Why double cleansing is such a skin game changer

Prone to annoying breakouts and acne, or suffer from a dull complexion? It’s probably time to clean up your skincare act.

Double cleansing sounds like an unnecessary chore for busybees, who would rather spend precious minutes on extra beauty sleep than adding yet another step to their beauty routines. But trust the beauty pros (or die-hard Redittors), cleansing one extra time at the end of the day could yield exponential results for your complexion.

How do you double cleanse?

Double cleansing doesn’t, as its name suggests, involve simply lathering up and rinsing your face twice. Doing so might strip your skin of its natural oils and damage one’s natural moisture barrier.

99% Natural Micellar Water by The Skin Firm

Instead, it means using an oil cleanser or micellar water to first break down all the oil-based debris on your face — like sebum, sunscreen or makeup, at the end of the day. The latter is more suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin types. Those with drier skin types should pick a micellar water that protects your skin’s natural acid mantle, like one with a pH5.5 formulation. Check that it is also alcohol- and fragrance-free to prevent dryness and irritation

Then, a gently foaming cleanser dissolves away any additional residue as well as sweat and dirt. The gentle cleanser may also treat your skin with active ingredients to target concerns like acne, or dryness. Again, select a foaming cleanser that is free from skin-stripping sulphates and alcohol, to ensure that your double cleansing routine isn’t too harsh.

Unless you use rich, occlusive products during the night, double cleansing in the morning is usually unnecessary as there isn’t much gunk to dissolve.

Why double cleansing can up your beauty game

Unless you live in an air-conditioned, climate-controlled bubble, chances are your skin is exposed to a plethora of elements. From the bacteria found on our makeup brush, to non-comedogenic ingredients found in makeup and skincare, and not to mention particulate matter and toxins suspended in air pollution, it’s no surprise our pores are often clogged. This in turn leads to icky sebaceous filaments (the yellowish goo that squirts out of pores when squeezed), blackheads, whiteheads, acne and skin dullness.

A two-step cleanse ensures that all forms of unwanted buildup is removed from skin, leaving the complexion pure and free from contaminants. You can look out for natural micellar waters that contain a touch of Lactic Acid, a gentle AHA that exfoliates away dead skin cells for a natural glow.

Also, to maximise every step of your routine, check out a gentle foaming cleanser with active ingredients that address your skin concerns. Some formulations may contain botanical ingredients, for example, that help fight acne-causing bacteria or soothe inflammation and redness.

A thorough cleanse also ensures that your pores are clear and prepped to absorb actives from further skincare steps — such as the use of a toner, serum or cream.