Is Double Cleansing Really Worth It? We Asked the Pros

You’re probably already familiar with the necessity of cleansing your skin, but it can be a real chore at the end of a long day. Although the thought of cleansing twice seems like double the effort, it can have double the benefits. Whether you're skin is looking dull or your skin just needs boost, dermatologists have pointed to double cleansing as the answer to smoother, brighter skin. Why? By removing all makeup, dirt, and oil beforehand, you can reap all the benefits of your existing cleanser (read: glowing skin, anti-aging, and even reduced acne).

We talked to dermatologists to get the rundown on double cleansing and the best products for your cleansing routine.

What Is Double Cleansing?

“Double cleansing usually implies starting with an oil cleanser to emulsify dirt, oil, and makeup, so you get a super deep clean without stripping the skin of its integral acid mantle. That's followed by a gel cleanser to remove the remaining makeup, oil, and dirt in the skin,” says Rachel Lee Lozina, licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa. 

In order to achieve the cleanest skin possible, the first cleansing product is typically designed to remove the surface level items followed by a second, deeper cleanse according to skin needs, explains Jared Jagdeo, MD, board-certified dermatologist.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

“Double cleansing provides a deep cleaning without stripping the skin of its delicate microbiome of oil and dead skin. It keeps the skin more hydrated, and hydrated skin ages better than dry or dehydrated skin,” says Lozina. 

By properly cleansing the skin, this provides a clean base to improve overall skin health. Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, explains that this is essential for a successful skin care routine, so that all products post cleansing can work effectively. It can even make acne treatments and serums more effective because the skin is deeply cleaned before applying active skin care ingredients.

Anti-aging is another huge benefit of double cleansing. “Not properly cleansing your skin can lead to advanced aging and oxidation which equates to brown spots and wrinkles. Cleansing your skin without stripping the acid mantle will make your skin healthier, more hydrated, and will help your skin age better in the long run,” says Lozina. 

Side Effects of Double Cleansing

If you have super sensitive or compromised skin, be cautious about the double cleansing products that you are using. “Double cleansing too often can disrupt the balance of the skin, causing it to be stripped, making the skin overproduce oil to overcompensate. This means it won't be helpful for already problematic skin areas,” says Dr. Graf. 

How to Double Cleanse

Nighttime is the ideal time for double cleansing in order to remove existing makeup and pollution from the day. Dr. Jadgeo suggests double cleansing every night and using a one-step gentle cleanse in the morning. 

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the products for the double cleansing method. You can cleanse with an oil cleanser, balm, or micellar water to break down makeup, dirt, and oil on the face followed by your favorite facial cleanser, says Dr. Graf.

1. Cleansing Balm: Most cleansing balms have a thicker consistency that massages into the skin then melts into a milky cleanser. It breaks down makeup, dirt, and oil on your face, so you can simply rinse it off after the milky cleanser texture is formed. Then, grab your favorite cleanser to deep clean the skin.
2. Cleansing Oil: The majority of cleansing oils feel similar to a facial oil. Lozina suggests applying a cleansing oil on dry skin with dry hands and massaging the face to loosen up makeup. She follows a cleansing oil with a foaming gel cleanser to fully cleanse the skin.
3. Micellar Water: Similar to the consistency of typical makeup removers, micellar water has a water-like texture which removes surface level makeup and impurities. Use a cotton pad to apply the micellar water before your normal cleanser. Apply to all areas of your face and neck to remove makeup, SPF, impurities, and more.

Where to Shop

From cleansing balms to micellar waters, these are some expert-approved double cleansing product recommendations.

• Suitable for all skin types, Arbonne DermResults Advanced Cleansing Balm with Avocado Oil promotes healthy aging, smooths, and moisturizes the skin.
• This budget friendly option by Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm melts away makeup and SPF without drying the skin.
• House of Preservation Oil Cleanser feels like a luxurious massage oil on the face, while also melting away makeup and impurities.
• For a quick and easy makeup remover, try Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to clean the skin's surface before cleansing.
• This cleanser by Forlle'd Hyalogy P-effect Clearance Cleansing includes squalene and sodium hyaluronate for ultimate hydration while emulsifying dirt and oil on the skin.