Undergoing the cleansing step in the evening is essential to rid the skin of all the impurities it may have accumulated throughout the day, thereby maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Double cleansing is one of the most effective methods, but is it suitable for all skin types?
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Double Cleansing: Suitable for All Skin Types?
Summary
Published January 5, 2022,
updated on July 16, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
6 min read
What is double cleansing?
The double cleansing is a technique that originates from Japan, and it includes a makeup removal step and a cleansing step. This method thus better prepares the skin to receive the subsequent treatments:
In the first step, makeup, sebum, sunscreen, as well as pollution particles, being lipophilic impurities, are lifted from the skin's surface through the use of a fatty substance, such as a oil or a cleansing balm. They are applied directly to dry skin with bare hands over the entire face and neck, while making gentle circular movements.
After rinsing the makeup remover with warm water, you can then move on to the so-called aqueous phase with the application of a second cleanser to remove the last impurities. It is recommended to choose a gentle and hydrating cleanser, depending on your current skin concern. Indeed, in addition to deeply cleaning the skin, this second step allows to target and start treating a particular skin issue. Hydrate, nourish, purify, regulate, soothe... therefore, choose a washing care suitable for your skin type.
Can all skin types do it?
The double cleansing method is suitable for all skin types, even combination to oily skin. Contrary to popular belief, oil-based makeup removers do not leave a greasy film on the skin thanks to the emulsifiers they contain. It is also important to choose a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating the skin and thus causing an overproduction of sebum. Therefore, avoid cleansers containing irritating surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, fragrance, silicones , or even mineral oils derived from petrochemicals. Simply choosing products that are suitable for your skin type can lead to healthy and radiant skin:
For dry skin, opt for a makeup remover with a rich texture, loaded with lipid-replenishing active ingredients (vegetable oils, squalene, vegetable butters, vegetable waxes, etc...) such as the cleansing balm. It allows you to get rid of impurities without harming the skin and while providing it with a protective barrier against dehydration. Follow up with a cleansing milk based on hydrating agents (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc...) and with a creamy texture to regain the comfort of a skin that does not feel tight;
If you have normal skin, adopt thecleansing oil with a minimalist formula that takes care of all skin types. Then use the exfoliating cleansing gel that deeply cleanses the skin and frees it from impurities accumulated throughout the day to regain a fresh, even, and radiant complexion.
For combination to oily skin types prone to blemishes, choose a makeup removing oil with a light texture that doesn't leave a greasy film. Follow up with a purifying cleansing gel formulated with zinc PCA, bamboo extract and globulus eucalyptus essential oil with antibacterial and regulating properties, ideal for minimizing blemishes and shiny areas.
Mature skin should adopt the use of cleansing balm for camellia oil , which stimulates skin regeneration. Continue with the antioxidant-enriched cleansing gel (sage oil, etc...) to neutralize free radicals responsible for premature skin aging, or keratolytic agents like the PHA-based exfoliating cleansing gel to boost cell renewal.
Those with reactive skin should choose cleansing products tailored to their sensitivity, which allow for gentle skin cleansing. For instance, you might opt for a balm or makeup removing oil that offer formulas containing ingredients with soothing properties (coconut oil, sweet almond oil, etc...). Then apply a gentle and creamy cleanser like the hydrating cleansing milk which leaves the skin comfortable, while reducing redness.
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