Double Cleansing For Better Skin

How to Double Cleanse, Double Cleansing Benefits, What is Double Cleansing

I've been double cleansing my face every night for over a few months and I've noticed that it has had a really positive effect on my complexion. I first learned about the process when watching a show on Park Shin Hye who I featured last week. She shared that this was an indispensable step in her nightly beauty routine and her skin is radiantly beautiful. After doing some research I learned that this has long been a common practice in Asian skincare regimens.

This process usually involves using an oil or balm cleanser followed by a round of cleansing with a traditional creamy or foaming cleanser. The first step will gently remove makeup, dirt and excess sebum on your face while also exfoliating your dead skin cells away. For the second step, you will want to address the specific needs of your skin so you can choose a cleanser based on whatever that may be to balance, purify and replenish it. Cleansing your face in this manner not only ensures that your skin is completely clear of impurities but will also optimize the effectiveness of the products you apply onto your face afterwards.


Double Cleansing Method, Double Cleansing Process, How to Double Cleanse,  Double Cleansing Benefits, What is Double Cleansing

Step 1
  • Pump the oil cleanser onto your dry fingertips and rub together to warm.
  • Starting at your forehead, massage your skin gently and firmly in upward and outward circular strokes. 
  • Work down your nose to your chin and then from sides of the nose outward to the cheeks for one minute.
  • This works to dissolve makeup and dirt, drawing them out from your skin.
Step 2
  • Apply a small amount of water to emulsify the oil.
  • Continue to massage your face for another 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat with your favorite cleanser, massaging your face in the same manner for another minute. 
Step 3
  • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. 
  • This removes any residue while also purifying your skin.
  • Splash your face with cold water 10 - 20 times to tone and tighten your pores.

This is the double cleansing process I've been using. It does take a little more time but I definitely feel that it's worth it for the improvement I've seen in clarity, brightness and tone. Plus it just leaves my skin feeling really refreshed and soft when I'm done. If you have oily skin or sensitive, you don't have to avoid oil cleansers. If you think about it, oil attracts oil and repels water so it penetrates to lift dirt, oil and bacteria out of your pores without stripping your skin.

The products pictured are part of my current routine. The Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil is a constant. This commercial with Song Hye Kyo is a very convincing sell for the product since she has a most enviable complexion. This vitamin C rich blend of grapefruit and apricot seed oils actually does work very well in my experience. It is an Asian beauty product that isn't currently available in the US but Target does carry Laneige and I hope they will eventually add this to their product mix. There are many options for cleansing oils on the market these days including many natural choices. I've also had positive experiences with the classic DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and this Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil.  Amarté Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam is my go to cleanser but I switch it up with Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser and Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. 3-4 times a week I integrate my Clarisonic Mia into the the second step of the process for a boost in exfoliation. 

Have you ever double cleansed? Is this something you would consider doing?





Graphic: Laneige

58 comments

Karen said...

I love double cleansing! I've been doing something similar to this too, and have found my skin is in a much better condition now! I use a cleansing oil to remove makeup and dirt, and my second cleansing step is using Bioderma Sensibio with a cotton round :) It makes my skin so clean and I don't seem to break out anymore :)

buffalo journeys said...

Ive never heard of it, but i might give it a try since the results sound wonderful.

Anonymous said...

I do this every night if I have make-up on, but I've never thought about using two different cleansers. I guess they do have different uses and ingredients, so maybe I should choose another to compliment the one I already have. I am more interested in skincare than make-up because I feel like skincare gives you that flawless base to put make-up on, so I was particularly struck about what you had to say about this celeb's radiant skin. Hope you're having a lovely start to the week. Rosemary x

rosemaryofelephants.blogspot.com

Coco said...

Very interesting Rowena. I'm using micellar water to cleanse my face, I find it very effective and won't change my routine as it works so good. However I'm happy to get to know new practices, especially when coming from beauty land, Asia.
Baci,
Coco
Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook
International giveaway: win a sparkle made in Italy

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This looks really great doll!! Will have to look into this!! Happy Monday doll, I hope you have a great week :) xx

Jackie Harrison said...

The products sound amazing like how you show a cartoon tutorial impressive doll.
http://tifi11.blogspot.com

abeautifulzen said...

yes to double cleanse. i don't feel like i've taken my makeup off without it!
Jenn
A Beautiful Zen

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

I do the same on my make-up days, but stick with the single step whenever I go bare-faced. Works fine for my skin. :)

Emmylou said...

I've done something like this, Rowena, but usually only when I've been wearing heavy makeup for the whole day. Never thought of doing it daily. Cool tip:) Thanks for sharing, and hope u have a great Monday.

FASHION TALES said...

I do double cleansing, and this product sounds great. I've not used this brand before. Thanks for the post. Happy Monday!
x/Madison
Summer Neutrals

Beautetude said...

This sounds like a great method.
Happy Monday.
Beautetude

Jane said...

i haven't heard of this method before but definitely intrigued!

Margaret Dallospedale said...

So amazing tips Rowena,
thank you for sharing
Kisses
Maggie D.
The Indian Savage Diary

ALLIE NYC said...

I had not heard of this! But you have me VERY interested. And these products look so decadent--in good way. Oh I do not use bar soap on my face. Ah sewing, eh gads I am all thumbs when it comes to sewing. And hey thanks for the info on that online resource! Was also thinking of taking the Brand Market class next time it comes to NY

Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com

Unknown said...

Very nice post! Thank you for the tips! ^^

❤ ✿ MY BLOG ✿ ❤
Rinako

CQUEK said...

thanks for the tips

Melissa said...

I've never heard of it but it does sounds good! I'm happy that you shared it with us. The products look lovely, I wouldn't mind to try it out!

MilanoTime said...

wow amazing tips babe <3
xoxo
http://www.milanotime.net

Lena L said...

Oh I always double cleanse. If I count eye makeup removing as one, it would be actually triple cleanse. This is actually a good thing rather than relying on one cleanser. I mean, it has to be pretty potent to remove all the makeup and daily grimes.

BTW, we loved Hide-Chan ramen. Went there on last Saturday. Ate and drank TONS. ;D
Thanks for the recommendation!

Dylan & Berry said...

I have oily skin so naturally I avoided oil based products, but after reading this I learned so much. Thank you for sharing this info. I'm going to try adding this to my nightly routine to see if it helps improve my skin. ^.^
xoxo
ßerry ♥ Stylish  

Unknown said...

Great post! xx

www.shineonsilver.blogspot.com

Jason Laucht said...

nice page. I hadn't read blogs since forever!
xoxo

http://jasonitos.com

Paola Lauretano said...

I would like to try this double clesing!!!!
Have a great start of the week doll!!!

mandy said...

I've been double cleansing for as long as I've worn makeup!
Hmm must look into those cleansing oils after I go through my current one :D

MITCH said...

I do double cleansing! I used to think double cleansing is only necessary when I put my makeup on. But no, my skin is now so much smoother when I start doing double cleansing in the morning too when I wake up :)

xx,
felishmichelle.blogspot.com

nancy @ adore to adorn said...

I've been reading so much about this method of cleaning your face. I have not yet personally tried it but I really want to. I just get so tired at the end of the day sometimes that I'm really just thrilled that I'm making the effort to ensure I clean my face of all my makeup and brush my teeth. haha. So trying a new method seems like an extra step that I just can't handle in my daily routine yet. Sad isn't it? lol
xo,
nancy

Rebeca Muñoz López said...

Thanks for shared this interesting tips!

www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

MaysaAndSunshine said...

This sounds it will thoroughly clean your pores but I wonder if it is suitable for super dry skin. Your post just made me want to ditch my current facial foam and get those, Rowena. They look great.

little luxury list said...

This looks so cool and I am definitely trying this method out! I've been meaning to use one of my oils (maybe jojoba or almond?) as a facial cleanser and I'll have to see if it works with my Julep facial cleanser. Thanks for introducing me to this method - I gotta try it!

xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

My Garden Diaries said...

Oh I wish you could come over and walk me through this!!! I need something as I am noticing that my skin is changing as I approach 37! I will be referring to these products that you listed...thank you friend! And a wonderful week ahead! Enjoy the flowers! Nicole xo

Jessica (Coco & Mingo) said...

I've never double cleansed, but sometimes I think I should! Sometimes I wash my face so fast! I really need to slow down and thoroughly wash it! Definitely checking out these products, they sound amazing! I've been wanting to try that Yes to Cucumbers Milk!!

Unknown said...

I started incorporating the double cleansing method into my nightly skincare routine around 15 years ago. I started with Korean brands then switched to Japanese but now it's such a huge trend that even American companies are adopting this concept. I love DHC and Boscia. I also love making my own cleansing oil which works very well and is very affordable as well. I love the fact that I don't have to rub my skin hard to remove sunscreen or makeup and it makes a huge difference when it comes to improving my skin. It also feels therapeutic in a way... like a good massage I guess :)

xx
Heel in Mint
www.heelinmint.com

Anna said...

:D Rowena, I bet your skin is luminous and lusciously soft! haha Just reading your routine just sounds so luxurious! ^__^ I actually double cleanse, but in a different manner. I have been for the past few months using in conjunction with the DermaDoctor products I have; organic raw honey, and baking soda! O_o; (Strange combo I know) but it seems to be working nicely for me. In the morning I use the DD products (to fight my acne), and at night I alternate every other night or every two nights. Most nights I just use honey and massage it into my dry skin, which helps to exfoliate a bit and then I wash off with warm water. My skin is left really soft, moisturized, but not oily or greasy, and clean feeling. On the alternate nights, I use a little bit of baking soda and a couple drops of water to create a gritty kind of paste consistency, use this to exfoliate, wash it off and then apply honey and wash off as I normally do. Great inexpensive way to moisturize, exfoliate and rid my skin of acne without being too harsh. ^__^b

trishie said...

I totally believe in double cleansing too, Rowena. Except these days I use a tissue off cleanser instead of a rinse off foaming one as my skin is so very dry and sensitive

Leslie said...

Rowena, I love this post. You are right on here and I ALWAYS recommend my patients do this extra step .. especially in lieu of using a harsh astringent. Using a cleansing oil as a first step is an excellent way to begin cleansing:) xxLeslie

Unknown said...

I think this really works but I'm kinda half hearted about following through - I manage about 3 nights a week or when I'm wearing heavier makeup

Unknown said...

The products look amazing and the procedure is probably very helpful. I use just make-up remover, face lotion and sometimes mask. :)
Fashion Happenss

Effortlesslady said...

I have never used a double cleanse before. Maybe I should try this one.
effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

Unknown said...

I like the double cleansing aspect. Sounds like it will super clean.

Ileana said...

Now I wanna try it ^^
xoxo

Novelstyle

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Lady parisienne said...

This is a smart idea, nice post!

hidden dreams said...

So great product!

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Unknown said...

VITAMIN C BENEFITS
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage [source: University of Leicester].
Research suggests that vitamin C may also reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer [sources: University of Maryland Medical Center, Bouchez].
Vitamin C also helps create scar tissue and ligaments, and it helps your skin repair itself [source: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center].

http://oznaturals.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

Alexis Crawford said...

I've never tried double cleansing! I'm going to try it out this week!
lexi @ thelittlebrunette.com

Amy said...

I've definitely seen double cleansing around! I usually double cleanse with a makeup wipe instead of an oil, but I can definitely see oils as being a better option as they aren't so harsh on the skin...Time to update the wish list!

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I want to try this! Double cleansing sounds awesome and shows it's effective. I wonder how it will work with my sensitive skin. Doesn't sound like it would be bad at all. Thanks for explaining this Rowena.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

JeannLiew | Luminnej said...

Yes, Rowena, the Laneige cleansing video does works effectively in selling the product *_^ who wouldn't want a skin like hers? Well, I double cleanse whenever I wear makeup! I do like to feel that I clean my face properly, especially whenever I have makeup on. Normal days, I clean as usual.

Nice fun post!

Unknown said...

I've recently started double cleansing too. I'm a big fan!

Vanessa N said...

...Target...carries LANEIGE??????? SRSLY? I don't even have ELF in most Canadian Targets yet! I've been double cleansing for a while now--coconut oil to remove and follow up with a regular cleanser, but I really need to start dabbling in cleansing oils to see what this hype is about. Thanks for the product roundup!

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I've actually never heard of double cleansing before this post. It sounds so interesting to wash with one cleanser and then to do it again with another. Yes, definitely adds more time to the nightly routine, but it sounds like you've seen good results so it must be worth it.

Madaline said...

OOO this is like the perfect timing! I'm a double cleanser too but I literally just ran out of my oil two nights ago! I'm going to try the Laneige

Unknown said...

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http://glamriver.blogspot.com/

Natalie said...

Yeah, I'm a double cleansing kind of gal. I've been doing it for years, and I honestly thought everybody did it.

Marlene said...

I "double cleanse" using makeup remover wipes and then a cleanser but never thought about using two different cleansers back to back. And I usually only do that on makeup days...interesting concept! Do you do this on non-makeup days too? Ever use the wipes or just liquid cleansers?

Ghazaleh said...

Great, great tip. I always do something to remove my makeup before using a regular cleanser but never thought of double cleansing. Totally going to try this out!

http://beautyandsass.com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

is it work to use a normal oil ?

balu said...

good work