Are you struggling with stubborn breakouts, clogged pores, or dull skin? Maybe you’re dealing with those pesky not-quite-pimples-under-skin-bumps (papules) that you can’t get rid of?
It’s time to introduce a game-changing habit to your skincare routine: double cleansing. This trendy technique has been mentioned plenty of times by influencers and bloggers, but what is it exactly, and just how important is this practice in achieving clear and radiant skin?
LYCON Skin Micellar Facial Cleansing Gel is the go-to choice for professionals when it comes to double cleansing in facial treatments
The Art of Double Cleansing: A Beauty Industry Best Not-So-Kept Secret
Now, traditional double cleansing isn’t quite as simple as cleansing your face twice. The method originated in Asia in the 14th century, where Japanese and Korean women used cleansing oils to remove the traditional white makeup they wore, followed by water-based cleansing to remove any oil residue.
A lot of skincare wisdom was taken from this established practice. Today, in the modern beauty industry, this traditional two-step process is highly regarded as a best practice. The first step involves using an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Afterwards, a water-based cleanser can be used to deeply cleanse, removing impurities, sweat, and pollutants.
However, as science improves, some companies are even going as far as developing cleansers that can do it all. No complex multi-step process to cleansing your skin, ultimately saving you time, money, and shelf space. As our lives get chaotic and busy, this minor detail can be a saving grace for those who don’t have unlimited time for their skincare regimen.
But before we look at this, let’s look more into traditional double cleansing.
The Benefits of Double Cleansing
Deep Cleansing
Using an oil-based cleanser first means that any stubborn substances (think makeup, sunscreen, air pollutants, dead skin cells etc.) that sit on the skin surface can be removed. This also preps skin for the second water-based cleanser, enabling it to work its magic without having to first penetrate a layer of stubborn grime. The result? Uncovering clear, radiant skin.
Unclogged Pores
Say goodbye to pesky blackheads and breakouts. Double cleansing effectively clears out clogged pores, removes excess sebum, and reduces the risk of acne, ultimately promoting a smoother complexion.
Enhanced Product Absorption
By starting with a clean slate, your skin is now more receptive to the skincare products you apply after cleansing. This allows your serums, moisturisers, and treatments to work their magic more effectively.
Balanced Hydration
Double cleansing removes excess oils while keeping the important skin barrier intact, helping to maintain a healthy oil balance. This means you can enjoy clean skin without excessive dryness or oiliness.
Youthful Glow
Regular double cleansing supports skin’s hydration and promotes a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Double Cleansing for Your Skin Type
While double cleansing sounds pretty simple, it isn’t completely foolproof. There are some things that you should know and consider before you embark on your ultimate skin cleansing journey.
If not done correctly, there is the possibility of over-cleansing and stripping the skin of its natural barrier, and depending on your skin type, this can cause a multitude of issues. It’s recommended that double cleansing should only be done at night when there is dirt and makeup to wash off. This will ensure you’re not altering the skin’s natural balance.
Sensitive Skin
While double cleansing is generally a safe practice, those with sensitive skin should exercise caution as they are more prone to skin reactions. Finding products that work effectively with just one cleanse (more below) and are packed with natural skin caring ingredients, might just be the best solution for you.
Oily Skin
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin issues, double cleansing the skin with the wrong products can strip the skin of natural oils and cause more problems.
If you have oily skin, double cleansing with products that are too harsh or that contain alcohol can strip your skin of its natural moisture and protective barrier. While this might appear to be a temporary solution for oily skin concerns, it will most likely stimulate an overproduction of sebum to make up for the moisture loss, resulting in more breakouts and irritation. The best solution is something gentle that only gets rid of excess sebum while retaining your natural protective oils.
Dry Skin
For those with dry skin, you run a higher risk of ‘over-washing’ when you double cleanse. Not only that, but dehydrated skin also makes you more vulnerable to premature signs of aging. Choosing moisture-boosting and nourishing products that protect the natural skin barrier is the only way to ensure you’re not doing more harm than good. Also, opting for cleansers with anti-aging benefits is a huge plus.
Normal or Combination Skin
If you have normal or combination skin, products that are gentle and restore balance are your best friend. Similarly to other skin types, you want to avoid products that are too harsh and say yes to products that won’t remove your natural moisture or damage your skin microbiome.
Modern-Day Science is Revolutionising Double Cleansing
Earlier we mentioned that there were cleansers that act as an all-in-one magic potion. In this day and age simplicity is worth its weight in gold, especially when it comes to our skincare regime.
Introducing smart micellar technology, which cleans the skin smarter, not harder. Recognised by dermatologists as one of the gentlest forms of cleansing for every skin type and tone, micelles act like a magnet for impurities rather than a moisture-stripping soap.
Not to be confused with micellar water, the inclusion of micellar technology in cleansers delivers a thorough cleanse that breaks down oils, dirt, and all manner of unwanted residues, all while respecting your skin’s natural barrier (which simple micellar water products cannot achieve). It is the dual-action correlation between water and oil that transforms the skin cleansing process, making it an all-in-one solution.
An Australian cleanser that uses this technology is LYCON Skin’s Micellar Facial Cleansing Gel. This all-rounder, non-drying cleanser is a great choice for every skin type as its gentle, smart technology makes for a calming but very effective and thorough cleanse.
The micellar power effectively breaks down makeup and sunscreen that traditional water-based cleansers cannot achieve. It also has skin-loving ingredients for added benefits:
- Australian Superfruits Complex containing a multitude of antioxidants and vitamins to help fight free radicals and therefore reduce damage.
- EXO-P™ Marine Extract technology helps to gently, but effectively, remove stubborn pollution residues.
The outcome? Clear, radiant skin and more shower shelf space… Winning!
This product is even a winner among oily skin sufferers. The micellar technology easily stands up to oily skin, removing excess sebum in a balanced way, without over-stripping.
This product is especially suitable for those with sensitive skin because it achieves the double cleansing effect without applying too many harsh products and irritants to your face. After all, sometimes less is more.
Advanced micellar technology means that while cleansing the skin, the product respects the skin’s natural barrier function, making it perfect for those with dry, normal, combination, or sensitive skin.
While double cleansing is not essential for a deep cleanse with this product, it certainly doesn’t hurt! So, if your skin care regimen doesn’t feel complete without a double cleanse or you’ve got the world’s best setting spray and long-wear makeup on, using this product twice will ensure that not a single speck of dirt, makeup, or grime makes it out alive.
Conclusion
To enjoy these benefits, make double cleansing (or cleansing with products using micellar technology) a regular part of your skincare routine. Now that you have thoroughly cleansed and prepped your skin, make sure you’re choosing the best serums and moisturisers that suit your skin type and goals, and are packed with skin-loving and corrective ingredients.
It’s time to put your skin first!
