Double Cleansing: Step one of your natural beauty routine!

Last Updated on March 13, 2020 by Rebecca Huff

Should I be double cleansing and what cleansers should I use?

Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine. Cleansing your face twice in a row (double cleansing) gives your skin a better chance of actually being CLEAN. Dirt, sweat, and makeup can really work its way down into your pores, and if it’s not cleaned out, it just builds up. Enter whiteheads, blackheads and flaking skin build up.

For some people, double cleansing morning and night might be too much. In those cases, make it a goal to double cleanse in the evening when taking your daily makeup and sunscreen off.

I personally like to use an oil-based cleanser for my first cleanse. Oil gets rid of oil, so that helps to lift dead skin cells and excess sebum from your face. Even if you have oily skin, you can use an oil-based cleanser. Cleansers are available in different consistencies for different types of skin. One I use in the winter is a melt-in-your-hand, sherbet type cleanser. Whereas in the summer when I tend to be a little more oil-prone I use a thinner oil.

All oil cleansers are (usually) made where when warm water is applied, it turns into a milky consistency and washes right off, especially after your water-based cleanser.

Choosing cleansers

Water-based cleansers can range from cleansing milk to gel cleansers. They come in such variety that it can be difficult to choose one.

If your skin is dehydrated (lacking in water) or dry (lacking in oil) you’ll want to keep to the more “milk-like” cleansers that won’t completely strip your skin. Then if your skin is oily, you’ll want something that will help keep away that excess sebum and get your face good and oil-free. There are also products specifically designed to help mature skin.

Now, if you have combination skin (like me), I like to use a little bit of both depending on how my skin is acting on that given day. Since I work around steamers with facials all day, I can be a little oily in my T-zone by the end of the day. So I’ll use an exfoliating cleanser or cleansing gel to rid my skin of the day's build-up effectively.

If you have normal skin, congratulations! You can probably have your pick of whatever cleanser just works best for you. It's important to maintain this by taking care of your skin from the inside out.

You never want to sleep in your makeup or sunscreen. Overnight is when your skin works the hardest to regenerate, so leaving all that on only hinders that. (See my Mom’s post on Sleep Hygiene.)

All in all, cleansing – even if it’s only once in the morning and once at night – is so, so important. So make sure you are using a cleanser and a routine that brings out the best in your skin!

Let Macey help you personalize a skin care routine for you.

Here's an infographic to help you remember your Ultimate Skin Care Routine