Double cleansing: what it is and how to do it with the right products

WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?

Double cleansing consists of cleansing the face with two cleansers: one foaming and one oil-based.

With the foaming cleanser, you perform a contrast cleansing where the substance responsible for the cleansing action is the surfactant. The removal of dirt is guaranteed by the presence of the surfactant capable of solubilizing and transporting grease and dirt into the water.

With the oil-based cleanser, instead, you perform a cleansing by affinity, where the substance responsible for the cleansing action is the lipid (oil) that acts as a solvent towards the fats in which the dirt is embedded (like dissolves like).

WHY USE TWO CLEANSERS?

Double cleansing consists of using two facial cleansers, specifically:

• Oil-based cleanser that removes oil-based impurities, including makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution;
• Foaming cleanser that removes dirt residues.

DOUBLE CLEANSING: WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

For all Skin types. Fundamentally, it is extremely useful for anyone who wears heavy makeup.

HOW TO PERFORM DOUBLE CLEANSING AND WHICH OIL TO USE?

Apply the oil-based cleanser to the palm of your dry hand, then use your fingers to gently massage it into the dry Skin on your face using circular motions for around 30 seconds, or until all of your makeup has fully dissolved.

Do not use just any oil as an oil-based cleanser, but opt for an oil specially formulated for cleansing: it will contain an emulsifying substance that will allow you to more easily remove oil and makeup residues by creating a milky microemulsion.

Next, wet your face, apply the foaming cleanser, and massage in circular motions.

Finally, rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your Skin dry with a soft towel.

HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD YOU PERFORM DOUBLE CLEANSING?

Double cleansing is only recommended as part of your evening skincare routine. After all, that is the time of day your Skin is most likely to be covered in makeup and daily grime.

WHERE DOES THIS TECHNIQUE ORIGINATE? HERE'S WHYIt is called Korean double cleansing

Japan and Korea are the founding fathers. It is said that Japanese geishas used cleansing oils and later foaming cleansers to remove their white makeup.

The technique then became popular with the 10-step Korean skincare routine.

DOUBLE CLEANSING FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES: DOES IT ALWAYS WORK?

One of the most common questions I get asked about double cleansing relates to Skin types: is this technique always beneficial, or are there specific Skin types that should avoid it? The answer is that double cleansing can be used to deeply cleanse every type of Skin, as long as you take the appropriate precautions for your specific needs.

DOUBLE CLEANSING FOR DRY SKIN AND SENSITIVE SKIN

Sometimes double cleansing is sometimes discouraged for delicate Skin, sensitive, or dry Skin, as this practice is often considered too harsh for those types. In reality, with the right precautions, it can be done without major issues. The most important rules are to always avoid cleansing wipes and cotton pads, which can scratch the Skin, limit your double cleansing routine to the evening so you don’t over-stress your Skin, and choose gentle, hydrating products. For this Skin type, the recommendation is to use a makeup-cleansing oil for the first step of the Korean cleansing routine, followed by a foaming cleanser.

DOUBLE CLEANSING FOR COMBINATION SKIN

And in the case of combination skin and Korean cleansinghow should you proceed? Is this a winning combination? The answer is yes in this case, too: this facial cleansing method can be used successfully, and especially well, for those with combination Skin. When used with the right products, this cleansing technique is gentle enough to respect and keep areas of Dry skin soft, while thoroughly cleaning oily skin areas at the same time.

DOUBLE CLEANSING FOR OILY SKIN

The scenario where Korean double cleansing naturally performs at its best is undoubtedly that of oily skin: this two-step cleansing process cleans deeper, properly cleansing your face and clearing it of impurities, excess sebum, and makeup. What’s more, far from making your Skin more oily, the oil-based cleanser binds to sebum through chemical affinity, making it much easier to remove. You do need to be careful with the foaming cleanser you use for the second step: if you choose one that is too harsh, you risk triggering your Skin to produce extra sebum to try to rebuild its protective barrier.

KOREAN DOUBLE CLEANSING: IS IT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH ACNE?

Another question I often get is related to double cleansing and acne: is the Korean technique recommended for Impure skin and acne-prone Skin? In this case too, the answer is yes, but with the necessary limitations: first, if you suffer from severe acne, you should always consult your specialist dermatologist before choosing a specific routine or product. Every case is different, and what may work for one person can prove disastrous for another. Furthermore, remember that the first step is the most important one: despite concerns about using an oil on already oily Skin, an oil-based cleanser is exactly what makes double cleansing perfect even if you have acne, because the oil base binds to sebum, helping you eliminate it much more easily.

CAN YOU PERFORM DOUBLE CLEANSING WITH OTHER PRODUCTS?

Earlier in the article, we learned that double cleansing should be done with an oil-based cleanser and a foaming cleanser; and if we wanted to use other products, would it still work? The answer is no: to be truly effective, double cleansing cannot be done with micellar water, coconut oil or any other non-cosmetic products. Always stick to the products we have recommended, following the correct order of use: first apply the oil-based product to break down makeup, sebum, and impurities, then use the foaming cleanser to deeply clean the epidermis. Using other types of products that are not specifically formulated for cosmetic facial cleansing can undermine the entire process, leaving your Skin irritated without properly removing all impurities.