If you’re looking to up your skincare game and get glowing, beautiful skin, then double cleansing is for you. Cleansing twice morning and night, is standard in any Korean skincare routine and it means cleansing your face twice; once with an oil based cleanser, and then again with a water based cleanser.
You may think, that it’s too much work, but it is very effective at getting rid of all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil, from your skin. And, when your skin is free of makeup, dirt, and oil, it can absorb serums and moisturizers better, which helps you get healthier and more glowing skin.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is a cleansing method that involves using an oil based cleanser followed by a water based cleanser. This two-step process helps to remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and sebum from the skin, leaving it super clean.
Why Is Double Cleansing Important?
There benefits to double cleansing your face, include:
- Leaves skin thoroughly clean: double cleansing ensures that all traces of makeup, dirt, and sebum are removed from the skin, leaving it completely clean.
- Clean skin absorbs products better.
- Can balance skin pH level
- The second cleanse can treat any skin concerns and hydrate the skin.
- Prevent breakouts: double cleansing can help to prevent breakouts as it removes all impurities from the skin which can clog pores and cause blackheads and pimples.
Double Cleansing Routine
To double cleanse your face, you need double cleansing products which are an oil based cleanser and a water based cleanser. Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine and the double cleanse routine is as follows:
Step 1: Oil Based Cleanser
The first step in double cleansing is to use an oil-based cleanser. This will break down makeup, dirt, and grime on the skin.
Apply the oil-based cleanser to your dry face and massage it in for 30 seconds.
Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Water Based Cleanser
The second step is to use a water-based cleanser. This will remove oil and grime from step 1 and clear pores.
Apply the water based cleanser to your face and massage it in for 30 seconds.
Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Double Cleansing Products – Best Oil Cleansers
1. Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
About Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm:
- removes makeup and impurities
- dermatologist tested
- hypoallergenic
Suits Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
2. Heimish All Clean Balm
About the Heimish All Clean Balm:
- hypoallergenic ingredients included for sensitive skin
- removes makeup and sunscreen
- balm turns into oil when water is added
Suits Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
3. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
About Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil:
- oil based cleanser that effectively removes makeup and sunscreen
- contains Sunflower Seed and Jojoba oil to provide moisturise skin
- no oily residue
Suits Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Sensitive
4. Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
About Beauty Of Joseon Cleansing Oil:
- contains 50% Soybean Oil which helps strengthen skin moisture barrier function
- contains Ginseng Seed Oil 0.1% which helps to protect the skin from external aggressors
- Micellar cleansing technology
Suits Skin Type: All Skin Types, Including Sensitive
5. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil
About The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil:
- contains rice water which is rich in vitamins and amino acid
- rich texture, dissolves makeup easily
- mineral free
Suits Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal and Oily
Overall, the above are some of the best oil-based Korean cleansers that can help you achieve clean and healthy-looking skin. They are formulated with natural oils and herbal extracts that provide nourishment while deeply cleansing your skin without stripping away moisture or causing irritation.
If you have acne choose an oil-based cleanser specifically for acne, so you do not get a breakout, and be sure to use a water/foamy cleanser as your second cleanse to remove all the oil.
About Water Cleansers
When choosing a water-based cleanser, choose one that is hydrating and gentle on the skin. A good water-based cleanser will leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed without stripping it of its natural oils. Many water based cleansers are foaming.
Best Water Cleansers
1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
About COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser:
- contains Tea Tree Oil
- pH 5.0 ~ 6.0 similar to skin’s natural pH level
- contain natural BHA to help refine skin texture
Suits Skin Type: Oily, Sensitive
2. Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam Cleansing Mask
About Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam Cleansing Mask:
- good for very oily skin types
- Effectively removes oil from very oily skin
- pores appear tightened after use
Suits Skin Type: Oily (not recommended for dry skin)
3. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
About The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser:
- made with natural rice water
- brightens skin tone while cleansing
- foams up nicely and cleanses pores deeply
Suits Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Oily
4. ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser
About ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser:
- perfect for eczema-prone, congested, and very sensitive skin
- low acidity and hypoallergenic
- calms inflammation, good for skin with a weak skin barrier
Suits Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily, Aging
5. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
About Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser:
- does not strip the skin of essential moisture
- does not irritate sensitive skin
- light get texture
Suits Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily and Sensitive
How Do You Double Cleanse?
- Use gentle circular motions when massaging the cleanser into your skin
- Massage for 30 seconds each and cover the face and neck
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water after cleansing
Benefits Of Double Cleansing
The benefit of a double cleanse is that the first cleanse (oil cleanse) removes makeup, grime, and excess oils from the day. The second cleanse (water cleanse) will address your skin concerns such as acne, anti aging or dehydration.
FAQ
Should I Do Double Cleansing In The Morning?
Yes, you should double cleanse in the morning. Skin can become very oily overnight and pillowcases can be very dirty unless they are changed regularly.
Double Cleansing For Sensitive Skin?
Every skin type needs to double cleanse. There are many nourishing cleansers that will not irritate sensitive skin and will actually help it strengthen.
Does A Double Cleanse Oil Destroy Skin Barrier?
No, a cleansing oil will not destroy your skin barrier. When you use products suited to your skin type you will actually improve your skin health.
Should I Double Cleanse If I Have Dehydrated Skin?
Yes, you can double cleanse if you have dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin needs moisture, so a creamy water cleanser is a great choice as it keeps skin moisturised and does not strip the skin of essential oils and moisture.
Should I Double Cleanse If I Have Acne Prone Skin?
Acne-prone skin is more likely to be oily and have clogged pores, so removing oil from your skin is important to improve your skin health.
Double cleansing really isn’t that hard or time-consuming and when you use great skincare products, it can help improve your skin.
Click this link to find out more about the 10 step Korean skincare routine.
Click here for an easy skincare routine that you can do in under 10 minutes.
Clink this link to find out more about looking after skin in the summer months.
Click this link to find out more about getting rid of blackheads.
Click this link to find out more about the skin barrier function.
Click this link to find out more about the best anti aging ingredients.