Benefits of double cleansing

What are the benefits of double cleansing your face?

The first cleanser breaks down makeup, sunscreen and oily residue. The second removes water soluble dirt and sweat. Removing that first layer can help the second cleanser work and other skincare products penetrate better. Two cleansers are a removal strategy, not a promotion to a higher tier of face washing.1

How to double cleanse

1. 1Gently massage an oil based cleanser into your skin to loosen makeup, sunscreen and oil.
2. 2Rinse with lukewarm water using your hands.
3. 3Keep your face damp and gently massage in a water based cleanser.
4. 4Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Who should skip the extra wash?

Without makeup or waterproof sunscreen to remove, a single cleanse is usually enough. The extra wash needs something to remove, not merely a matching bottle. Dry or sensitive skin generally suits a gentle, unscented cream cleanser better than a foaming one. Avoid harsh, drying or fragranced cleansers. Stop the extra wash if dryness or irritation develops: overwashing can damage the skin barrier, your skin's protective outer layer. Micellar water followed by a water based cleanser is another option for removing makeup.1

Oily skin is not an automatic reason to double cleanse. Oil based cleansing helps some people but causes breakouts in others. For oily skin, look for products marked oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Avoid scrubbing and alcohol based products that irritate skin. Continue moisturizing: drying skin excessively can stimulate more oil production. Washing morning and evening, and after exercise, is general oily skin guidance, not a direction to double cleanse each time. If oiliness remains troublesome after a month or two of routine changes, a dermatologist can help you choose products or discuss treatment.2

What are the benefits of using serum with double cleansing?

Removing residue can help skincare products penetrate better; double cleansing is not a requirement for using a serum. Apply a treatment serum after cleansing, then moisturizer and sunscreen as appropriate. The order matters for how well products work. Adding more treatments can irritate skin, particularly when several target signs of aging. If you already use a skin medication, apply it after cleansing and follow its application directions rather than adding treatments indiscriminately.13

What are the benefits of using retinol with double cleansing?

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps prevent clogged pores and increases collagen production, which can reduce fine lines. Those are retinol's benefits, not extra benefits from washing twice. Visible improvement takes several weeks; changes in wrinkles usually take several months. Retinol can cause dryness, redness, itching, burning and peeling, so gentle cleansing matters more than adding another wash.4

Patch test retinol on a small area first. Follow the package or your clinician's directions. General use is a pea sized amount in a thin layer on clean, dry skin at bedtime, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose, followed by moisturizer. Start every other night rather than nightly, and do not scrub.45

Choose the least intense retinol formula available and use sun protection during the day. Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. If you have skin allergies, substantial dryness, redness or inflammation, ask a dermatologist about alternatives before starting. Irritation can also trigger dark marks in darker skin, so starting slowly and moisturizing are particularly useful.5