Wondering if your skincare routine could benefit from a double cleanse? It’s the face-washing technique that started as a trend among skincare devotees, but double cleansing is now so popular that it’s considered essential maintenance. Here’s your ultimate guide to doubling up your cleansing regime and why it could be a game changer for the health of your skin.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is simply cleaning your face twice, usually with two different types of cleanser. Part of your evening skincare routine, the first cleanse removes makeup and SPF, while the second cleanse cleans your bare skin. It’s usually recommended to start with an oil or balm, before massaging in a creamy, water-based cleanser. The two-step process gives a deeper cleanse - so there’s no doubt that you’re all clear before you layer on your skincare.
Benefits of double cleansing
If adding another step to your evening routine feels like a chore, fret not - you’re most likely doing it already (using a makeup remover or micellar before your rinse-off face wash counts as a dual cleanse). Plus, you’ll soon see it’s well worth the effort - because double cleansing benefits your skin in multiple ways.
Remember, cleansing is the most important step of any skincare routine - so doing a half-hearted job will only waste your time and money when it comes to your other products.
Removes stubborn makeup
Most makeup is designed to last on your skin - and while that’s great for the daytime, it can mean our cleanser has to work extra hard to get it all off again. Double cleansing ensures that stubborn mascara, waterproof makeup and long-lasting foundation or SPF is fully removed before you apply your leave-on products and hit the hay.
If you’d never dream of sleeping in your makeup, a double cleanse is the best way to ensure you’re not inadvertently committing the ultimate skincare crime. One cleanse may not be sufficient to remove every last scrap - and any makeup left behind can trap dirt, pollutants and dead skin cells, leaving your complexion looking dull and even prone to irritation, acne and blemishes. It may feel like an extra effort, but double cleansing will pay off in the long run when your skin is easier to manage because it’s been so well looked after.
Get the best out of your skincare
Chances are you’ve spent time - and money - curating your ideal skincare routine, so you want to get the best out of your hard-earned products. A thorough double cleanse leaves your skin clean and clear of makeup residue and dead skin cells, which means your targeted serums, face oils and moisturisers will be able to penetrate the skin and work their magic without anything getting in the way.
If you’re still not seeing the results you’re after or need help coming up with the perfect routine to follow your double cleanse, it’s time to ask the experts. At Pai we offer a free skincare consultation service with our knowledgeable skin coaches - simply book in for a 10 or 30 minute consultation via phone or Zoom and they’ll answer any of your skincare concerns or questions. There’s no hard sell either - it’s your chance to get one-to-one advice on all of your skincare needs.
Get rid of grime
Of course it’s not only makeup and SPF that your double cleansing routine is removing. It also clears away any sebum, grime and pollutants that build up during the day - which is especially important for city dwellers. Pollution and environmental toxins can accelerate the ageing process, while excess sebum can clog pores and cause breakouts; what’s more, leaving all of those substances on your skin will impede your skin’s ability to repair and regenerate as you sleep. For a healthier, brighter complexion, double cleansing is a no-brainer.
How to double cleanse
So you know why you should double cleanse - but how do you do it? The good news is that anyone, no matter what their skin type, can incorporate it into their evening skincare routine. All you need are two different types of cleanser and you’ll soon see the benefits.
Here’s your quick and easy-to-follow double cleansing guide, from what ingredients to look for to what order your cleansers should be used, as well as top application tips to ensure you get the best results.
Use an oil-based cleanser first
For the first step of your double cleanse, a balm or cleansing oil is best, such as our bestselling Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil. Why an oil cleanse? Oil clings to oil - which means it can lift and shift even the most stubborn makeup, SPF and daily grime with minimal effort. Oil cleansers attract excess sebum as well as the oils in your makeup to gently but swiftly take them away.
Our oil cleanser is free from alcohol and harsh irritants often found in makeup removers, so even the most sensitive skin can benefit from speedy and powerful removal. Simply massage the cleansing oil into dry skin, including along the lash line and around the eyes to melt away your mascara. Add some water, and thanks to clever emulsifiers it’ll become a light, silky milk, which you then rinse away (so you don’t have to worry about an oily residue).
Powered by glow-getting Rosehip Oil, the best part is that it’ll nourish and condition your skin, too; gone are the days of harsh foaming cleansers that strip your skin dry and leave it feeling tight. No stinging, no rubbing, just a fast and effective cleanse that preps the skin for your second step.
Follow up with a water-based cleanser
For the second step of your double cleanse, ideally you should switch to a water-based cleanser for a deep, refreshing clean. A calming cream cleanser such as our bestseller, Middlemist Seven, will take care of any remaining makeup, remove dirt and give your pores a thorough clean by lifting away sweat and excess sebum - which it can reach thanks to the heavy lifting done in step one.
This second step is also your chance to massage the skin, boosting circulation and allowing your product to really get to work. Our sensitive-friendly creamy cleanser is water-based but also contains a trio of nourishing oils which help to dissolve the dirt while leaving your skin’s pH balance and delicate moisture barrier intact. A luxurious cream, together with the innovative double-sided Twin Flyer Cloth it takes a softly, softly approach to getting your skin clean - taking away everything you don’t need and leaving the good stuff behind.
Simply massage your cleanser onto dry skin across the face and neck, before using a damp muslin cloth to remove - then you’re ready to move on to the next step of your routine.
Have sensitive, blemish-prone skin and always wanted that foam fresh sensation? We have good news. Opt for a foam cleanser like Phaze - our PHA-powered newbie. A gentle exfoliator, combined with ultra-hydrating ingredients, prepare for pores to be unclogged and for skin to look much brighter. Another great thing about Phaze is that you can use it on wet skin, if that's what you prefer!
Tips for double cleansing
Your double cleansing routine is complete - so how can you make sure you reap the best results?
- Keep it regular: Unless you’re skipping makeup and SPF altogether for a bare-faced rainy day indoors, make double cleansing a daily habit to ensure you’re going to bed with clean, cleansed skin every night.
- Turn down the heat: While a hot cloth cleanse might make you feel like you’re at the spa instead of in front of your bathroom mirror, using water that’s too hot can irritate the skin, especially if you’re acne- or rosacea-prone. Stick to lukewarm or cool water to keep skin happy.
- Take your time: In the same way that you’re supposed to spend a good two minutes brushing your teeth before bedtime, give your skin the time it deserves and don’t rush your double cleanse. It may seem laborious, but it could even work out quicker than a single cleansing step because it’s so much more effective. Use the second step to massage the skin thoroughly with gentle, circular movements.
- Listen to your skin: If you’re double cleansing and it starts to feel like you’re overdoing it, check your formulas before you give up - it may be that you’re using products with irritating fragrances or harsh sulphates. Switch to a gentle oil and cream cleanser duo for radiant results.
Double cleansing isn’t just a trend - it’s a healthy skin habit that’s here to stay. All you need is a two-step routine using an oil cleanser followed by a water-based, cream cleanser to finish. Shop our natural cleansers and double cleansing kits for an evening skincare routine a pro would be proud of.
