I wear makeup daily and using the double cleansing method ensures my skin remains in top condition. The current environmental degradation has resulted in more free radicals, dirt and bacteria in the atmosphere than ever before.
Which may contribute to ageing, pigmentation and breakout if not properly addressed.
Why you need to double cleanse
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare regimen and double cleansing is an important part of a good regimen. What may have worked in the past using a face wipe is grossly inadequate and may irritate your skin long term.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is part of the popular Korean skincare method and was made more mainstream by the skincare guru Caroline Hirons. This means that you should cleanse your skin in two 2 steps, first with oil and then with foam or gel cleanser.
Step 1 of the double cleanse: Oil Cleansing
The first step of using the oil-based cleanser remove makeup, dirt, SPF and sebum from your skin. The oils dissolve any impurities and makeup and cleanse your face without completely stripping its natural oils. The oil cleanser attracts and removes oily dirt like makeup and sebum to prepare your skin for the second cleanse. Oil cleansers are available either as solid balms or as oils and the choice of using either depends on your skin type. Cleansing oils are generally more drying so may be better for people with oily skin while balms which are more moisturising better for dry skin. I prefer to use a solid balm because they are easier to transport and work well on my oily skin; however, the choice should be based on your skin and preference.
Some good examples of oil-cleansing balms are
Step 2 of double cleanse: Water-based cleansing
The second step uses a water-based cleanser to clean your skin and prepares it for treatments or serums in your routine. The water-based cleanser removes all traces of dirt or makeup on your skin and some of the products used include foaming, gel or clay-based cleansers. I like to use either clay or gel-based cleanser because my skin is oily so your choice for a second cleanser will depend on your skin type and needs.
Benefits of double cleansing
- It helps brighten any dullness, because the second cleanser may contain exfoliating particles which exfoliate and removes dead skin cells.
- It allows serums to penetrate the skin and work more efficiently because the skin is well-cleansed
- For city dwellers, it helps remove pollutants and environmental toxins that may accelerate the ageing process
- For acne sufferers, it ensures that the first layer of sebum & make-up, as well as the deeper layers of bacteria all of which can aggravate acne, are properly removed.
I have described why double cleansing is important and the step-by-step process on how to double cleanse as well as some product recommendations. Let me know what you think, do you double cleanse? What products are your favourites for each step?
Do you like oil or solid balms let’s discuss them in the comments.
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