Filipina Guide to Double Cleansing

Double cleansing has become a bit of a buzzword lately. The reason why is because it really works!

Double cleansing is a method of skin cleansing to remove all impurities, cleanse the skin and calm your senses.

Where did double cleansing started?

Japan and Korea are the founding fathers of double cleansing technique.

Japanese Geishas used cleansing oils followed by a foamy cleanser to remove their white makeup. This technique also became popular as part of the Korean 10-step skin care routine, which was later adopted in the West and became a major component of Western beauty rituals.

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds. It involves thoroughly washing your face with two cleansers. The cleansers need to be two different types to have the desired effect.

What's the point of double cleansing?

Why do you need to use two cleansers? Well, here’s where the types matter.

• The first is usually an oil-based cleanser. Oil and water repel each other, which means that a water-based cleanser won’t effectively remove all the oil-based impurities on your skin. Sunscreen, makeup, and your body’s natural sebum are most effectively removed with an oil-based cleanser. This doesn’t strip the natural healthy oils from your face.
• This is followed up by a water-based cleanser. This is the type of cleanser most people likely think of when they hear the word “cleanser.” This is usually a foaming liquid (or bar) that removes the remaining impurities left behind by the oil cleanser, such as grime, sweat and dirt.

Not only is a double cleanse meant to give a more thorough cleanse, but it can also revitalize dull skin and allow other skin care products to penetrate more effectively.

However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you.

Won’t an oil-based cleanser cause breakouts?

According to some experts, this is a common misconception and say that oil plus oil doesn’t create more oil, pointing out that cleansing oils can remove pore-clogging substances that may lead to breakouts.

Who benefits from double cleansing?

Double cleansing is not necessary, but people with certain skin types may find it to be more worthwhile than others.

• For people with oily skin, two gentle formulas are generally a better way to combat excess oil than using one strong formula that is too harsh and could leave skin feeling too dry.
• Acne-prone individuals may also want to gently double cleanse to help remove the bacteria that can lead to breakouts.
• Finally, this technique can be very useful for those who wear heavy makeup.

What if you don’t wear makeup, do you still need to double cleanse?

Double cleansing isn’t just beneficial for makeup wearers.

1. Oil-based cleansers get rid of sunscreen and other oily substances can build up on the skin.
2. Once these are gone, the second cleanser doesn’t have to fight through an extra layer of impurities.

It just makes sense.

How often should you do double cleansing?

It’s common to only do your facial cleansing routine in the evening. After all, the skin is typically clogged with makeup or dirt at this time and the process is simpler to execute. The problem with only cleansing at night is that it isn't a great way to prevent breakouts, which is why it's important to use cleansers to exfoliate your face at all times of the day.

But you can adopt this technique in the mornings, too, as sebum is produced while you sleep. Choose a frequency that works with your lifestyle, and then try to keep to it daily for the best results.

The key is not to panic if you forget to cleanse your skin, just pick it up again the next day. The problem with the first step of cleansing is that it is often forgotten. But even if you do forget a few days in a row, your skin is still in the best position to recover.

Isn’t this time-consuming?

You may actually find you put in less effort with a double cleanse, as you don’t have to work as hard with each product. Plus, you’ll probably only spend an extra minute all in all.

Is it possible to over-wash your skin?

Yes it is possible and it’s easily noticeable as your skin is likely to show signs of dryness or irritation. However, with the right cleansers and technique, double cleansing shouldn’t harm the skin.

Ensure you gently massage the skin, rather than harshly rubbing it, and stick to a nighttime double cleanse if you feel twice a day is too much.

Certain skin types should look out for specific over-washing signs. People with dry skin will obviously notice further dryness, but oily skin types may notice their skin becomes oilier and more prone to breakouts.

Inflammation may occur in those who have acne.

How’s it done?

First apply the oil-based cleanser to your palm, and use your fingers to gently massage it into your skin using circular motions for around a minute.

Don’t forget the area around the eyes and the hairline. Oil-based cleansers should be fine to remove eye makeup as long as they’re free from fragrance.

When rinsing, use either a washcloth or your hands and lukewarm water to avoid dehydration. Oil-based cleansers that contain an emulsifier are typically easier to remove, as the oil combines with water to create a milky-type substance.

Now for the second cleanser, keep your skin damp and apply the water-based formula in exactly the same way as before. You shouldn’t need to use a lot — just enough that’ll nicely cover your face.

Once the minute is up, rinse off with lukewarm water and pat skin dry with a soft towel.

Remember to read the instructions on product labels and amend your technique to suit.

What cleansers should you use?

The cleansers you choose all depend on your skin type. But there are a few general rules to stick to.

• Avoid cleansers containing sulfates, which can strip natural oils, or potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance and alcohol.
• And examine the pH level of products. The skin’s average pH level is around 5, so try to find a cleanser with a similar level to keep things balanced.

Here are a few recommendations for each skin type.

If you have normal skin

Normal skin types don’t have to worry about a particular concern, though it’s still best to opt for moisturizing or creamy formulas.

If you have dry or sensitive skin

No matter the product, people with dry or sensitive skin should always look for a gentle, nonirritating formula.

A neutral pH level can help ensure skin isn’t dried out further, and ingredients such as jojoba oil and shea butter can help with hydration.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin

Stick to lightweight cleansers designed to regulate oil production.

For acne specifically, pay special attention to products containing anti-inflammatory ingredients such as vitamin E and glycolic acid.

If you have combination skin

People with combo skin types need to look for cleansers that’ll avoid oiliness but won’t leave skin feeling dry.

Choose a rich, oil-based cleanser containing moisturizing ceramides, followed by a revitalizing foaming cleanser.

What's next?

As soon as you’re done with the double cleanse, you’ll need to seal in moisture before getting on with the rest of your skin care regime.

• In the morning, follow up with a good quality moisturizer and sunscreen.
• At nighttime, choose between hydrating serums, oils, and night creams, or a combination.

How do you know if it is working?

To get the most benefit from the Double Cleansing, it takes time to see the results. It can take up to a week to notice the benefits of double cleansing, whether that's a brighter complexion, fewer breakouts, or simply clearer-feeling skin. But to really reap the rewards of a clean diet, it takes some commitment. That said, once you give the double cleanse a try, you’ll never look back!

If you haven't had any luck yet with a technique, consider purchasing other products that may work better for your skin. A wide variety of skincare and makeup brands make products specifically for sensitive skin, so look for those at your local department store or beauty supply store.

Still nothing? There are a few alternative methods. Try:

• cleansing with a cloth or gentle cleansing brush instead of your hands
• double cleansing with the same cleanser instead of two different ones
• returning to your regular one-cleanse routine

Final word...

If you really can’t be bothered, then don’t. A single cleanse may be just as effective when done properly. The main difference between a double cleanse and a single cleanse is time. There’s no harm in getting on board with double cleansing. Gentle is the keyword, whether that’s the formula of your cleansers or the technique you use.