Do I need a second cleanser after Anua Cleansing Oil?

When is the second cleanser worth using?

Double cleansing means an oil cleanser followed by a water based cleanser, not two turns with the same bottle because the name sounded ambitious. The oil step helps lift sunscreen, waterproof makeup and excess skin oil. The second cleanser removes remaining residue and water soluble impurities such as sweat and dirt.2

Use both steps in the evening after waterproof makeup or water resistant sunscreen. With light, non water resistant sunscreen, one cleanse can be enough if your skin feels clean afterward. If you wore no sunscreen, makeup or heavy moisturizer, you can often skip the oil step entirely and use a gentle cleanser alone.123

How to use Anua Cleansing Oil and a second cleanser

1. 1Start with dry hands and a dry face. Apply the oil and massage gently for 20 to 40 seconds.
2. 2Wet your fingertips with lukewarm water. Massage for another 15 to 20 seconds until the oil turns milky. This mixing of oil and water is called emulsification.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Leave your face damp rather than drying it between cleansers.
4. 4Apply a small amount of gentle water based cleanser with your fingertips. Massage lightly, then rinse well. Do not scrub with a washcloth or cleansing tool.
5. 5Pat dry with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer if your skin feels dry or itchy.

What if your face still feels oily?

Check the oil step before making the second cleanse stronger. If the oil stays glossy instead of turning milky, try less product or spend more time mixing it with water. Pay attention to residue around the nose and chin. After rinsing, your face should not feel waxy, and the second cleanser should not need aggressive rubbing to clear slickness.1

Which second cleanser should you choose?

Anua pairs the oil with Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, whose name does considerably more work than the phrase "second cleanser." Its intended job is to remove residue after the oil step.3

Choose a gentle, unscented water based cleanser rather than a harsh or excessively drying formula. For dry or sensitive skin, a cream cleanser is less drying than a foaming cleanser. A water based foam is an option for oily or combination skin. Clean skin does not need to feel squeaky.23

When should you simplify the routine?

Stop cleansing if your skin feels hot, tight or stingy. Overwashing can cause dryness, irritation and damage to the skin's protective barrier. Change to a gentler cleanser if washing leaves your skin dry or irritated. Be particularly careful if acne treatment already irritates your skin; isotretinoin commonly causes dryness.2356

Oil cleansers can cause breakouts in acne prone skin, especially when used alone. A second cleanse does not turn cleansing into acne treatment. Keep prescribed treatment consistent rather than repeatedly changing treatments, and see a dermatologist if breakouts continue despite gentle skincare and treatment.27

Do you need both cleansers in the morning?

Usually not. Keep double cleansing for evenings when there is makeup or sunscreen to remove. Dry or sensitive skin can use water alone in the morning and cleanser at night; oily skin generally benefits from a cleanser morning and evening. Washing twice daily does not mean using two cleansers each time.5