Why you should rethink "double cleansing"

There was a time where cleaning your face with a quick wipe of a makeup wipe was the job done. But we have quickly learned of the damage using makeup wipes can do to our skin.

Then double cleansing came along, and our bedtime routines were never the same again. Makeup wipes also just don’t cut it when it comes to getting all the makeup and dirt and oils off the skin before bed.

But what is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice. First, with an oil-based cleanser and again with a water-based cleanser. It can help remove stubborn, pore-clogging and acne-causing impurities that can remain on the skin even after washing your face once.

What are the benefits?

The benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanser will address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne. Doing both steps will assure that any treatment or moisturizer will be easily absorbed by your squeaky clean skin.

Are there any negatives?

As with any beauty trend, it will come with some negatives. Dermatologists’ are coming out of late to say double cleansing could actually be doing more harm than good to our skin.

The problem with multiple cleansing steps is that this disturbs skin barrier function, which is not good.

It’s important to realise that ‘squeaky clean’ skin means you’ve gone too far, skin should have no residual tightness after cleansing if you’re using the right products.

If you have skin problems dermatologists suggest wearing fewer products on the skin and therefore less need to cleanse as much.  And for everyday makeup, a single cleanse is enough.