What is double cleansing?

A beginner's guide to double cleansing and why you need to add this self-care step to your skincare routine.

You may have heard about double cleansing and thought “wait, should I be doing that? Or, am I already doing that?” Or maybe you just sighed and thought “it sounds like some lavish spa facial I’ll probably never get”. If you’re a skinimalist, you’re probably like "I already opted out of the 15-step skincare routine”. We hear you - we are alllll about that quick and easy routine. Effortless is the name of the game. But we also have a serious appreciation for a good skincare ritual. A peaceful practice for more radiant skin? Yes, please! And all in in the luxury of your home (and for way less than $$$). We call it self-care at its finest! 

Why do I really need it? 

It’s so important to properly cleanse your skin at the end of the day. You may be thinking, “duh, I already use a cleanser at night”. The thing is, your normal cleanser may not be getting through all the buildup that’s sitting on top of your skin…even if you don’t wear makeup every day…and especially if you live in a polluted area like NYC. In addition to makeup…dirt, excess oil, SPF, and environmental toxins are all gunking up your pores. We know, sorry that sounds gross. But that’s why a double cleanse can actually be a quick fix to purify your pores and get you glowing in no time. 

Before you pass over this particular beauty treatment, you should know it’s actually super simple. A double cleanse only takes a few extra minutes and can make a world of difference. Here’s what you need to know about the art of the double cleanse…

So what is it? 

A double cleanse isss... yep, you guessed it! It’s washing your face twice. Double cleansing is a technique that’s at the core of a Korean skincare routine. It’s also widely used by the pros of the aesthetics world. Whether you see it as a trend or technique, one thing’s for sure - it results in radiant skin.

Let's break it down now...

Step 1

Start with an oil-based cleanser (like Tropical Melt Cleansing Balm) or micellar water (like Mermaid Micellar) to remove makeup and all the excess oil and impurities from the day. … oil, this is the rinse-free part…see lazy girls guide to … 

Pro Tip: Leave the cleansing balm on for a few minutes before wiping off to allow the nourishing skincare benefits to sink in - this will make your skin feel extra soft and smooth by the time you’re finished. 

Step 2

Next up is a good old fashion lather and rinse. After you’ve wiped off the cleansing balm or removed your makeup with a cotton pad, pick up your favorite water-based cleanser (like Moon Jelly Gentle Gel Cleanser). Use lukewarm water, never hot! To get a deeper cleanse, very lightly massage upwards and outwards instead. Remember: use a downward motion to apply makeup to avoid driving product into your pores and the opposite/upwards motion with skincare. 

Step 3

Here’s where we put our (waterless) spin on it… if you opted for the oil-based cleanser (like Tropical Melt) in step one, you can follow it up with Mermaid Micellar Cleansing Water Serum. Since it’s sooo much more than a makeup remover, you can use it in place of a foaming or gel cleanser. *Rinse-free option for the win!* It has TONS more good-for-you skincare ingredients than your regular micellar that its benefits make it an ideal candidate for step 1 OR 2 of the double cleansing job.

While many water-based cleansers can leave your skin feeling dry, Mermaid Micellar Cleansing Water SERUM is going to keep working to hydrate, brighten and protect your skin. That’s because while most cleansers can strip the skin of its natural moisture, Mermaid Micellar replaces the excess oil with probiotics and a powerhouse of antioxidants. So if you have dry or sensitive skin or suffer from redness or rosacea, you’re going to LOVE the Tropical Melt + Mermaid Micellar combo.

Now let's talk about the benefits

After you experience the gloriously satisfying level of clean you feel from washing your face twice, you get what all the hype is about. But the benefits of double cleansing go way beyond that session at the skin. The obvious is that you get a deeper clean. This really helps prevent breakouts. Say see ‘ya to dullness and hello to a brighter, clear complexion. 

In addition to the cleanliness factor, the active ingredients in your other skincare products will be able to penetrate more easily. By cleansing not once, but two times, you’ve cleared the way for your serums and creams to sink right in. In other words, you’ve made room for all the other nourishing skincare ingredients to work their magic. Not only will the skincare benefits from your second cleanser work better because it’s not doing double duty, but your healthy face cream will also be more effective.

The results of a double cleanse lead to optimal absorption. Think of your skin as a clean canvas, ready and waiting for your favorite healthy skincare products. The results of a double cleanse lead to optimal absorption. 

Finally, how often do I need to double cleanse? 

If you have acne-prone skin and/or wear a lot of makeup, double cleansing will be an important part of your skincare routine.

If you have dry skin or don’t wear much makeup, you can make double cleansing more of the occasional treat-yourself kind of thing.

May we suggest squeezing in a double cleanse at the end of the day on Monday? Or maybe opting for a luxurious self-care Sunday. Whatever you do, just don’t sleep in your makeup! We hope you take some time to show your skin some TLC and thoroughly enjoy working a double cleanse into your skincare ritual. 

Also in Island Time Blog