This Is The Reason Why You Need To Double Cleansing Every Day

Illustration (Sora Shimazaki/Pexels)

JAKARTA - People's awareness of the importance of taking care of skin health through skincare is already very high. Starting from the use of toners, moisturizers, serums, creams, and even exfoliation. However, there is one stage that is actually very crucial so that it should not be forgotten in caring for the skin, namely double cleansing.

What is Double Cleansing?

Citing HighEnd, Thursday, September 1, double cleansing has the main purpose of removing dirt that is on top of your skin along with makeup, excess oil, and dead skin. Don't be fooled, because the regular cleaner you've been using isn't necessarily enough. For people who live in places with a lot of pollution, of course, double cleansing is a must in your routine, especially if you use sunscreen and makeup every day.

Double cleansing will also clean your skin thoroughly so that serums and moisturizing creams will be more easily absorbed. This double cleansing step includes a face wash with two products. First with an oil-based cleanser, then followed by a water-based cleanser.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

The double cleansing process has proven to be full of benefits for skin care. The first benefit is to prevent the buildup of sebum and bacteria which can help avoid infections that cause acne.

Oil-based cleansers are great for removing dirt, residue, cosmetics, and most importantly sebum that is produced in excess when a person has acne. Especially if you are a heavy makeup wearer or prone to oil, double cleansing is a safeguard to prevent sebum-related acne.

If you have dry skin type, then double cleansing will also be suitable and recommended for your skincare routine. Two gentle steps will work better than one strong formula that combats sensitivity or over-drying. Dry skin benefits greatly as this non-stripping makeup-removal step can leave some moisture behind.

Not only for cleaning, the double cleansing process will also increase the efficacy of your other skincare products. When your skin is fully cleansed, your pores will be better prepared to absorb serums and moisturizers.

How to Do It

The first step of double cleansing involves an oil-based cleanser, balm, or micellar water. Apply to skin to remove makeup, toxins, pollution, SPF and sebum. Be sure to massage the cleanser into your face for a minute before rinsing it off with warm water. This will help minimize irritation and dry skin.

After rinsing off the oil-based cleaner, switch to a second cleanser which should be water-based, then wash as usual. This second step will cleanse more deeply and is commonly known as the ordinary face wash process. With this, the residue from the previous step and any dirt will also be removed. Wash for one minute before rinsing with warm water.

Choosing the Right Cleaner

Double cleansing can help almost any skin type as long as you use the right formula. If you have dry skin, it is advisable to look for a gentle cleanser that will not strip the skin of its natural oils. For example, such as cleansers with a neutral pH so that the skin does not become excessively dry. It can also be found in ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba, plant oils, honey, and squalene.

For oily skin, anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin E and polyhydroxy acids can help fight blackheads. Combination skin types will benefit from a balanced cleanser containing ceramides to retain moisture and something mild to hydrate while controlling oil. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, opt for a mild, fragrance-free formula.

However, if you have very sensitive skin, then you have to be super careful in choosing the product. For example, if you suffer from rosacea (a facial skin disease characterized by reddish skin with spots resembling pimples), it is not recommended to do double cleansing.

Choose only a gentle oil or milk cleanser. Likewise, if you have cystic acne, it would be better to do one cleaning because double cleansing can overstimulate the skin and worsen the skin condition.