Is Double Cleansing Necessary? Unpacking The Hype

If you've spent any time online or scrolling through social media, you've likely come across countless articles, posts, and videos announcing the benefits of double cleansing. But is it really the skincare must-have it's made out to be, or just another trend designed to sell more products and make skincare more complicating?

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing simply means washing your face twice. Some skincare enthusiasts swear by using two different types of cleansers, typically starting with an oil-based cleanser followed by a more targeted cleanser. However, this isn't necessary. You can achieve a double cleanse by using your regular cleanser twice—no fancy products required.

The purpose of any cleanser is to remove surface-level impurities like makeup, excess oil, dirt, sunscreen, environmental pollutants, and other debris. What many double cleansing advocates fail to mention is that this process only affects the skin's surface. No matter how many times you cleanse, you're still just working on that top layer—it doesn’t go any deeper than a single cleanse would.

Who Should Double Cleanse And How Often?

If you regularly wear makeup or thick sunscreen, double cleansing at night can be helpful to fully remove product residue before bed. In this case, a double cleanse ensures your skin is prepped for the rest of your routine, preventing clogged pores or buildup.

For most people, though, double cleansing isn't necessary. If you wear minimal makeup or a sunscreen that washes off easily, a single cleanse is sufficient. Those with sensitive, dry, irritated, or inflamed skin—such as those who have rosacea or eczema—should avoid double cleansing, as it may strip the skin and worsen these conditions [1].

What To Keep In Mind

The type of cleanser you choose is crucial. If you're using an exfoliating cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, double cleansing with just this type of cleanser could dry out and irritate your skin. In this case, sticking to a gentle, daily cleanser is a safer bet. For makeup removal, using a mild makeup remover like micellar water followed followed by a gentle cleanser works just as well. You could also opt for an oil-based cleanser for your first cleanse to remove makeup and buildup, then follow up with a gentle cleanser. However, I wouldn’t recommend oil-based cleansers for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Is Double Cleansing Truly The Secret To Perfect Skin?

Let's set the record straight: perfect skin doesn't exist. And it's misleading to suggest that double cleansing is the key to flawless, smooth skin. Skin health depends on a variety of factors—diet, hydration, lifestyle, and genetics—not just how often you wash your face. If you wear makeup or mineral sunscreen, double cleansing can help remove leftover residue. But if your current routine already does the job, there's no need to add an extra step. Double cleansing isn't a miracle solution and won't transform your skin.

My Final Take On Double Cleansing

Honestly, I wonder if the buzz around double cleansing is just another tactic to sell more products. Ask any dermatologist their secret to healthy skin, and double cleansing probably won't make the list. There's little evidence to back up the claim that it's essential.

Double cleansing is optional. It can be useful if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, but it's not going to make or break your skincare routine. Keep things simple, listen to your skin, work with a skincare professional, and use what works best for you.

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[1]

Choi, Joanna Mimi et al. “A single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of face washing on acne vulgaris.” Pediatric dermatology vol. 23,5 (2006): 421-7. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2006.00276.x (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17014635/)