Single cleansing is so last year. Everyone is double cleansing these days. While we’re not into peer pressure, we can safely suggest you jump on board the double-cleansing trend. If you’re already a two-time cleanser, you know that your face feels another level of clean after using two products, especially when they’re formulated to target different things. Finding one perfect product among the masses is hard, but two? It can feel impossible. We’ve paired up some of our favorite double cleansing duos, so all you have to do is click “add to cart.”
Double Cleansing 101
“If you have ever wiped your skin with a cotton round and toner after cleansing the skin once, chances are you still had dirt and even makeup show up on the cotton,” says aesthetician Sara Botta. This is where double-cleansing comes in. Aesthetician Savanna Boda notes that the method is meant to remove “all makeup, mascara, excess oil, dirt, and debris on the skin while also treating your skin concern.” This technique allows the second cleanse to actually be productive. Double-cleansing can result in “less of a chance for breakouts and clogged pores, irritation, and much healthier skin,” says Botta.
The first cleanse is like sweeping, explains Boda. You use an “oil or gel-based cleanser that removes surface-level grime to give your skin a clean slate to allow your second cleanse to actually cleanse the skin,” she says. Boda equates the second cleanse to mopping as it’s more of a treatment cleanse. “Your treatment cleanse is based on your skin type and concern. For example: a glycolic wash for aging skin or a salicylic wash for acne-prone skin.”
While Botta says double-cleansing isn’t necessary in the morning, she highly recommends doing the practice at night “to remove makeup and sunscreen to get a true deep cleanse.” Double-cleansing helps ensure your skin is truly cleansed, prepped and ready to receive toners, serums, moisturizers and other skin care, explains Boda. “The benefits of double-cleansing are a stronger skin barrier, healthier skin, and a brighter complexion,” she adds.
The best double cleansing pairs
