Let’s start with a truth bomb: most people are under-cleansing.
We’re layering SPF, makeup, city air, sweat, and sebum onto our skin all day — then rinsing it off with a quick once-over and wondering why our serums aren’t sinking in, or why our skin feels dull, dry, or constantly breaking out.
There’s a better way. And it starts with one of the most underrated rituals in skincare: the double cleanse.
What Is Double Cleansing, Anyway?
Double cleansing is a two-step face-washing method designed to treat skin more thoroughly — and more mindfully:
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First cleanse breaks down SPF, makeup, excess sebum, and pollution. Think of it as your skins reset button after the day.
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Second cleanse goes deeper — but it’s not just about getting squeaky clean. This step is where you can get intentional with your ingredients: opt for something hydrating, balancing, or gently exfoliating, depending on your skins needs.
Think lactic acid for dry skin or salicylic for congestion
Imagine washing your hair: you wouldn’t shampoo over a head full of dry shampoo and styling products and call it clean. Skin works the same way — it needs the grime lifted before you can actually treat it.
Why Double Cleansing Matters
We like to think of double cleansing as a ritual of release and renewal. One step to let go of the day; another to nourish what’s underneath. But there’s also science behind the softness:
It Lifts the Layers
Makeup, SPF, sweat, oil, and microscopic pollutants create a film over your skin. If you don’t break through that first, your second cleanse (and your serums) won’t reach the skin properly.
It Improves Product Absorption
You’re not buying beautiful serums and oils just to have them sit on a film of residue. Clean skin absorbs active ingredients more effectively — meaning your skincare actually works.
It Reduces Breakouts & Texture
Congested skin often stems from leftover sunscreen, dirt, or oil trapped in pores. A proper double cleanse helps keep those pores clear — without stripping your barrier.
It Protects the Skin Barrier
When done right (read: gentle formulas, no harsh foaming agents), double cleansing supports your skins natural lipid layer — keeping it strong, calm, and balanced.
How to Double Cleanse (Without Overdoing It)
Here’s how to transform your cleanse into a nightly ritual that’s both effective and intentional:
Step 1: Begin with a Cream or Gentle Gel Cleanser
Start by cleansing away surface-level impurities like sweat, environmental dust, and general daily buildup. This prepares your skin for the deeper, more targeted cleanse to follow. Massage into damp skin, then rinse.
Step 2: Follow with a Targeted Treatment Cleanser
Now that the surface is clean, go in with a second cleanser that delivers specific benefits.
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Lactic acid for hydration and mild exfoliation
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Salicylic acid for decongesting pores
Apply to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly — this is the step where your skin gets exactly what it needs.
Pro tip: Avoid harsh foams. Look for low-foaming, pH-balanced cleansers that cleanse deeply without compromising your skin barrier or microbiome.
Who Is It For?
Double cleansing isn’t just for the makeup-wearers or skincare obsessives. It’s for:
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Anyone wearing SPF (aka everyone)
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Live in an urban environment exposed to pollution
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Breakout-prone skin that needs a clear start
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Dry or sensitive skin craving a gentle reset
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Those investing in serums, oils, and actives — and want them to actually work
A Final Word: Ritual, Not Just Routine
Skincare is more than surface-deep. Your cleanse should feel like a return — to softness, to presence, to skin that feels seen.
So next time you reach for your cleanser, pause. Ask what your skin is asking for. Then honour it — twice.
Because sometimes the simplest rituals are the most powerful.