lather to cleanse gently without rubbing. Leaves a dewy, comfortable feeling after wash.

ETUDE HOUSE SOONJUNG 5.5 FOAM CLEANSER

Etude House Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser is a low pH hypoallergenic cleanser that gently removes contaminants from the skin and leaves a hydrating finish. This cleanser creates a creamy foam that penetrates into the skin without stripping moisture away. The Soon Jung range is skin-friendly formulated without surfactants, mineral oil and synthetic fragrances which makes it ideal for sensitive skin.

AHC PREMIUM EX HYDRA B5 SOOTHING FOAM

Enriched with a hydrating complex of Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5, this gentle face cleansing foam has been expertly formulated to provide deep, concentrated moisture as it thoroughly but gently cleanses, so dry, tight or irritated skin is left feeling smooth, supple and moist. It is a light mild foaming cleanser which gently cleanses the skin removes pore impurities and excess oil. It leaves skin feeling fresh and moisturized.

PYUNKANG YUL CLEANSING FOAM

This mild cleansing foam unclogs pores by removing impurities and sebum. Formulated with 16 ingredients verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), including Saposhnikovia divaricate root extract for skin protection, and glyceryl caprylateto smoothen skin. The stretchy consistency of Pyunkang Cleansing Foam adheres to dirt and oil trapped in pores and removes them leaving skin feeling clean and fresh without drying.

What should I do after Double Cleansing?

Once you have completed the double cleansing step, we suggest you move on to your normal skincare routine. The basic is to start with a toner, followed by your serum and moisturizer.

We will share more about skincare routine and how to create your own routine from scratch in the future. Stay Tuned!