How to Double Cleanse: Step-by-Step Guide

Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds—it means to wash your face with two cleansers.

Typically, you use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based formula. Don’t have an oil-based cleanser? No problem! You can also use two regular ones.

A double cleansing method is typically used to remove your makeup and sunscreen first to clear the way for your regular cleanser to cleanse skin, instead of having to work its way through layers of heavy makeup and sunscreen.

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Fun Fact: The double cleansing technique first became popular in South Korea and Japan before catching on in Europe and then North America.

HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE

We recommend starting with an oil, oil-based liquid cleanser, cleansing balm (we love Isa Knox LXNEW Clean 2-In-1 Exfoliating Cleansing Balm) or a gentle face scrub. Be sure to pick one that suits your skin type.

Follow with your regular water-based cream or gel cleanser, then finish the rest of your skin care routine as usual. A great water-based cleanser is belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser, a jelly-to-foam formula that contains amino acids and glycerin-based cleansing agents to gently remove makeup and impurities without stripping skin of moisture.

WHEN TO DOUBLE CLEANSE
Generally, you’ll want to double cleanse at night to remove the sunscreen and makeup from the day.

In the morning, one cleanse usually does the trick, however, if you have very oily skin, you may want to double cleanse. Double cleansing can also be helpful if your regular cleanser isn’t removing enough excess oil, but using a stronger cleanser leaves your skin feeling dry and tight.

WHO SHOULD DOUBLE CLEANSE?
If you have normal-to-oily skin, are prone to breakouts or wear heavy makeup, double cleansing is perfect for you.

If none of the above applies to you, think of double cleansing like a face mask or a targeted treatment and add to your routine as needed—like a day that you wear caked-on makeup or experience especially oily skin.

If you have sensitive skin, you can still double cleanse, but we recommend you use gentle products. Try an oil-based cleanser or balm paired with a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin, like Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser. This gentle cleanser features a whipped cream-like texture that softly glides onto the skin to effectively remove makeup residue while moisturizing.

BENEFITS OF CLEANSING WITH OIL

Cleansing with oil is beneficial as it helps dissolve all types of makeup and helps remove sunscreen. Every oil works differently and some might argue they work more efficiently than ingredients found in cleansers.

Cleansing oils designed for your face have an edge over pure oils because they contain an ingredient known as an emulsifier. This allows oil to mix with water and form a milky emulsion, making it easy to rinse off instead of leaving a greasy residue like pure oils can.

DOUBLE-CLEANSING GUIDE

Add cleansing oil to palm of hand or balm to your fingertips.
Use fingers from opposite hand to apply to dry skin.
Gently massage in circular motions, including your eyes for about 30 seconds or until you feel the makeup melting.
Rinse with lukewarm water or gently remove the cleanser with a soft, warm washcloth.
Follow with your regular cleanser and apply to damp skin.
Gently massage in circular motions, avoiding the eye area if not intended for the eyes.
Rinse.
Pat your skin dry.
Finish your skin care routine!

Have you tried double cleansing before? What do you think of the process?

Double cleansing is a game-changing skincare technique that involves using two different cleansers—an oil-based one followed by a water-based cleanser—to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from your skin. It’s an essential step in any skincare routine, especially for those who wear makeup, live in polluted areas, or have oily or acne-prone skin. This method allows the first cleanser to break down makeup and oil-based impurities while the second one deeply cleanses your skin, leaving it soft, refreshed, and ready to absorb the benefits of your skincare products.

The double cleansing method first became popular in South Korea and Japan before catching on in Europe and North America. And with good reason! Whether you’re dealing with heavy makeup or just want to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean, double cleansing is an effective solution that leaves your skin looking radiant and feeling healthier.

Don’t have an oil-based cleanser? No problem! You can still double cleanse using two regular cleansers, but using a dedicated oil-based formula ensures that makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils are removed before your second cleanse works its magic. Let’s dive into how you can incorporate double cleansing into your routine and explore some amazing products to help you achieve clean, glowing skin.

How to Double Cleanse

To start your double cleanse, begin with an oil-based cleanser, cleansing balm, or even a gentle exfoliating scrub like Isa Knox LXNEW Clean 2-In-1 Exfoliating Cleansing Balm.

This first step dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and any oil-based impurities from your skin. We love the The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil, a lightweight formula features skin-nourishing ingredients, including jojoba oil and rice water extract, to help remove every trace of dirt and makeup while also visibly brightening the skin.

After your oil-based cleanse, follow with a water-based cream or gel cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and debris.

For this step, try the belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser, a jelly-to-foam formula that gently removes makeup and impurities while keeping your skin’s moisture intact.

If you prefer something refreshing, the Isa Knox LXNEW Clean Balancing Gel Cleanser is an invigorating gel-to-foam cleanser that gently removes oil and impurities while balancing and hydrating your skin with panthenol.

When and Who Should Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing is perfect for a wide range of skin types and concerns. For those with normal-to-oily skin, this method helps remove excess oil, makeup, and impurities that may accumulate throughout the day. People who are prone to breakouts or have acne-prone skin will also benefit from double cleansing, as the oil-based cleanser effectively removes excess sebum and pore-clogging impurities, while the second water-based cleanser works to clean deeper into the skin, reducing the chance of breakouts. Regular makeup wearers or those who use sunscreen daily will find double cleansing especially useful, as it ensures that even long-lasting or waterproof products are thoroughly removed, preventing clogged pores and dull skin.

Even if you have sensitive skin, you can still reap the benefits of double cleansing. The key is choosing gentle, non-irritating products that nourish and protect your skin’s natural barrier. Sensitive skin types often shy away from heavy cleansing routines for fear of over-drying or causing irritation, but by selecting mild, hydrating products, you can double cleanse without worrying about skin reactions.

If you’re new to double cleansing or have sensitive skin, it’s important to start with a gentle oil-based cleanser like the Isa Knox LXNEW Clean Soothing Whipped Oil Cleanser. This soothing cleanser is formulated with panthenol and aloe to gently remove impurities without stripping your skin of essential moisture.

Following with a sensitive-skin-friendly water-based cleanser like the Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is the perfect second step, as its whipped, creamy texture glides over your skin, effectively cleansing while adding moisture. Together, these products provide a complete yet gentle double cleanse that leaves your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and nourished.

Double-Cleansing Routine Guide

Here’s your step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect double cleanse:

Start with an oil-based cleanser: Apply your oil cleanser or cleansing balm to dry skin. We recommend The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil,or Isa Knox LXNEW Clean 2-In-1 Exfoliating Cleansing Balm for a gentle, effective start.
Massage in circular motions: Gently massage the cleanser into your skin, focusing on areas where makeup and sunscreen build up, including around the eyes. Massage for about 30 seconds until you feel the makeup melting away.
Rinse: Use lukewarm water to rinse off the oil cleanser or gently wipe it away with a soft, warm washcloth.
Follow with a water-based cleanser: On damp skin, apply your second cleanser. A great choice is the belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser or Isa Knox LXNEW Clean Balancing Gel Cleanser, both of which provide a deep cleanse while hydrating your skin.
Massage again: Gently massage the second cleanser into your skin in circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse again: Use lukewarm water to rinse off your second cleanser.
Pat dry: Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Complete your routine: After double cleansing, finish your skincare routine with your usual serums, moisturizers, and treatments.

Have You Tried Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a skincare game-changer that ensures your skin is completely clean, leaving it ready to fully absorb the benefits of your other skincare products. It’s especially useful for those who wear makeup, use sunscreen regularly, or have oily or acne-prone skin. By removing all impurities in two steps, you’re able to prevent clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin, while also keeping your skin’s natural moisture intact.

If you haven’t yet added double cleansing to your skincare routine, now is the perfect time to start. Ready to give it a try? Shop Avon’s range of cleansers today and discover the benefits of double cleansing for yourself!

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