The Double Cleansing Method: What You Need to Know and All the Myths You Need to Forget

You may have heard of it, you may have not - but double cleansing is all the rage in Korean beauty, and often seen as a game changer in many skin care lovers’ routines. Double cleansing is more than just a method to take off your makeup, and it’s something we swear by for dewy, clear, and thoroughly cleansed skin.

But wait, what is double cleansing?

If you don’t know about this trend, fear not - Primary is here to give you all the information you could ever need. Double Cleansing is quite literally exactly what it sounds like - cleansing your face two times. But this process does not utilize the same cleanser twice, rather two different cleansers, the first being an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water based cleanser. 

Why an oil-based cleanser? Why cleanse twice?

Oil-based cleansers draw out oil-based impurities, including sweat, sebum, pollution, SPF, and all of your makeup (say goodbye to makeup wipes). They break down the impurities that a foamy, water based cleanser alone may not be able to get off (such as makeup). Following with the second cleanse ensures that water-based impurities are removed, thereby transforming your skin into a clean slate that can more readily absorb the next products in your routine, such as serums. Cleansing your skin thoroughly is the essential foundation of a skin routine - it improves the efficacy of your other skincare products and allows them to penetrate deeper! All in all, not only is this a beneficial practice, but a relaxing, spa-like experience that ensures the grime of the day is gently lifted away, down the drain where it belongs.

Still skeptical? Picture this:  imagine coming home after a long, stressful day at work, skin exposed to the sun, pores taking in the city pollution (welcome to Karachi), and T-zone bearing a layer of shine. To truly “wash off the day” as they say, you pull out your favourite cleansing balm or oil, apply it to dry skin, and let it work its magic as it gracefully melts away all your mascara, concealer, and thick layer of SPF. As you pat on water, the oil emulsifies into a milky, soft, consistency - as if it were never really an oil to begin with. Next step: your favourite foamy yet non stripping cleanser that you lather up, giving yourself a gentle massage along the way. All of the day's grime - gone in under 5 minutes. And what are you left with? An absolute glow.

However much we love it, double cleansing is often misunderstood. Here are some of the most common myths surrounding this ritual. 

Myth 1 - Double Cleansing can cause acne, so people with oily skin should not use it.

Oily skin folks may feel hesitant towards cleaning their face with an oil. It is a big misconception that those with oily skin shouldn’t use an oil on their face. 

In reality, using an oil-based cleanser helps to lift away oil-based impurities on oily skin, especially as ‘like dissolves like’. This can be especially beneficial in preventing breakouts caused by excess sebum, and ensure that all potential pore clogging bits that try to linger are washed away. For those that have experienced breakouts with an oil-based cleanser, it is important to follow with a water-based cleanser, to ensure that the residue of the cleansing balm/oil is removed. It is also important to note that 

You should use an oil-based cleanser that is correctly formulated, as opposed to a DIY oil cleanser made at home. Whether you choose a cleansing balm or cleansing oil, oily skin (and all other skin types!) are sure to fall in love with the double cleanse method.

Myth 2 - Cleansing the face twice is stripping the skin. 

The double cleanse method incorporates an oil based cleanser for a reason - they are gentle and hydrating, and formulated to remove makeup without stripping the skin. Because of this, even the driest of skin can double cleanse. Washing your face twice with only a water-based cleanser may irritate most skin types and over-dry the skin, while following the double cleansing method correctly leaves the skin clean and not stripped, due to the two gentle steps.

Myth 3 - Oil cleansing is only necessary if you wore makeup that day.

Wrong! Since we all should be wearing SPF everyday, double cleansing is a must. The oil cleanser effectively breaks down the outer layer of SPF, so that the second water based cleanser can actually get deeper into the pores and attack impurities. 

The skin is exposed to pollution and dust, and produces other oil based impurities each day, all of which an oil cleanser will effectively remove. Overall, whether you wear makeup that day or not, your skin will love it if you use an oil cleanser first (especially after wearing a mask all day!).

The Verdict?

We love it and swear by it. Double cleansing is truly the backbone of a routine, and sets the stage for the rest of your routine that follows. This practice is sure to prevent future breakouts and blemishes, and leaves the skin soft, hydrated, and most important of all, clean.