Does Double Cleansing Really Make A Difference To Your Skin? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Image by: Clarins
Is double cleansing to secret to clear, glowing spring-ready skin? We asked the experts at Clarins...
I’ve learned (and unlearned) many habits over the years when it comes to my skin, all in pursuit of the perfect complexion. However, one area that I never would have guessed that I needed enlightening on was washing my face. As the first step in any basic skincare routine, I never questioned what I was doing – a splash of water in the morning, a cleanser at night. Easy, right? Oh, how wrong I was.
Turns out that a lot of the issues I was experiencing with my complexion – pesky blemishes, dullness, and clogged pores – could be improved if only I was washing my face like the experts recommend. The concept of the ‘double cleanse’ has been around for a while, but I’ll admit I’ve never given it too much thought after assuming my current routine was performing fine. Whenever I had more make-up to shift, I’d just use a little more of whichever cleansers I already had. Double cleansing sounds simple in theory, but there’s a catch: you actually require two different cleansers to make it work effectively. In fact, according to the experts at Clarins, getting it wrong could strip your skin of its natural barrier and leave it the opposite of how you want it.
What is a double cleanse?
This popular practice, originating from Korea as all amazing skin tips do, encourages the habit of doubling up the cleansing method with wipe off and wash off steps to achieve a deeper clean. The idea is the first cleanse is dedicated to removing the surface level gunk – think make-up, SPF, oils, and pollutants that you’ve come into contract with during the day. The second cleanse then has room to go a little deeper, getting into pores for a deeper clean.
Does it actually make a difference?
Not everyone will benefit from a double cleanse – but if you’re someone who wears make-up during the day, commutes into an urban area or regularly wears sunscreen (as you should!) you will. The first cleanse will wipe away the grime, while the second will clean. If you’re not doing it twice, your face isn’t as clean as it should be. However, when we spoke to Clarins, they said there’s no need to over do it. Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager, says, “If you’ve doubled cleansed in the PM, there is no need the following day. If your face was clean when you went to bed, you might have had a bit of a sweat in the night or an oil build-up, but one cleanse would suffice.”
What is the best cleanser for a first cleanse?
Choosing your first cleanser will depend on your texture preference and skin type. There are a plethora of oil-based, water-based, and cleansing milk cleansers available on the market – but we’ve got to say, no one does a cleanser quite like Clarins. The beauty brand behind the UK’s most popular anti-aging serum – the iconic Double Serum – knows a thing or two when it comes to keeping skin looking and feeling fresh. They use primarily natural ingredients and potent formulas to target concerns, and their cleansers are no different.
Best for sensitive skin
I personally swear by the Velvet Cleansing Milk – it’s smooth to the touch and feels luxurious yet gentle on the face. I splash my face with water then massage a marble sized blob onto my face for around 30 seconds before rinsing with water. I’ll sometimes use a reusable cotton pad to really remove make-up around the eyes.
Best for normal skin
Ultra luxurious this is excellent for melting away make-up and despite being an oil won't leave you shiny. According to Charlotte, that's thanks to one star ingredient. "Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic carrier oil that is highly absorbent and won’t clog pores. It’s hydrating, calming and reduces the appearance of wrinkles."
Best for oily/combination skin
Light and fresh, this glycerin infused water uses tiny micelles that help purge your skin of oil and dirt. You'll need a cotton pad for this.
What is the best cleanser for a second cleanse?
This is where it gets good. The second cleanse focuses on addressing your skin type or concern so, according to Charlotte, we should look out for cleansers with active ingredients designed to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat blemishes. Having already rid the skin surface of dirt, now you can let this cleanser get to work.
Best for sensitive skin
If you're mostly concerned with keeping skin calm and redness free, this is the one for you. It's enriched with purifying Alpine herbs sourced from Clarins' own farm, Le Domaine Clarins, and naturally lathering Organic Saponaria—which allows the formula to be soap- and SLS-free.
Best for normal to dry skin
With aloe vera and lemon balm, this cleanser feels instantly moisturising.
Best for oily, combination or blemish prone skin
Formulated with mattifying Organic Meadowsweet extract and pore-cleansing blue granules made with salicylic acid, this is so good for leaving skin feeling the right kind of squeaky clean.
Best for dull skin
This foaming mousse contains exfoliating Tamarind pulp extract, rich in AHAs - known to boost radiance and glow over time.
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