What is the double cleansing method?

What does each cleanser do?

The first cleanser breaks down makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum, the oil your skin produces. The second removes remaining residue, dirt and sweat. Double cleansing uses two products with different jobs, rather than giving the same face wash an encore.2

An oil cleanser or cleansing balm can handle the first step. Balms usually start as a rich, partly solid texture, melt onto skin and become milky when water is added. Micellar water followed by a water based cleanser is another option for removing makeup; the first step does not have to be an oil.12

How do you double cleanse?

1. 1Gently massage your oil based cleanser over your face to break down makeup, oil and sunscreen. Follow its application directions.
2. 2Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, using your hands. Avoid hot water, which can dry skin.
3. 3Leave your face damp and gently massage in your water based cleanser.
4. 4Rinse away the second cleanser and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Should you double cleanse every night?

If you need the extra step, use it at the start of your evening routine, before other skincare. Start slowly rather than making two cleanses an automatic daily rule. Heavy makeup wearers and people removing sunscreen can find it useful; dry to normal skin does not necessarily need it every evening. A nighttime routine can include two cleansers without requiring a morning repeat.2

If you do not wear makeup, especially waterproof makeup, the extra wash is less likely to be useful. One thorough cleanse is enough for most people, even if the skincare industry has found room for a sequel.1

Which second cleanser should you choose?

For dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle, unscented cream cleanser; cream cleansers are less drying than foaming ones. A water based foaming cleanser is an option for combination skin. Normal skin can use either texture. Avoid harsh, excessively drying or fragranced cleansers, regardless of skin type.1

How do you double cleanse with Cetaphil?

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser can serve as the second cleanser after an oil cleanser, balm or micellar makeup removal step. The US formula is a creamy, nonfoaming cleanser for normal to dry skin, including sensitive skin. It contains glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol and is fragrance free. Using it twice is not the same oil then water method.23

1. 1Complete your makeup removal step and rinse if the first product requires it.
2. 2With your face wet with lukewarm water, gently massage Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser over your face using light pressure.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
4. 4Apply a dedicated moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

Cetaphil also permits use without water, removing excess cleanser with a soft cloth and leaving a thin film. For daily cleansing, Cetaphil recommends the rinse method. The cleanser provides hydration but does not replace moisturizer, despite the creamy texture doing a convincing impression.3

How do you double cleanse with CeraVe?

One CeraVe pairing is Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm followed by Hydrating Facial Cleanser. The balm handles makeup removal; the US Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a cream cleanser made for normal to dry skin. It contains three ceramides and hyaluronic acid and has no added fragrance. Ceramides help support the skin barrier, which keeps moisture in, while hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture balance.24

1. 1Massage a pearl sized amount of CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm onto dry skin in circular motions, avoiding contact with your eyes.
2. 2Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry, as CeraVe directs for this balm.
3. 3Wet your face again with lukewarm water. Work Hydrating Facial Cleanser between your palms, then gently massage it onto your face.
4. 4Rinse well, gently pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

Is double cleansing suitable for acne?

Double cleansing can help remove makeup, but acne prone skin needs caution: an oil based cleanser can cause breakouts, especially when used alone. An extra wash is not automatically better for acne.1

During acne treatment, gently wash your face up to twice daily and after sweating. That means washing occasions, not a requirement to use two cleansers each time. Use a gentle cleanser without abrasive particles and apply it with your fingertips rather than scrubbing tools. Choose gentle, alcohol free skincare and avoid irritating toners, astringents and exfoliants.5

Give acne treatment time to work rather than repeatedly changing treatments: a visible difference can take several weeks to a few months. That is a treatment timeline, not a promise attached to double cleansing. If breakouts continue despite gentle care and treatment, see a dermatologist.5

Is double cleansing suitable for psoriasis?

For facial psoriasis, prioritize gentle cleansing rather than adding another wash. Facial skin is thin and sensitive, and psoriasis care includes gentle nonsoap cleansers and moisturizers. Double cleansing is not a treatment for psoriasis; persistent facial psoriasis needs appropriate treatment, not more attempts to wash it away.6

Use a gentle, moisture rich cleanser made for sensitive skin and warm, not hot, water. Wash with your hands, skipping washcloths, loofahs and scrubs, which can irritate skin and trigger a flare. Rinse gently but thoroughly, blot rather than rub, and leave skin slightly damp before applying a fragrance free moisturizer. These are general psoriasis washing principles, not a special double cleansing protocol.7

When should you stop the extra cleanse?

Stop the extra wash if it causes dryness or irritation. Overwashing can damage the skin barrier and contribute to breakouts or eczema. If you have eczema or rosacea, ask a dermatologist before starting a double cleansing routine.12