Healthy skin is nothing without cleansing and cleansing properly.
Otherwise, you may experience things like accelerated signs of ageing (no thanks!).
What you won’t experience is your skin’s potential to be the best it can be (not the ‘best’ - because - no such thing; just your best).
That’s why a good cleanse is the cornerstone of any healthy skincare routine.
And shockingly, many of us still aren’t cleansing every night, let alone doing a double cleanse.
When my American aunt came to visit Australia last year and told me she NEVER cleanses her skin before bed, I was floored.
“I just don't wear that much makeup. And when I get home from work, I'm too tired.”
Ah, that old chesnut.
She proceeded to tell me she occasionally uses a makeup wipe when needed.
I’ve said it once and I'll say it again (mostly for my aunty who keeps using them) makeup wipes should now be considered historical artefacts.
If you’re already a daily cleanser - well done. If you wear makeup every day, we want you to level up your routine and start double cleansing!
But why should you double cleanse? What are the benefits of double cleansing? Are you wondering how to double cleanse for your skin type?
You’ve come to the right place.
I enlisted the help of our resident dermal therapist Yadira Cauchi to answer all things double cleansing as well as her double cleansing recommendations for dry, oily, combo and sensitive skin.
Keep reading (and maybe send this article to any aunties who are still sleeping with their makeup on)...
What Is Double Cleansing?
“Double cleansing is essentially just cleansing your face twice.” says Yads.
Wondering what the difference between the first and second cleanse is?
Yads explains that the first cleanse is usually with an oil-based product and the second cleanse is with a cleanser targeted for your skin type/concerns. These can include any gel, cream or foaming cleansers.
Although she says you can still “double cleanse with the same cleanser as long as it is fully removing your makeup and SPF from the day.”
This is actually what I personally do (more on this later) so good to know I have our resident Dermal Therapist’s tick of approval!
“Often, I tell my clients to dry their face with a white towel - if makeup is still coming off then you're either not cleansing for long enough, or you're using the wrong cleanser (s).” says Yads.
Why Is Double Cleansing Important?
Yads wants us to wave goodbye to our makeup wipes once and for all.
“Double cleansing is going to properly cleanse your skin and can prevent pore clogging and acne concerns.” she says.
“A lot of people don't tend to cleanse for long enough so it’s a great way to properly cleanse your face because one cleanse - especially when wearing heavy makeup is not enough.
Saying this though, if you don't wear makeup every day and if you have had a day without SPF (say it's torrential raining and you're stuck indoors) then one cleanse can be enough for the skin.
I personally am a huge advocate for double cleansing and recommend it to all my clients.”
What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing?
Yads confirms that when you double cleanse, your serums and follow up steps penetrate the skin better.
Double cleansing also slows down accelerated ageing as there's no build up etc.
According to Yads, the benefit of double cleansing is that “the first cleanse will break down any SPF/makeup and it can also remove excess oils/dirt from the day and properly clean your skin.”
This then “makes way for your second cleanser to go in and work its magic using ingredients that can further address any particular concerns e.g. hydration, or exfoliation for congestion/acne etc…”
Double Cleansing Method.
Yads recommends starting your first cleanse with a cleansing oil.
"I personally love an oil to break down makeup."
Wondering how to double cleanse? (don't worry, it's not a silly question, that's why we're here to help!).
Below, Yads lists her product recommendations for double cleansing that she says are “super effective at removing all traces of makeup and come at different price points.”
Step 1 Cleansers:
Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil - A silky oil formula that removes even waterproof makeup, dirt and impurities. Contains vitamin E and Safflower Oil. Also has over 60 five star reviews.
Cosmedix Purity Solution Deep Cleansing Oil - Uses melia azadirachta extract and a blend of oils to remove excess oil, makeup, sunscreen and environmental impurities while delivering antioxidants and keeping skin clear and radiant.
Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil - A scientifically-formulated, cosmeceutical cleansing oil that protects, strengthens and brightens the skin. Star ingredients include Biome Oleoactif® (supports the skin barrier), squalane (calming and balancing) and kakadu plum seed oil (a rich antioxidant).
Skinstitut Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil - An oil-to-milk textured cleanser that retains hydration while removing impurities. Also contains nourishing oils like kakadu plum, green tea oil and jojoba oils.
Step 2 Cleansers:
Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser 200mL - A gentle foaming facial cleanser with aloe vera, glycerin and calendula extracts.
All CeraVe Cleansers! Find them all here.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser - This milky cleanser is also a great affordable cream-based option.
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam 200ml - Is a bit of an untapped secret but better for normal/combo/oily skins.
My Double Cleansing Routine.
I used to be a triple cleanser!
I would start with an oil or balm cleanser, then follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser and whisked away any leftover residue with my Bioderma micellar water.
After the CeraVe foaming oil cleanser came into my life, (it’s so good at getting everything off) I no longer need to do a second cleanse and skip straight to the micellar water step.
For daily use, I rotate between my much-loved CeraVe cleanser and my new obsession - the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil 150ml (I love them both equally!).
If I’m feeling fancy or my skin needs a pick-me-up I’ll sometimes use the SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser 200ml which not only leaves my skin clean, it also looks more radiant.
The Best Cleansers for Each Skin Type.
Want to know the best cleanser to add to cart for your skin type? Yads has broken it down for us below:
Normal: The CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser 236ml, the Viviology gentle foaming cleanser or the Skinstitut gentle cleanser.
Oily: The Cerave foaming cleanser or the Cosmedix Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser (this is an active cleanser that can be used but just be mindful).
Combination: Viviology gentle foaming cleanser or the Sulwhasoo gentle cleansing foam.
Dry: The La Roche Posay Toleraine Dermo-cleanser, CeraVe hydrating cleanser or the CeraVe hydrating foaming oil cleanser.
Sensitive: The La Roche-Posay Toleraine Dermo-cleanser or the CeraVe hydrating cleanser.
