Everything you need to know about double cleansing
25 March 2024 – 2 min read
The idea of double cleansing - yep, washing your face twice - might seem like overkill. But a couple of extra minutes a day can make a major difference to the results of your skincare routine, particularly if you’re concerned about the signs of ageing.
What is double cleansing?
Inspired by Korean beauty, double cleansing means washing your face with two products: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
The oil-based formula helps to melt away any sunscreen, makeup, pollution, excess sebum, dirt, sweat and basically anything that can be found on the surface of your skin by absorbing them and rinsing them away clean. The water-based follow-up ensures anything that wasn’t removed in the first step is washed away, including leftover residue from cleanser number one, creating a clean canvas for clear pores and better product absorption.
What are the benefits of double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a surefire way to ensure nothing from the day stays on your face while you rest. Cleansing removes particulate matter and those volatile organic compounds or VOCs that cause free radicals and accelerate the ageing process. This is especially important if you’ve been wearing makeup or sunscreen all day (which you have because you know better).
If your skin is thoroughly cleansed, it’s also easier for products like serums and moisturisers to penetrate the skin and be thoroughly absorbed. That’s why we recommend double cleansing to ensure the day’s products are well-clear before any active serums are introduced.
Most skin types can benefit from double cleansing: oily and acne-prone skin because it whisks away the bacteria and sebum that can lead to blemishes, dry skin because two gentle steps work better than one strong formula to combat sensitivity or overdrying.
Case in point: our Fresh-faced Set, the ultimate double cleanse routine for exceptionally clean, impossibly soft skin. Overachiever Balm Cleanser melts away sunscreen and makeup, while Clean Canvas removes any remaining impurities and gently exfoliates, leaving skin feeling hydrated - never stripped.
Shop Fresh-Faced Set
How to double cleanse
Generally, double cleansing is reserved for the evening only (unless you slept in your makeup!) Using the spatula, apply Overachiever Balm Cleanser to dry hands and massage into dry skin. Rinse well with warm water. Apply one pump of Clean Canvas Gel Cleanser to damp skin, massaging in small, circular motions. Cleanse the entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Rinse with warm water and follow with serums and moisturiser.
TL;DR
In summary, here’s what we’ve learned:
- Double cleansing means washing your face with two products: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser like in the Fresh-faced Set.
- Double cleansing helps remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, residue, pollution and sebum. It ensures your skin is thoroughly cleansed, making it easier for serums and moisturisers to absorb.
- Most skin types can benefit from double cleansing.
- Start by massaging the oil-based cleanser into dry skin, rinse and then follow with the gel-based cleanser.
Want to learn more? Take a deep dive into the best at-home anti-ageing skincare routine.
