Key Points
- Double cleansing may provide a deeper clean of your skin
- It works best when using oil-based and water-based cleansers
- Not every skin type is suitable for double cleansing
As an act of self-care, a humble skincare routine is the simplest way to show yourself some love. But with the advice from skincare gurus constantly changing, it’s hard to know what we need to prioritise in our daily routines.
Case in point: double cleansing.
Double cleansing has become a trending topic of late. But with all the chatter, many of us are still unsure of what it means. This article answers all the commonly asked questions — with expert advice from naturopath Gabbie Watt — to give insight into whether a double cleanse is right for you.
What is double cleansing?
As its name suggests, double cleansing is the act of cleansing your skin twice. Typically, though, it involves using two types of cleansers: one that is oil-based and another that is water-based.
Gabbie explains the purpose behind this two-step approach. “An oil-based cleanser will attract and bind to oil-based products. A cream or gel cleanser can then thoroughly cleanse the skin, preparing it for the application of serums and moisturisers.”
Although it’s gained momentum, dermatologists have yet to agree on whether double cleansing is beneficial or necessary. So, before adding this step to your skincare routine, it’s worth exploring further.
The benefits of double cleansing
Our skin is exposed to many substances each day, whether it’s sunscreen application, a full face of makeup or pollutants causing oxidative stress. So are there other benefits to double cleansing beyond the apparent goal of giving your face a deeper clean?
Possibly, if you choose the right products. According to a medical review, a quality facial cleanser should achieve other things, including minimising skin damage, delivering moisturising benefits and maintaining the skin’s integrity. In theory, cleansing twice may help to achieve these benefits further.
Exfoliating and cleansing play different roles in the maintenance of skin
How to double cleanse: a beginner’s guide
Feeling like your skin could benefit from a deeper clean each day? The double cleansing approach might be for you. Here’s how to give it a try.
A simple double cleansing routine
Adding another round of cleansing to your skincare routine may help provide a deeper clean, and it only takes an extra minute. These simple steps are all you need to start double cleansing.
- With dry hands, cleanse your face with a cleansing oil or balm.. Rinse off.
- Cleanse a second time using a water-based cleanser, like gel or milk.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Apply your usual moisturisers, serums and gels.
Should you exfoliate or cleanse first?
“The role of an exfoliator is to remove dead skin cells from the surface,” Gabbie explains. “A cleanser is targeted towards removing topical products and environmental pollutants.”
Cleansing first can remove impurities that allow the exfoliator to reach the dead skin cells. However, Gabbie suggests only exfoliating once or twice a week to ensure the health of the skin barrier integrity.
Do you need a toner if you double cleanse?
Toners promote unique benefits when used after the cleansing stage, including restoring the skin’s pH balance, removing trapped impurities and reducing pore size. So consider keeping it in your skincare routine to follow the cleanser.
Your skin has its own microbiome and it’s important to choose the right type of cleanser to suit your skin type
Double cleansing products: the best fit for your skin
Ready to go deep and start double cleansing? First, you’ll want a cleanser that suits your skin.
“Like our gut, our skin has its own microbiome that we need to keep balanced,” says Gabbie. “And like our fingerprints, no one’s skin microbiome is the same.” With probiotic skincare trending, emerging products will possibly offer these benefits.
Importantly, consider your skin type when choosing cleansers. Cleansing products are often formulated to suit specific complexions, including dry, oily and combination.
And the ingredients to avoid? The presence of surfactants in cleansers may cause dry skin and swelling. Furthermore, they can disrupt the integrity of the skin, as they extract skin components and remain in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), even after being rinsed off.
Instead, Gabbie suggests double cleanser products that support the skin microbiome, like a nourishing cream cleanser or a gentle, oil-based cleanser. “Key oil-based ingredients that moisturise and nourish the skin — while avoiding clogging pores — include hemp, safflower and sunflower oil.”
Whether or not you double cleanse depends on your skin type and personal choice
Should I double cleanse every day?
They say two is better than one, but this may only sometimes be the case with cleansing.
“It depends on your skin type, day-to-day activities and the products you’ve used on your skin,” says Gabbie. Although cleansing can be helpful, there’s no proof that repeating it in a skincare routine offers further benefits.
When should you not double cleanse?
Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether choosing a hyaluronic acid or considering double cleansing, be careful not to overdo it.
“Over cleansing may cause a breakdown in the skin barrier, exposing it to pathogens and other skin issues,” says Gabbie. This outer layer of skin, the epidermis, contains the stratum corneum, and its health dictates how effectively your skin creates a strong barrier. So protecting it is essential.”
For this reason, Gabbie advises people who want to try double cleansing not to do it twice in a day.
“It’s best to do it once a day at the end of the day to remove any build up of products accumulated during the day such as skincare, sunscreen, makeup, sweat or environmental factors like dust and dirt,” she says.
Doubling down on skincare
Adding a second cleanser may have benefits, depending on your skin type and concerns. Choosing a cleanser and a broader skincare routine that suits your needs is the best approach.
Speak with your healthcare professional if you have skin concerns or questions.
Related:
Gabbie Watt is a Naturopath and is passionate about blending evidence-based practice and traditional natural medicine into her approach. With experience previously working as a Radiation Therapist, Gabbie’s professional background in conventional medicine has been instrumental in shaping her holistic approach to health.
Reviewed by healthylife health experts July 2023
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