What Is Double Cleansing, and Should You Do It?

We all know that the secret to putting your best face forward isn't the most expensive makeup or whatever procedure or injection is popular in Hollywood. It’s healthy skin, and cleansing your face is a basic first step. You probably think you already know how to wash your face — we did, too! — but there’s always more we can learn.

For instance, a trending beauty topic you may have come across online — even if you're not "extremely online" — is "double cleansing." There's a little more to it than just washing your face twice, so read on to learn about what double cleansing is and whether you should try it.

What Is Double Cleansing?

In the most basic terms, double cleansing means washing your face twice — specifically, first washing your face with an oil-based product, followed by another wash with a water-based product. It's been popular in Korea for a long time, but has only been trending in the U.S. for a few years.

Why Should You Double Cleanse?

Even if you already wash your face once or twice a day, it may not be as clean as you expect. Dirt and makeup detritus might still be hanging out on your face when you go to bed. 

If you want to avoid applying your nighttime moisturizer to dirty skin, wash first with an oil-based cleanser or balm, which will remove sebum and heavy products such as sunscreen or waterproof makeup, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

For the second step, wash with a water-based cleanser, which will remove any sweat and pollutants remaining on your face. Now your serum or moisturizer will be able to actually penetrate your skin.

You can use your fingers or a soft cloth, but don't wash with anything abrasive. And no matter how you wash your face, it's important to use cool or lukewarm water — never hot, as that can contribute to dry skin. Then, gently pat your face dry. After taking all of this care, you don’t want to traumatize your skin by rubbing and scraping.

Which Products Should You Use?

The first cleanser you use should be oil-based, like DHC Deep Cleansing Oil or Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm. If your skin is prone to breakouts, you can try using a micellar water, like one from Garnier, as your first step instead.

Your second cleanser should be mild and gentle, such as those from CeraVe or Cetaphil.

How Often Should You Double Cleanse?

If you wear makeup every day and don't have acne-prone or sensitive skin, double cleansing each night may work well for you. But if you feel like your face is letting you know that's a lot, try working it in a few times a week instead. Nobody should do it more than once a day.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Double Cleansing?

Pros:

• It's an effective way to completely cleanse your skin without scrubbing or exfoliating.
• The two-step cleanse can help serum and moisturizer better penetrate your skin.

Cons:

• If you are prone to acne, you may not want to use an oil-based cleanser, as it could lead to breakouts.
• Double cleansing can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin.

Does Everyone Need To Double Cleanse?

Some dermatologists say that most people don't really need to double cleanse — and in fact, overwashing can also be bad for you. If you don't wear heavy makeup or waterproof makeup, it may be overkill and could even break down your skin barrier.
Additionally, if you experience any skin irritation such as rosacea or eczema, you should stick to just one wash with a very gentle cleanser. It's worth noting that the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) does not include double cleansing in its face-washing recommendations. The AAD does, however, emphasize washing gently, avoiding anything abrasive, using only lukewarm water, and patting your face dry with a soft towel.