If you found this blog it is likely you are a bit confused by what a double cleanse is and that is okay! Through your research you have probably found that people have many different ideas of what a double cleanse is, so I am going to give you my rendition of it. Simply put, it is when you cleanse your face twice. Wow who knew it was that simple? So why do you need to read the rest of this blog? There is a ‘proper’ way to double cleanse, as stated by dermatologists, which is covered in this blog post. If you want to reduce cost and waste you can use the same cleanser for both washes, but I actually like to use an oil or balm based cleanser then an active cleanser. A lot of people believe that a double cleanse belongs in the routine of people who wear heavy makeup. This is a big misconception. A double cleanse helps to clean the skin of dirt, oils, and other pollutants that skin comes in contact with. Now that we have that all cleared up lets get started on your new double cleanse.
Step 1: Find an oil or balm based cleanser
I really enjoy the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleaning Balm. This balm is definitely on the mid to lower tier of pricing. If you want a more affordable balm then check out The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm. Both balms work great at taking off waterproof makeup like mascara. The main difference between the two is that the Clinique balm has a smoother constancy that glides on the skin better than the INKEY List balm.
You can also try a makeup removing oil. These oils are formulated to be very different from the oils that you may be use to, so please don’t use olive oil to wash your face. The Sephora Collection Supreme Cleansing Oil is a great choice if you are sticking to a budget. This cleanser is also on sale the majority of the time on Sephora. If you want to splurge on a makeup removing oil then the fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil is a cult favorite.
Step 2: Choose an active cleanser
An active cleanser means that it has active ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide, which is an acne fighting ingredient. I am in a constant battle with adult acne, so I need to have an active cleanser in my daily routine. I prefer the new CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser or the INKEY List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser. If you do not have acne prone skin then I would recommend using a gentle cleanser such as the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is hydrating and gentle, but still gives you a clean feeling after washing your face. If you would like you can even use bar soap!
Step 3: Wash your face
Now we are getting to the good stuff. Grab your oil or balm cleanser and take a quarter sized amount into your dry palm. Rub your palms together to warm up the product then apply the product to your dry face. I know that sounds odd, but by applying the oil/balm to a dry face it allows it to properly break down all of the makeup and pollutants.
Next, wet you hands and gently rub your wet hands on your face. This will cause the oil/balm to emulsify. This is when the product turns white and breaks down the makeup and pollutants even more. When you feel like all of your face has been washed you will then rinse the oil/balm off.
Your skin might feel like it has a film on it and that is completely okay because you are going to wash it a second time! Grab your second cleanser and take a quarter sized amount into your wet hands. Rub your palms together to warm up the product then apply the product to your wet face. When you feel like you have washed your entire face then rinse off the cleanser.
Step 4: admire your clean skin
Congratulations you now know why and how to double cleanse! I wish you all the luck on your future skin care journey.
