Why Double Cleansing is the Key to Clearer Skin

Living in such a fast-paced environment can sometimes propel us to prioritize convenience over anything and although that mindset is not bad, it can sometimes lead us to justify half-hearted skincare and self-care routines. The idea of a double cleanse is simple: instead of stripping your skin with makeup wipes or a cotton bud soaked in micellar water, you instead allow your day’s worth of makeup/dirt to melt away using a two-step cleansing technique.

Double Cleansing is the Key

When you double cleanse, you are essentially ensuring that your skin is a clean slate, one that can easily absorb the products that you will put on next. That being said, it is easy for double cleansing to become counterproductive, especially if you don’t use the right products. Clean beauty expert and esthetician Allie Compton breaks down the main reasons why you should consider adding a double-cleansing step to your routine.

Q. Why Double Cleanse?

AC: “Double cleansing is the use of an oil or balm-based cleanser massaged on dry skin to first break up grime, makeup, and sunscreen prior to following up with a secondary treatment-oriented cleanser. After the initial cleanse, the treatment cleanser can go to work on freshly cleansed skin to ensure all of the benefits of the skincare actives are being received. Double cleansing your face is a quick, enjoyable addition to any skincare routine with benefits ranging from clearer, brighter skin to more healthy, hydrated skin.”

Q. How do you choose your double cleansing products?

AC: “Find a cleansing oil or balm that emulsifies (rinses clean with water), to avoid fighting with a dirty washcloth at your sink. Choose your second cleanser based on your skin type and concerns – this is where it gets fun! If you have drier, more sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a gentle milky cleanser or mild gel cleanser. Oily and acne prone skin types can benefit from a cleansing gel that contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and/or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), or fruit acids to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin. Dull skin can be brightened up with a gentle scrub-based cleanser as a second cleanse. Many cleansers have been designed to be left on as quick treatment masks to reveal glowy skin.”

Q. When should you double cleanse? 

AC: “Double cleansing is only really necessary at night to remove the grime, makeup, and sunscreen from the skin prior to cleansing with a treatment- oriented cleanser. The skin has a protective barrier that can be compromised by over cleansing. Try to give your skin a rest in the morning by refreshing with a hydrating toner either spritzed directly on the skin or used on a cotton round.”

Q. Should everyone double cleanse?

AC: “Double cleansing is a great addition to a balanced skincare routine for any skin type or concern. For acne prone skin or skin prone to congestion (blackheads or whiteheads), stick to a cleansing oil or cleansing balm that emulsifies (can be rinsed off or dissolved with water alone). I like to give the not-so-pretty analogy of a dirty frying pan as an example of the effectiveness of double cleansing. When a pan has a lot of resistant residue after cooking, adding a little oil to the pan can help to eliminate the grease build up. This will ensure that no oils are left behind on the skin to collect and clog pores over time.   Here are some BB-approved products that you might want to add to your cleansing routine:

1. Chella Hydrating Lush Balm – An oil based cleanser formulated with almost 80% olive oil. This is perfect for those of you with dry and peeling skin. It keeps your skin hydrated while removing your makeup, ensuring that your skin isn’t overly stripped from its natural oils.
2. Blissoma Free Gel Cleanser – This plant-based cleanser is the best Step 2 cleanser for any skin type. It is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin but is also very effective in removing a day’s worth of makeup.
3. The Organic Skin Co Clean Slate – The best natural face wash and pore cleaner for those with oily to combination skin. It contains organic basil extract, aromatic citrus essential oil, organic aloe vera, and organic shea butter.