Double cleansing has become a buzzword in the skincare world, but what exactly is this double cleansing method, and how can it transform your skincare routine? This guide will walk you through the basics, benefits, and best practices for double cleansing, helping you achieve clear, glowing skin.

Double cleansing involves using two cleansers to remove dirt, oil, and makeup effectively. The first step uses a cleanser to dissolve impurities, while the second step employs a cleanser to deep clean pores and remove any remaining cleanser residue from the first step. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, there are double cleansing products that will suit your needs.

The advantages of double cleansing are numerous: it provides a deeper clean, unclogs pores, improves skin texture, and enhances the efficacy of other skincare products further down your skincare routine. This guide will help you understand the technique, choose the best cleansers for double cleansing, and decide how you’ll best double cleanse your skin.

What is Double Cleansing?

The double cleansing method involves using two cleansers consecutively to thoroughly cleanse the skin. It has gained popularity for its ability to remove impurities and provide a deeper clean. 

This is mainly for your evening cleanse as the first step in this cleansing is to remove makeup, SPF and impurities collected from the day. You’ll apply this cleanser then remove with a muslin cloth to really help take away heavy makeup and ensure a thorough cleanse. 

Next, another cleanser is used to remove any remaining dirt and sweat. You can use the same cleanser twice or switch what you use, based on your skin type and needs. We personally love to use two different types of cleansers to get all the maximum benefits!

Double cleansing helps maintain clear, healthy skin by preventing clogged pores and allowing skincare products to absorb better. And who doesn’t like the sound of that?! 

How to Double Cleanse Properly

To reap the benefits of double cleansing, it's crucial to use the right products and techniques. Follow these steps to get it right:

Choosing the right cleansers: Select products suited to your skin type. An oil-based cleanser is great for removing makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, while a water-based cleanser helps eliminates residual impurities. 

Step-by-step guide: Always follow the correct way to apply your cleanser, this could be on dry or damp skin and sometimes cleansers require water is added halfway through to help activate ingredients. We’d also always recommend removing your cleanser with a muslin cloth. Using wet hands can only get you so far, whereas a muslin cloth will help lift away makeup, impurities and cleanser residue deep from your pores.

Tips for effective cleansing: Use lukewarm water to avoid stripping natural oils. Be gentle when massaging to prevent irritation and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Finish with your regular skincare routine, including toner, serum, and moisturizer.

Double Cleansing for Different Skin Types

The double cleansing method can be tailored to suit various skin types. Here’s how to adapt the routine:

Oily skin: Double cleansing helps control sebum and prevent clogged pores. Look for ingredients that help refresh, balance and refine the skin. 

TEMPLESPA recommends: DUAL ACT Purifying Cleansing Lotion. Cleverly taking care of excess oil, effectively removing makeup and leaving the skin looking refreshed, clean and purified. A great one for oily and combination skin types, and anyone experiencing blemish-prone skin.  

Dry skin: Maintain hydration while cleansing. Often cleansers can over strip the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and dehydrated. So, if you’re prone to dry skin look for cleansers that have hydrating ingredients and nourish the skin.

TEMPLESPA recommends: IN THE BEGINNING Deep Cleansing Melt. Our cult-classic cleansing balm is ultra hydrating and provides a deep cleanse to remove makeup, oils and impurities. This balm transforms from an exfoliating texture to an oil as you massage it in, delivering ingredient goodness like olive oil and vitamin E.

Sensitive skin: Choose gentle, soothing cleansers. Commonly cleansers on the market can be too harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils, which cause sensitive skin to become irritated and unhappy.

TEMPLESPA recommends: BE GONE Kind-Hearted Cleansing Crème. Ultra lightweight and with a unique bouncy texture that doesn’t tug or pull on the skin, this cleanser effortlessly lifts away makeup, oils and impurities from the day. Clever ingredients include prebiotics, Mediterranean botanicals and vitamins help soothe and support the skin’s microbiome. 

A great morning cleanser is GOOD TO GO Creamy Foaming Cleanser. Super lightweight and nourishing, it’s a great morning cleanser to help lift away any impurities picked up overnight and give your skin a quick refresh. 

Benefits of Double Cleansing

Double cleansing offers numerous benefits for the skin and ones you should definitely be taking note of!

Deep cleanse: The first cleanser breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, while the second cleanser removes remaining impurities, leaving the skin clean and refreshed. Without a second cleanse you wouldn’t have achieved this!

Prevents clogged pores: Thoroughly cleansing the pores prevents debris build-up, reducing the risk of breakouts.

Enhances product absorption: A clean canvas allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits. Imagine how your serum will benefit if there’s still makeup and impurities trapped in your skin?

Is Double Cleansing Right for You?

We’d recommend everyone double cleanses in the evening, especially if you’re wearing makeup and SPF during the day. Even if you don’t wear makeup or use SPF during the day, then a double cleanse will help provide your skin with the best canvas for the rest of your skincare routine.

Ultimately daily pollution plays a massive part in our day-to-day and we often touch our faces multiple times throughout the day, so imagine all the build-up of germs and impurities on your skin!

You’ll gain maximum double cleansing benefits when you use a muslin cloth to remove your cleansers, ensuring your skin is totally clean and refreshed for the next steps. 

We always say pick the cleanser based on your skin type, and make sure you listen to your skin. If it’s not enjoying a certain cleanser and feels that it’s too harsh, then opt for one that’s gentler on the skin.