Some things are better doubled; ice cream scoops, coffee shots and Stenmarks. Oh, and cleansing! Read on to find out why, how and when double cleansing can benefit the skin best.
Double Cleansing is exactly that – cleansing twice: once to clean off the makeup, sunscreen, free radicals, general day-to-day dirt, and the second time to clean the skin itself of any surface oil or impurities and residue.
“It is good skin maintenance,” explains Yvonne Culhane, Face Plus Medispa Skin and Laser Therapist, who insists that double cleansing should be “standard protocol for all skin types and concerns.”
Marie Enna-Cocciolone, CEO & Founder, Inskin Cosmedics agrees, explaining that double cleansing is especially imperative for anyone who wears any amount of makeup whatsoever (i.e. all of us!) and most notably those prone to breakouts who need to rebalance oil flow to the skin.
How To Do Double Cleansing:
A big trend at the moment is using an oil cleanser followed by a gel cleanser for a more nourishing and comfortable cleanse, Marie explains. “Skin is not left dry and tight.”
Some people like to mix more specific products depending on their age or skin type, adds Yvonne, explaining that a deeper cleanse may be obtainable with a foam or gel cleanser for the first cleanse, and then a milk cleanser for the second to replace the lipids. “However, for sensitive skin with impaired barrier function, or excessive lipid dry skin types, a gel or foam cleanser may not be suitable, therefore a cream cleanser maybe best,” she suggests. “Consulting with an expert in this field is most important to obtain the correct products.”
To Tool Or Not To Tool?
Cleansing tools such as Clarisonic can offer some extra oomph to double cleansing, notes Yvonne. “You can use cleansing tools to give a deeper cleanse and get to harder to reach areas,” she explains, “also this is great to stimulate circulation and cell renewal.” Marie is quick to add that any cleansing tools are best reserved for completion of the second cleanse “once the skin is free of makeup,” she says.
Don’t Double Up On:
If you do choose to use two different cleansers for your double up, then be careful about the mix, the expert’s caution. “You should never double cleanse with an AHA cleanser,” cautions Yvonne. “In this instance, you would only cleanse once with an AHA and then you would do the second cleanse with a cream or milk based cleanser,” she says. “AHAs will strip the skin causing inflammation and redness if used too frequently.
Oils with oils are also best avoided, notes Marie. “Simply too much oil can lead to over nourishing, congestion and hinder any skincare or serum absorption,” she explains.
Do Double Up On:
“Aloe and glycerine are two great ingredients that boost each other’s efficiency,” explains Yvonne as aloe is a calming ingredient and glycerine is moisturizing, which is non comedogenic and doesn’t clog pores. “A lot of issues begin with using harsh cleansers that are not PH balanced and interfere and strip the skin,” she explains, “therefore working with calming and hydrating ingredients such as aloe and glycerine benefit the skins appearance and maintenance all round.”
Double Cleansing Decoded:
- Always pull your hair back so that you can cleanse right up to the hair line and the back of the ears to prevent breakout around these areas,” Marie suggests.
- “Apply the first cleanser directly to dry skin (without water) and cleanse gently, moving in circular motions,” Yvonne says. “Remove product with lukewarm water and a face cloth and then remove excess make up around the eye area with soft cotton pads or clean cloth.” Repeat the second cleanse and remove.
- Always remove the first and second cleanse with a wet face wash, keep removing until the face washer rinses clean and “use a clean face washer daily,” Marie suggests.
- “Avoid cleansers that are not PH balanced as these can strip the skin and can interrupt the natural PH of the skin which is optimal for daily skin function,” Yvonne cautions.
- When cleansing around eye area, always cleanse gently, wiping in an anti clockwise motion.
- “If you are using a cleansing device rinse it thoroughly every night so it doesn’t harbor bacteria,” Marie warns.
- Don’t use cold water, warm water will open up the pores for a thorough skin cleanse.
