The Benefits of Double Cleansing: A Skincare Essential

When it comes to skincare, trends come and go, but some practices stand the test of time due to their undeniable benefits. One such practice is double cleansing. If you're new to this concept or wondering whether you should incorporate it into your routine, you need to know about the transformative power of double cleansing because a good cleanse sets the foundation for your skincare routine. 

What Is Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a two-step process that involves using two different types of cleansers to thoroughly clean your skin. The first step typically involves an oil-based cleanser, while the second step uses a water-based cleanser. This method ensures that all impurities, makeup, and excess oils are effectively removed, leaving your skin fresh and ready to absorb all the benefits of your skincare products.

Benefits Of Double Cleansing

1. Thoroughly Removes Makeup and Sunscreen

Makeup and sunscreen are designed to stay put throughout the day, which means they can be stubborn to remove. An oil-based cleanser breaks down these products effectively along with pollution and daily grime, ensuring that no residue is left behind. This is especially important because leftover makeup and sunscreen can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

2. Eliminates Impurities and Pollutants

Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to various environmental pollutants and impurities. These can accumulate on the surface of your skin, leading to dullness and congestion. Double cleansing ensures that these impurities are thoroughly removed, allowing your skin to breathe and regenerate overnight.

3. Prepares Your Skin for Better Absorption

When your skin is clean, it can better absorb the active ingredients in your serums, moisturizers, and treatments. By double cleansing, you create a clean canvas that can significantly enhance the absorption and efficacy of subsequent skincare products that are applied.

4. Balances Oil Production

Contrary to popular belief, using an oil-based cleanser can actually help balance your skin's oil production. By gently removing excess oils without stripping your skin, you can maintain a healthy moisture balance. This is particularly beneficial for those with oily or combination skin types and regular practice contributes to preventing breakouts, promoting a clearer skin and a balanced, healthy skin barrier which in turn prevents inflammation and irritation.

5. Enhances Skin Texture and Appearance

Regular double cleansing can lead to a noticeable improvement in your skin's texture and appearance. By removing dead skin cells and impurities, your skin can breathe, repair, and become rejuvenated overnight leading to a smoother, brighter, and more radiant complexion. Over time, you may also notice a reduction in the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

How To Double Cleanse

1. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Apply the cleanser to dry skin and massage gently in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

2. Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and cleanse your skin more deeply. Apply the cleanser to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Double cleansing is a simple yet powerful addition to your skincare routine that can yield significant benefits and lead to better skin. By thoroughly removing makeup, impurities, and pollutants, you create a clean and balanced foundation for your skin allowing the products you apply afterwards to be more effective. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, double cleansing can help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion.  Remember, your skin is unique, so it's important to choose cleansers that suit your specific skin type and concerns. 

Even though I don't wear makeup anymore, I do make sure to use sunscreen every day so double cleansing is still a part of my routine. While I don't double cleanse every day, I always do it on the days when I go out since I want to make sure I get my skin as clean as possible after being outdoors and exposed to pollution and dirt. I've gone through a number of different cleansing duos with this process. I tend to prefer cleansing balms to cleansing oils for my first step because the solid texture is easier to control than a runny oil and they tend to rinse cleaner. The Vitabrid C¹² Daily-C Balancing Cleansing Balm (reviewed here) was one of my favorites and the upgraded version - Vitabrid C¹² Daily-C Biome Cleansing Balm is actually even better.

Vitabrid C12 Daily-C Biome Cleansing Balm

$32 (100 g / 3.53 oz)

Ideal for those with sensitive skin that becomes irritated or dry after cleansing, Vitabrid C12 Daily-C Biome Cleansing Balm is a daily facial cleansing balm that melts into an oil to thoroughly remove makeup and impurities, leaving skin clean, refreshed, and hydrated. The newly upgraded formula includes a proprietary blend of Vitabrid CG (12-hour stabilized, active vitamin C) for long-lasting antioxidant protection and Bifida Ferment Lysate, which strengthens the skin barrier and repairs damaged skin, while enhancing the skin’s microbiome. Protease, an enzyme with exfoliating properties, and Cica work together to gently slough off dead skin cells to encourage smooth and radiant skin. This product is suitable for all skin types.

Vitabrid C12 Daily-C Biome Cleansing Balm is creamy white with a thick sorbet-like consistency and a light citrus scent that is barely discernible to my nose. One scoop is enough to cover my face. The product readily transforms from a balm to an oil that gently melts into skin as I massage it around in circular motions. I generally like to work in my balm cleansers for a minute or two before adding water to let it emulsify before rinsing it off. This balm turns into a silky emulsion and rinses off cleanly without any residue. I really like how it effectively removes sunscreen and excess sebum and how it also soothes skin while promoting a healthy complexion and skin barrier. The convenient flip top packaging is also a plus!

This is the perfect cleanser if you're looking for a deep cleanse that won't irritate or strip moisture from your skin. I've said this before, I believe that a proper cleanse sets up your skin to  absorb your skincare and any active ingredients that you apply afterwards. This cleansing balm has an elegant formulation that works as it claims with wonderful skin supporting benefits. It is a lovely part of my regimen and a product I would absolutely recommend to anyone who actively double cleanses or wants to start.

Vitabrid C12 is one of my favorite K-beauty brands and I still rotate a number of their products through my routine including the Vitabrid C12 Vtamin C Face Brightening Powder (reviewed here), Vitabrid C12  Dual Drop Serum (reviewed here) and Vitabrid C12.Scalp+ Shampoo (reviewed here). Check out my other Vitabrid reviews. 

Vitabrid C12 Daily-C Biome Cleansing Balm and the entire range of Vitabrid C¹² products can be purchased from Vitabrid and Amazon.

Do you double cleanse? Are you currently using a cleansing balm in your routine?

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