What is Double Cleansing? Experts Break It Down the Two-Step Process—Plus, Top-Rated Face Washes for Each Step

For those who regularly wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, she says, double cleansing can be useful in effectively removing all the impurities from the skin. She adds that it can help those with oily and acne-prone; as mentioned previously it can help unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. But those with dry or sensitive skin or anyone who doesn’t normally wear heavy makeup, she says you can stick to your normal cleansing routine. Figuring out your skin’s needs is most important in how you adjust your skincare accordingly.

“Ultimately, while double cleansing can be a valuable addition to a skin-care routine, it’s not universally necessary,” she says. “It should be tailored to your specific skin type and habits.”

How to Double Cleanse

Typically, double cleansing is achieved with two different formulas. The first is typically an oil-based wash like a cleansing oil, balm, or cream cleanser that can break down and slough away impurities with ease. The second cleanse, which should work to exfoliate, smooth, brighten, or hydrate the skin, is achieved through a water-based gel, foam, or micellar water. Oftentimes, people choose to double cleanse at night followed by a gentle, conditioning wash in the morning just to refresh the skin.

As with any other part of your regimen, curate your cleansing to your liking. “Double cleansing should never cause skin tightness, rashes, irritation, or breakouts,” says Nichols. “To prevent over-washing and its adverse effects on the skin, it is crucial to use the correct products based on (your) skin type. Know that double cleansing, like all skin-care routines, is not one-size-fits-all, so each individual may have different practices for best cleansing their skin.” With this guidance in mind, read on to learn more about each cleansing step, along with our edit of the best formulas to try.

Step One: The Melt Cleanse

Marino dubs the first step “the melt cleanse,” as it looks to cut through makeup and impurities; it’s a process made simple with cleansing oils, balms, and rich cream cleansers. Because of their conditioning properties, this is significantly impactful for those with dry skin or throughout the winter. While you’re aiming to remove dirt, you do not want to strip your skin of its essential oils.

If you’re looking for an oil, Korean beauty solutions by DHC and Sulwhasoo are industry favorites. While the former is powered by a blend of vitamin E, olive fruit, and rosemary leaf oil, the latter uses coix lacryma-jobi seed, tangerine peel extract, and apricot kernel oil to refresh skin. There’s also Tatcha’s version enriched with camellia oil. 

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