The Science of Double Cleansing: Why Two Steps Might Be Better Than One

Keeping your skin clean is an essential step in any skincare routine. Cleansing removes dirt, oils, makeup, and pollutants that can clog pores and cause skin issues. Today, however, there is a new concept called double cleansing—a two-step cleansing that uses an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one. Why is double cleansing more effective than using just one product?

The Science Behind Double Cleansing: How It Works

So, what is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is a unique skin care technique where you wash your face in the morning and the evening twice, using different cleansers. the first time you start with an oil-based cleanser to remove excess sebum and makeup after which you use a water-based cleanser to remove the remaining impurities or dirt.

This is a great technique for people who have oily skin or who regularly wear heavy makeup.

Even if you don't regularly wear heavy makeup or don't have oily skin, you can still learn how to double cleanse and use it when you break a sweat during vigorous exercise or on the rare occasion that you do wear makeup.

How to Double Cleanse

Double cleansing is a two-step process the first of which uses an oil-based product like a cleansing balm or oil that helps dissolve things on a chemical level, particularly makeup and sunscreen. This stage helps to break up material that might not otherwise be effectively removed were you to use one step of cleansing.

From there, you use a water-based cleanser to get a deeper clean and remove all of the impurities that may have been collected during the day.

This scientific form of cleansing is very beneficial for people with combination skin, acne skin, oily skin, or those who wear makeup regularly, but it's important that you thoroughly rinse off your cleansers after each use.

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

The first step, as mentioned, is to use an oil-based cleanser. In the oil based cleansers, the oil binds to other oils, such as makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, making it effective at removing these substances.

Scientific Explanation

Oil based cleansers use "like dissolves like" chemistry. This means their oil based nature helps to break down and remove oil-based impurities from the skin.

Key Ingredients

When you pick your oil-based cleansers, you will find common ingredients like cleansing balms and jojoba oil, which are highly effective at breaking up the compounds on your skin and making them easier to remove.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

The second step, as briefly mentioned, is to use a water-based cleanser. With this stage, the water cleanser helps remove any remaining residue from the oil-based cleanser and cleanses the skin's surface more deeply.

Scientific Explanation

Water-based cleansers are more effective at removing water-based impurities, like sweat and environmental pollutants. However, they work better when the top layer of impurities like makeup, sebum, and sweat have already been removed.

Types of Water-Based Cleansers

There are a few different types, including gel, foam, or cream. The type you choose should be based on your skin type.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

When you invest in double cleansing products,​ you can reap several benefits:

• The two-step process results in cleaner skin.
• The double cleansing method helps reduce breakouts by more deeply cleaning your pores and getting rid of excess sebum from throughout the day.
• This process offers better absorption of other skincare products after cleansing.

When you invest in double cleansing, you invest in better skincare and long term treatment from moisturizers, creams, and other products that go on after you've cleansed in the morning or evening.

If, for example, you don't use the double cleansing method but instead try to apply a moisturizer on top of your "clean" skin after a single cleansing, you might still have sebum or makeup clogging your pores, preventing the absorption and leading to more breakouts.

Tips for Double Cleansing and Choosing the Right Products

With the double cleansing method​, you might ask, "Can you double cleanse with the same cleanser​?" or "What are the best double cleansing products​?"

Choosing the Right Cleansers

Selecting the appropriate products for each step of the double cleansing process is important. Can you double-cleanse with the same cleanser? Not really, since the first step should be an oil-based cleanser and the second, a water-based cleanser. The best double cleansing products will help you get the best breakdown and removal of impurities, particularly from environmental pollutants and sweat.

Oil Cleanser Selection

So what are the best oil cleansers for various skin types? Consider whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin. From there, pay attention to the ingredients listed in each of the oil based cleansers you are considering.

The best double cleansing products, especially when you are choosing the oil cleanser, will clearly state on their description or ingredient list what kinds of products are included and to what extent these products work with different skin types.

If you already have oily skin, don't shy away from an oil cleanser, but pick something that won't exacerbate skin conditions.

Water-Based Cleanser Selection

With the double cleansing method, the second step in your double cleansing products should be the water-based cleansers. Here you want to pick cleansers suited for different skin needs like hydrating cleansers, exfoliating cleansers for those with oily skin, or acne fighting cleansers for those with issues like inflammation and clogged pores.

Can You Double Cleanse with the Same Cleanser?

As mentioned, this is not ideal. You don't want to use the same cleanser for both steps because doing so, in effect, violates the entire double cleansing method. If you use the same cleanser, you're basically using a single cleanser method instead.

There are specific chemical benefits gained from using specialized products for each of the two key stages with double cleansing.

Skin Type Considerations

It is important to remember that double cleansing can benefit different skin types, including those with acne-prone, oily, or dry skin. You can make adjustments to how frequently you use this cleansing method too. If, for example, you don't wear makeup that often, you might reserve double cleansing for when you do. If, instead, you don't wear makeup at all, but you have very oily skin, you might use it on days when you've exercised or sweat heavily.

Overall, there are many benefits to double cleansing for achieving clearer, healthier skin, not least of which is better absorption of other products, reduced breakouts, and cleaner skin. Give double cleansing a try as part of your routine and experiment with products that suit your specific needs.

At Dermoi, we bring you a unique concept store dedicated to scientifically-verified skincare. Our experienced scientific team carefully studies and selects and each product, ensuring only the most potent and effective options make it to our shelves. With Dermoi, you can be confident in using products that are high-quality and advanced.

For any questions about your skincare routine or product recommendations, ourscientific team is available for support. Feel free to reach us by email at [email protected] or call (0)20 3963 9930, Monday through Friday, between 11am and 4pm.