All your questions about Double Cleansing - answered

Double Cleansing is not just a trend, in fact it is a wildly beneficial way to keep your skin clear, fresh and ensure your precious active skincare products work more effectively. It is also more than just washing your face twice! The idea is that you use two different products to effectively remove the day’s build-up and then clean your skin. 

We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions regarding the do’s and don’ts of double cleansing. As well as debunked some myths around face washing.

Q: What is the deal with double cleansing, can I just wash my face twice?

Sort of! Double Cleansing is washing twice but with two different types of cleansers. Usually, the first cleanse should be with an oil-based product, à la the Essentials Cleansing Oil, as this dislodges and removes SPF, makeup and sebum. The second cleanse should be water-based (your favourite gel or cream cleanser) and this is what cleans your face. You can also use Micellar Water or a cleansing balm for your first cleanse.

This process efficiently removes impurities that could be detrimental to your skin; pollution, dirt, dead skin cells, sunscreen, makeup, sweat. This not only makes your skin look dull and congested, but can lead to blocked pores, breakouts and your skincare being less effective, as you need clean skin to allow the active ingredients in your products to penetrate properly. So, you see why it is a considerably important and beneficial part of your evening routine! 

Q: I don’t wear makeup, do I still need to double cleanse?

You may not wear makeup, but you are wearing sunscreen everyday (right? right!), and sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin, therefore it takes more than a sprinkle of water and cleanser to properly remove. Plus all the unseen debris that may come in contact with your skin during the day. If you just wash your face once, it often isn’t sufficient enough to remove all this build-up, therefore sebum and bacteria can collect, causing inflammation and blemishes. 

Q: Do I have to double cleanse in the morning too?

No, a single cleanse in the morning is sufficient as we imagine you’re not wearing more than skincare overnight. But none of this, single splash of water business, an actual clean with a cleanser and preferably a face cloth too, please.

Q: But my skin is oily, do I really need more oil on my skin?

Plant-derived oils such as those that are used in the Essentials Cleansing Oil won't clog pores, infact oil attracts oil so it will help regulate sebum and add hydration where it is needed. Oily skin needs hydration too, which we discuss in another post over here.

Q: Will cleansing twice strip my skin of moisture?

Not as long as you are cleansing with skin-friendly cleansers such as the Essentials Cleansing Oil which is made with skin-nourishing plant oils like Argan, Jojoba, Rose Hip, Sweet Almond and Wheat Germ Oil. As well as Squalane and Vitamin E which both nourish and moisturise the skin. It efficiently removes oily residue without stripping your skin. 

Then follow with a gel or cream water-based cleanser. These will cleanse thoroughly, but contain gentle, hydrating ingredients to ensure your skin is taken care of, never left feeling tight or dry. A foaming cleanser may be too stripping, however. 

Q: You’ve convinced me! So how exactly do I double cleanse?

The process is relatively straightforward and simple:

1. Pump a few drops of Essentials Cleansing Oil into your hands
2. Massage into dry skin in a circular motion for 1 - 2 minutes
3. Rinse with warm water and a face cloth
4. Cleanse with your favourite gel or cream cleanser
5. Rinse with warm water
6. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine!

Look forward to the benefits of clearer, brighter, healthier skin!

Keep reading: Why Cream Cleansers are underrated