Cleansing is arguably the single most important step in your skin care routine. It’s something you do without a second thought (well, you should be doing it instinctively, but we can forgive you for crawling into bed after one-to-many G&T’s this time around). But what about doing it twice? Hailing from Korean skin care rituals, double cleansing has been making a steady mark in our regimes. But what exactly is it and how often should you be double cleansing?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered... We’re here to dispel the myths and give you the ultimate double cleansing routine to boost a complexion that’s clean, calm and collected. P.s. If cleansing as a concept is something you slightly confused about, we have an ultimate guide to you can read here, before you jump into double cleansing...
WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, double cleansing is essentially cleansing the skin... twice. A traditional double cleansing routine starts with a cleansing oil to remove whatever is on the complexion – think make up, SPF, dirt and buildup. Then it utilises a water-based formula that ensures neither your skin barrier nor levels of hydration are compromised – along with guaranteeing your complexion is thoroughly clean.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DOUBLE CLEANSE
Every. Single. Night. Even if you haven’t left the house and haven’t worn any make up. As an effective way to wash and prep your skin, a double cleaning routine not only removes daily dirt, grime and sunscreen, but the second water-based cleanse ensures your face is prepped and primed to allow for better absorption of your topical products – we’re talking your powerful retinols, hydrating hyalruonic acids and exfoliating AHA’s and BHA’s.
WHAT IS THE BEST ROUTINE FOR DOUBLE CLEANSING
STEP ONE: CLEANSING OILS
Cleansing oil is the first step to your routine. Making quick work of eliminating dirt, oil-based cleansers work because oil attracts oil. Most moisturisers, make up and sunscreens are infused with lipids, so your oil-based cleanser will effectively break these down without compromising your complexion. However, there are a few things to consider when picking your preferred product. If you have more of an oily skin type, it’s best to avoid comedogenic oils like coconut. Instead stick to blends powered by rosehip, grapeseed and jojoba. For those with dry skin we suggest choosing a heavier, thicker cleanser infused with hydrating oils like shea as they won’t disrupt your moisture barrier or leave your complexion feeling tight. And finally, those with sensitive skin should avoid formulas with fragrance and essential oils as they are known to cause unwanted irritation.
Now you know what oil cleansers do, it’s time to get to grips with how to use them...
Start by pouring out a dollop of your chosen formula (about the size of a 10p piece) and massage it into your hands, before rubbing the product in circular motions over your face. Remember, if you’ve used SPF and make up on your neck don’t forget to take the oil cleanser down there too. Once massaged, damp your hands and emulsify the product before rinsing it off. If you’re being extra careful with your skin, you could use a gentle face cloth to wipe the product away too.
THE BEST CLEANSING OILS FOR YOUR DOUBLE CLEANSE ROUTINE
Ideal for preventing a complexion tantrum, Pai Skincare’s Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Balm lifts away daily dirt with its reviving formula, infused with volcanically sourced Andean rosehip oil. High in omega’s 3,6,7 and 9 plus antioxidant rich carotenoid, this face wash not only removes grime but repairs and protects your barrier against environmental stress and damage.
Best for: oily skin
SHOP ALL PAI SKINCARE >>> Luxurious and infused with papaya extract, sunflower and ginger root oils Farmacy’s Green Clean Balm effectively dissolves stubborn make up and impurities to leave skin smooth, soft and refreshed. Not only that, but it’s powered by the brand’s patented Echinacea GreenEnvy complex to promotes even tone and texture too.
Best for: dry skin
SHOP ALL FARMACY>>> Powered by anti-pollution technology and vitamin E, Medik8’s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil goes that extra mile when it comes to hydration. Enriched with fatty-acid rich safflower oil and moringa extract, this skin soothing saviour makes quick work of stuborn make up while helping to replenish the complexion with much needed nourishment. Working in harmony with your moisture barrier, it leaves skin feeling soft, supple and deeply moisturised.
Best for: sensitive skin
SHOP ALL MEDIK8 >>> SHOP ALL CLEANSING OILS >>> STEP TWO: WATER-BASED CLEANSERS
This step in your face wash routine is where the magic happens. As your water-based choice is your ‘day-to-day' cleanser, it’s at this point that you can customise your routine to tackle your particular skin concerns. For example, if you're tired of texture choose a cleanser that also exfoliates, if you're hunting for hydration pick a product that’s moisturising. You can also use a skin care tool to add a little spice to your routine. Foreo’s Luna 4 Smart Facial Cleansing and Firming Massage Device features 16 adjustable intensities and 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations to not only boost your cleansing ritual but helps to relax tense facial muscles and improve lymphatic drainage too.
Unlike oil-based cleansers, the water-based version needs to be lathered on wet skin to get all its benefits. We suggest lathering your face for 60 seconds to really get the product in. Working gently, massage it across your visage taking note to get as close to the hairline as possible — so that all excess dirt and grime (and that intractable bronzer you’ve expertly blended in) is effectively removed.
THE BEST WATER-BASED DOUBLE CLEANSERS FOR YOUR DOUBLE CLEANSE ROUTINE
Available in a handy duo – making it easy to double cleanse when your home or away, Fresh’s Soy Cleansing Duo is powered proteins, soothing cucumber extracts, nourishing borage seed oil and cooling aloe vera. Soothing and hydrating it’s the ideal last step before your serums, treatments, moisturisers and more.
SHOP ALL FRESH >>> Formulated for dry skin, BIOEFFECT’s nourishing Facial Cleanser is the non-stripping gel-to-milk infusion supercharged by hydrating squalane. Not only that, but with the addition of antioxidant-rich barley seed extract it soothes the complexion and seals in moisture, leaving skin feeling ultra-hydrated and luminous.
SHOP ALL BIOEFFECT >>> Working to gently exfoliate, Kinship’s Naked Apple Niacinamide Deep Pore Gel Cleanser is a plant-powered, blemish-busting gel that keeps your excess oils in check while also strengthening your skin barrier. Infused with sustainably-sourced apple extract and Kinship’s patented Kinbiome probiotic, this face wash keeps complexions feeling comfortable, nourished and baby soft every time you rinse.
SHOP ALL KINSHIP >>> Now that your complexion is thoroughly clean, you can pat the skin down to remove any excess water and layer on the rest of your routine. If you’re using a retinol or other chemical exfoliant make sure your skin it completely dry before applying, but if your using hyaluronic acid or another humectant then its best practice to dab them directly onto a wet face.
So, there you have it, now your skin can look radiant, revitalised and seriously refreshed with an easy yet effective double cleanse routine... All it takes is a one-two step!
SHOP ALL CLEANSERS >>> 
