I can be more than a little suspicious whenever a new skincare trend emerges. The beauty industry is almost constantly inundating consumers with new products, trends, techniques, and quick fixes. Add social media to the mix, and you end up with a tsunami of information and opinions, all competing for your attention and clicks.
Finding a skincare routine that works for you is already challenging, but filtering out the noise can make that search feel exhausting.
For example, the beauty industry has many of us believing that double cleansing is a crucial part of our skincare routine. In truth, nothing about skincare is set in stone. We all have different skin and thus require different treatments to look and feel our best.
In short, double cleansing is not for everyone. Like everything with skincare, there are advantages and disadvantages to this practice. To choose what’s best for you and your skin type, it’s important to know what those benefits and drawbacks are.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing your face twice. Proponents of double cleansing start by using an oil-based cleanser or balm to remove makeup, waterproof sunscreen, and excess sebum from the skin. Next, they’ll employ a water-based cleanser to wash away any remaining impurities.
Benefits of Double Cleansing
For people with oily skin, a single cleanse might not suffice to eliminate oil-based buildup. Similarly, heavy makeup can linger on the skin even after using a typical water-based cleanser. Consequently, skincare enthusiasts argue that double cleansing is twice as effective for removing impurities from the skin.
Double cleansing can also help treat the skin. By first removing makeup and excess oil, the ingredients in your second cleanser can better nourish and balance your skin. It’s believed that cleaner skin allows other skin care products (like serums and moisturizers) to penetrate more effectively and work better.
Drawbacks of Double Cleansing
For many, double cleansing equates to over-cleansing. This method can be too harsh for certain skin types and may disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, diminishing its ability to retain moisture and maintain health. This is particularly relevant for people with dry or sensitive skin. Although double cleansing can aid in removing surface impurities, it may also strip away essential oils necessary for keeping the skin balanced. This can be counterproductive even for oily skin types, leading the skin to produce additional oil to rectify the imbalance.
Most dermatologists agree that double cleansing isn’t necessary. The reality is that most cleansers today are designed to penetrate oil, makeup, and sunscreen and effectively remove other impurities from your skin. For most skin types, thoroughly washing your skin once with a gentle cleanser is more than enough to get the job done. Over-cleansing can cause your skin more harm than good, resulting in irritation, dryness, and breakouts.
If you love your double cleanse and feel like it works wonders for your skin, by all means, keep it in your routine. Just remember that double cleansing is only necessary at night, and you must still be careful not to strip your skin of nutrients and natural oils. Consider using micellar water instead of an oil cleanser, and always use gentle, fragrance-free products to help reduce your risk of irritation.