Are you even cleaning your skin effectively if you’re not double cleansing? Ok … yes may be. But trust me, double cleansing can the best way for you to properly get rid of all the dirt on your skin; especially if you wear make up on a daily basis.

I’ve been double cleansing for years now and it’s one of the best things I’ve done for my skin’s health. Let’s start with the basics: what the heck is double cleansing and how to do it?

WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?

Double cleansing is basically and quite simply the method of cleansing your face TWICE: first with an oil or balm cleanser, then with a water-based cleanser. I personally have a preference for balm cleansers ( for the 1st step ) and gel cleansers ( for the second step ). Balm cleansers and oil cleansers are essentially the same but I prefer the experience I get with a balm. It feels luxurious, my skin loves it.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DOUBLE CLEANSE?

Have you ever gotten to the toner step and see excess dirt on your cotton pad? Well, if your cleansing step was effectively done, this should not have happened. Double cleansing may be the solution! The benefit of double cleansing is that the balm / oil will break down your make up, get rid of excess sebum, your SPF, the dirt and pollution accumulated throughout the day. It should leave your skin feeling moisturized and not stripped. The water based cleanser can sometimes be harsher on the skin. It should also address your skin type or concern ( hydrate, exfoliate, treat acne, etc. ) but is an essential part of the double cleansing method.

Please note that it is always crucial to use double cleansing products that work for your skin type. Washing your skin is good but over washing can have the contrary effect and lead to breakouts, irritation, or clogging pores. I personally feel it is way more important to double cleanse at night ( when you actually have dirt and/or make up to wash off ) than in the morning. You don’t want to strip your skin from its natural oils.

* Double cleansing is NOT using a cleansing balm or oil twice. Double cleansing implies you should absolutely use a water based cleanser as the last step :)

*Double cleansing is not for everyone and can be appropriate for certain type of skin. For example, if you have oily skin, you might find that your water-based cleanser does wash off the dirt and excess sebum on your skin as effectively as you’d like.

HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE?

1. Use your fingers to apply the balm or oil on DRY skin. If you’re using a balm, you can warm it up in your hands before applying on your skin. Massage in circular motions for 30 to 45 seconds. Lightly wet your hands and massage again. Usually the balm or oil transforms into a milky formula.

2. Rinse with water making sure to remove all the oil.

3. Next, apply a nickel amount of your regular water-based cleanser on damp skin, massaging in gentle circular motions.

4. Rinse well again and pat your skin dry with a clean soft towel.

I hope you loved this post! I have linked to some of my favorite balms / oils & water based cleansers below. Talk soon darlings xx