We all know the mantra, 'cleanse, tone, moisturise,' but how many of us have been encouraged to 'double-cleanse, tone, moisturise'? For some of us, cleansing, toning, and mosturizing can feel like a bit too much. And that's before we get on to serums and sunscreen! So the thought of spending extra time with double-cleansing fills a lot of people with dread. But when it comes to taking care of you skin, maintaining a good regime is a necessity in order to keep our skin looking healthy and good as we get older. And it doesn't have to be taxing and mundane. Peppermint Teal's founder Angel Noire tried out the double-cleanse method almost ten years ago when her skin had looked as though it had seen better days (it had!) Though once she heard about this new step for a more effective skincare regime, she gave it a go - and never looked back.
SO WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?
Double-cleansing is hardly some new skincare phenomenon as it's been around for ages. It's just that not everyone puts it into practice! Double-cleansing is exactly what it says on the tin - cleansing your face twice: First with an oil-based cleanser, and then with a water-based cleanser.
SHOULD EVERYONE DOUBLE-CLEANSE?
It depends. It's true that double-cleansing is NOT essential for everyone. For most, cleansing your face thoroughly is more than sufficient. But if the following applies to you, then to double cleanse your skin before reaching the other steps of your skincare routine might benefit you:
If you have oily skin as it removes excess oil and sebum
For those who are exposed to a lot more pollutants, dirt and grime
If you wear a lot of make-up every day
For those of you who wear sunscreen (which should be all of you!)
If the above doesn't apply to you, you might still benefit from incorporating that extra double-cleansing step into your routine as it could help the water/cream based cleanser work more efficiently plus allow the skin to better absorb the other skincare products.
ISN'T DOUBLE-CLEANSING HARSH FOR THE SKIN?
Not if it's done properly and you apply two things:
Products that are suitable for your skintype
Common sense!
You only really need to double-cleanse your face in the evening to remove the day's grime and make-up. Avoid products that are harsh, overly drying and contain undesirables such as alcohol and artificial fragrances. Stick to products that are organic and contain as many natural ingredients as possible.
And if you encounter any issues with any of the products you're using, then obviously discontinue using it and switch to a more suitable product.
BUT...
It is true that double-cleansing may not for everyone. So if you feel as though it's drying out your skin and causing irritation, then skip the double cleanse. Furthermore, if you'd rather not use an oil-based cleanser (oil-based cleansers can cause break-outs for acne-prone skin) then you can substitute it for micellar water to break down make-up.
SUITABLE WATER-BASED CLEANSERS FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES
Normal skin
Use a gentle, unscented water-based cleanser, cream or foaming depending on what you like best.
Dry, sensitive skin
Select a gentle, unscented water-based cleanser, preferable a cream cleanser rather than a foaming one as it's less drying.
Combination skin
If your skin is part oily, part dry — typically dry cheeks with a greasy t-zone - go for either product that's specially formulated for combination skin, or go for a cream-based cleanser for the dry areas and use a water-based foaming cleanser everywhere else.
Oily or acne-prone skin
Choose water-based foaming cleansers with active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic or glycolic acid.
THE DOUBLE-CLEANSE ROUTINE:
So, how do you double cleanse? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Apply an oil-based cleanser to your face and neck, and gently massage the cleanser into your skin, breaking down makeup and sunscreen residue as well as sebum and grime.
With a flannel or soft sponge, rinse off using lukewarm water. Remember that water which is too hot can dry out your skin.
Pat your skin dry with a towel but ensure that it's still a little damp. Then apply your water-based cleanser, massaging gently into the skin.
Rinse off the cleanser as before.
Gently dry skin with a soft towel.
Now continue with the next steps of your cleansing routine e.g. - toning, serum, moisturizer etc.
And it's as easy as that! Check out the next part of this post to see how Angel Noire got on with her double-cleansing skincare routine.
Photos: Pixabay
Blog graphics: Angel Noire
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