How To Double Cleanse Based On Your Skin Type?

Whether you are a skincare expert or a novice, you might already have some basic steps in your day or nighttime routine - moisturizers, sunscreen, serums, and a daily cleanse. So, is adding a whole other step really worth it? Is double cleansing necessary?

Apart from the products layered on your skin, daily exposure to environmental factors just adds dust, dirt, smoke, and other unwanted toxins to your skin’s surface. And based on your skin type, a simple cleansing cannot completely get all the substances out, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, pigmentation, and more.

This is why the effective Korean double-cleansing routine has now been adopted all across the world as a staple for healthy skin.

In this blog, we will explore tips on how to double cleanse based on your skin type.

What is double cleansing?

The idea of a double cleansing skincare routine is as easy as it sounds - washing your face twice, with two different types of cleansers, to get a deeper, more effective cleanse.

• First, use an oil-based cleanser to clean water-proof makeup, sunscreen, and any excess sebum or oily impurities on your skin.
• Once the more stubborn substances are lifted off, use a water-based cleanser to penetrate your skin easily, clean and unclog pores and remove dirt or other leftover impurities.

While this is the basic definition, you further need to know how to double cleanse based on your skin type.

Why is double cleansing important according to your skin type?

Choosing cleansers for your skin type can help address specific concerns without causing any unknown damage.

For example, when double cleansing for oily acne-prone skin, remember that oily skin has more sebum which needs to be removed every day to avoid breakouts.

However, a daily double cleanse for dry skin is not necessary. Moreover, it is important to check the ingredients in your cleansers too. Normal to dry skin can benefit from a moisturizing cleanser while individuals with oily skin must use cleansers with active anti-inflammatory or antibacterial ingredients. And sensitive skin types must use fragrance-free products.

We’ve covered more details below on double cleansing for combination skin, oily skin, dry skin, and normal skin, so keep reading!

How often should you do double cleansing?

This practice is often recommended once a day, especially in the evenings, as you are more likely to have a face full of products, makeup, and sometimes dust accumulated from outside.

When looking to double cleanse based on your skin type, focus on the frequency. As mentioned earlier, oily or acne-prone skin could benefit from a daily double cleanse.

Even those who wear make-up regularly, exercise often, or are exposed to pollution, should double cleanse regularly in the evenings.

Is double cleansing necessary every day for those with dry skin? No, because it could lead to over-stripping the skin of its limited natural oils. If you have skin issues like eczema, then your double cleansing skincare routine can be avoided during flare-ups.

How to double-cleanse based on your skin type

The basics of double cleansing for oily, acne-prone skin, dry skin, or even combination skin are all the same.

How to use cleansing oil, balm, or any other oil-based cleaner as the first step

• Take a pea-sized amount on your palm and then massage it into your skin in circular motions, for about a minute.
• You can also slightly wet your hands to emulsify it.
• Then rinse it with a washcloth or by using lukewarm water with your hands.
• Be careful not to use hot water which can be dehydrating for your skin.
• On damp skin, take a small amount of water-based cleanser and follow the same instructions as the first step.

After a minute, use lukewarm water to wash off the cleanser and all other substances with it, and then pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Now that you know the steps, here are some of the more specific details on how to double cleanse based on your skin type.

How to double cleanse based on your skin type

1. If you have oily skin

• Since this skin type is more prone to breakouts, you have to choose the products wisely.
• Double cleansing for oily skin should be done with lightweight cleansers that are formulated to regulate oil production.
• If they have ingredients like moringa oil or roe oil or antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, then they can be an added benefit.

For your second water-based cleanser, choose foaming ones with active ingredients like salicylic acid that can help get rid of excess sebum and leave the skin cleaner.

2. If you have dry skin

• When double cleansing for dry skin, remember to use gentle cleansers that are unscented and don’t contain any preservatives or drying agents.
• Cream cleansers can also have less drying effects on your skin foaming ones.
• A challenge you might face with double cleansing for dry skin is over-washing. So choosing cleansers with emollients such as jojoba oils or shea butter can help retain moisture in your skin.
• You can even start slowly by using micellar water in the first step, before thoroughly washing with your water-based cleanser.

3. If you have sensitive skin

• For those with eczema, rosacea, or other sensitive skin issues, the best way to double cleanse based on your skin type is to use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers like with dry skin.
• Pick products free of unwanted sulfates or parabens. But remember to look for ones packed with antioxidants or anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extract, Vitamin E, aloe vera, etc.

4. If you have acne-prone skin

• Double cleansing for acne-prone skin requires lightweight, oil-control cleansers, just like how you would choose a simple cleanser for oily skin. But, you will need to pay closer attention to the ingredients.
• Try to ensure that your water-based cleanser has glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which works extra hard to remove dead cells which would otherwise clog your pores.
• Choosing anti-inflammatory products when double cleansing for acne-prone skin can also greatly help in reducing skin irritation.

5. If you have normal / combination skin

• To be on the skin-safe side when double cleansing for combination skin or normal skin, choose lightweight cleansing oils suitable for oily skin too.
• For water-based cleansers, pick a gentle foaming, cream, or gel cleanser, but make sure that it cleans excess oil and dirt while still providing adequate hydration.

Additional tips for double cleansing

• If you have normal, combination, or dry skin, don’t opt for the popular Korean double cleanser routine on days when you go make-up free, as this can help you prevent overwashing.
• To reap the most benefits of double cleansing without drying out your skin, apply your moisturizer soon after the cleansing and seal in the moisture.
• Choose products with anti-aging ingredients when double cleansing for dry skin. This is because dry skin is more likely to develop early aging signs, so ingredients like Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or green tea can rejuvenate dull skin even during the cleansing process.
• Using pH-balanced formulas is great when double cleansing for acne-prone skin as they can slow down bacterial growth, and in turn, reduce breakouts.

Conclusion

This gentle, two-step cleansing routine is undoubtedly effective in clearing out impurities from your skin and thus, allowing the skincare products you use to weave their magic without hindrance.

However, bear in mind that you shouldn’t follow the next person’s routine and double cleanse based on your skin type.

Follow the tips and steps laid out above and always remember to listen to the needs of your skin. Start slow, start small, and start once every few days, and eventually, you can increase the frequency as per your requirements.