Image Source: Skin Proud [1]
As a beauty editor I'm often asked to recommend products for various skin concerns and my first question is: "How do you cleanse your skin?" This simple questions tells me everything I need to know about their skincare habits and which products I need to recommend. If it is a case of, "Erm, not much" then I know we need to start simple with a cleanser [2] and moisturiser [3]. If they start reeling off a million products my next question is: "Do you double cleanse?" More often than not the answer is no, so this is one of the areas that can be added quite quickly and can have a positive impact on skin.
"Cleansing is the first crucial step in your routine," Charlotte Knight [4], CEO and Founder of Skin Proud tells PS UK. "This step essentially preps your skin ready for the next products in your routine so they can work efficiently to deliver maximum results." Double cleansing means exactly what you think: cleansing your face twice, usually as part of your evening routine.
It doesn't involve any fancy tools or expensive ingredients, making it one of the most simple steps you can make at home to benefit your skin. It is no surprise #doublecleanse is currently going viral on social media with 355 million TikTok views, however a recent survey by Sculpted by Aimee — The Dirty Report [5] — reveals almost half of us aren't taking our cleansing seriously. The study also found that the majority of us only cleanse when we are wearing makeup and some of us, 37 per cent to be exact, go to bed without cleansing at all if we are tired.
So what are the benefits of double cleansing and should we all be doing it? Read on to find out why these experts say its a big fat yes.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing isn't using two face wipes instead of just one. "Double cleansing is one of the single best things you can do for your skin," says Aimee Connolly, CEO and Founder of Sculpted by Aimee, who has recently added a dual cleansing product to her skincare offering, which means you get all the benefits of a double cleanse from one product.
Typically a double cleanse routine will consist of first using an oil-based remover on dry skin, working it into the skin to lift off any makeup. It's then washed off and followed by a cream or water-based cleanser to ensure all makeup is thoroughly removed, and to aid hydration. This is more effective if it is done at night when you have been wearing makeup all day and exposed to environmental factors like pollution, dirt and grime. In terms of the morning, one cleanse is usually enough if you have cleansed your skin sufficiently in the evening.
What Are The Benefits of Double Cleansing?
"Double cleansing is an important part of your cleansing routine as the first cleanser works to remove makeup, daily grime and environmental aggressors," explains Knight. "The second cleanser works deeper into the skin for a clean, clear canvas."
During the cleansing process your cleanser is working its magic to remove any buildup on the skin such as dirt, bacteria, sebum or makeup, however sometimes some traces can remain on the skin past the first cleanse. "This is why a double cleansing routine is ideal to ensure that the top layer and deeper layers of skin are all thoroughly cleansed and anything left on the skin which can cause irritation has been cleansed away," says Knight.
This way the skin is completely clear from makeup residue and the second cleanse leaves the skin "soft and hydrated, keeping skin healthy and clear". Poorly-removed makeup is one of the main culprits of blocked pores and, subsequently, blemishes. With double cleansing you can be sure that you've removed everything.
Is Double Cleansing Effective For All Skin Types?
If you've read the words oil cleanser and immediately worried about increasing grease and shine, worry not. Oil works like a magnet, effectively lifting dirt and pigment from the skin, so that skin is actually cleaner and fresher after using an oil cleanser as the first step. This means those with oily skin should not fear that they will clog their pores with oils as they are being washed off, lifting all the grime as they go. You'll find they are doing the opposite to pore clogging.
The second part of the cleanse should be the treatment part, this is the cleanser that can improve the texture and treat the skin further, so this is where you can use a cleanser to meet your specific skin type to improve the skin's texture.
You will find this additional step will leave you skin feeling hydrated and nourished, so you may find you will use less serum and moisturiser because the intensive cleansing has done a good job beforehand. Prepped and clean skin provides the perfect base for serums and moisturisers to work their magic and absorb deep into the skin.
Does Double Cleansing Help Your Makeup Application?
Good makeup always starts with good skin care. As you continue to double cleanse regularly you should find that the texture may improve, it can also potentially improve the clarity and hydration of the skin which means that essentially you need less foundation or base, as skin is fresh and flawless. Foundation always sits better when the skin is hydrated and has been well prepped.
Which Product Do You Recommended For a Double Cleanse Routine?
You can use any oil-based and cream-based cleansers you like, but if you're looking to purchase a new one then the Sculpted by Aimee DuoCleanse [7] (£32) is a good place to start. Available in three types, brighten, clarity and Exfoliate, the first cleanse is oil-based to remove all the dirt and grime, before the treatment side of the cleanse can be targeted to your individual skin needs. Both cleansers work perfectly together so it takes the guess work out of the equation.
As a big oil-based and balm cleanser fan I could list at least 10 products I love for this first step including The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter [8] and classics like Elemis Cleansing Butter [9] (£49) and Emma Hardie Moringa Balm [10] (£75). I have also been impressed with some purse-friendly options like Skin Proud Cleansing Butter [11] (£9.95) and Q+A Cleansing Balm [12] (£9)
For the second cleanse this is more target to specific concerns. If you are suffering from dull skin then a cleanser with vitamin C is a good option like Nip and Fab Vitamin C Cleanser [13] (£12.95). If you're suffering from excess oil and blemishes then Murad Clarifying Cleanser [14] (£32) is a good option.
Lauren Ezekiel [15] is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years' experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.