Could a few extra minutes washing your face at night be the secret to radiant, youthful-looking skin?
Cleansing is considered one of the most important steps to any skincare routine, and the latest craze to take over our TikTok and Instagram feeds is ‘double cleansing’ – but what are the real benefits of washing your face twice? And, is the latest trend safe for mature skin? We chat with two skincare experts to find out.
Stemming from K-beauty (Korean beauty) skincare trends, double cleansing is the process of cleansing your skin twice. The first works to remove makeup, daily grime and environmental aggressors, while the second works deeper to actually cleanse the skin, removing dead skin cells that are sitting on the surface, resulting in brighter, clearer skin.
While it may sound like an effort, especially after a long day, this dual approach to cleansing is the best way to ensure your skin is completely clear from leftover ‘gunk’ which can cause havoc on your skin – clogging pores and eventually leading to skin concerns like acne blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads.
Best for: Normal to dry skin
Developed by dermatologists, this hydrating, gentle cream to foam cleanser removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin or leaving it feeling tight and dry. It contains 3 essential ceramides to help protect the skin barrier while Hyaluronic Acid works to retain the skin’s natural moisture.
Best for: Blemish-prone skin
Whilst we’re on the topic of duo’s, and seeing as experts suggest investing in two different cleaners, this set is perfect for kick-starting your double cleansing journey.
Best for: Ageing skin
AHAs and BHAs join forces in this powerful cleanser to provide rapid surface exfoliation while also decongesting impurities residing in the skin, resulting in a visibly smoother, evenly toned complexion.
Best for: Dull-looking, dry skin
This nourishing cleansing balm works to dissolve away make-up, impurities and pollutants, and helps skin to retain moisture levels, leaving it feeling super hydrated and healthier-looking in just one week.
Best for: Brightening skin
This lightweight and ultra-nourishing vitamin C infused cleanser is brimming with brightening, soothing and pore-purifying ingredients to leave your skin glowing. It not only grips any stubborn oil, dirt and debris, but it exfoliates and brightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation thanks to an infusion of peptidic microalgae complex.
Dr Sach Mohan, founder of one of Europe’s leading cosmetic dermatology clinics, Revere Clinics, gave his opinion on the double cleansing trend and said: “Double-cleansing is typically unnecessary, and washing your face once is plenty. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, double-cleansing can be beneficial to help remove excess bacteria that clogs pores and leads to breakouts.
For this skin type, I’d recommend starting with an oil-based cleanser and finishing with a water-based one. The great thing about double-cleansing is that it doesn’t have to be an everyday practice. Double-cleansing sporadically is okay, especially if you’ve worn more makeup one day than others. I would not recommend double-cleansing for dry, sensitive skin. Double-cleansing could do more harm than good if you have eczema or rosacea.”
When asked if double cleansing is safe for mature skin, Mohan adds: “Typically, double-cleansing is okay for mature skin. If you are experiencing dry skin due to menopausal changes, I’d recommend using one gentle cleanser instead of doubling up. Sometimes, hormone fluctuations during and after menopause can increase sebum production, triggering oily skin and breakouts. In this case, double-cleansing can be beneficial.”
Aesthetic Doctor Janine Rothburn also shared her thoughts on the viral trend, saying: “Double cleansing is an important step to ensure we clean our faces properly. It is advised to double cleanse in the evening, even if you do not wear make-up during the day, to remove dirt, oil and any impurities that remain on the skin.”
Dr Rothburn, who shared her own skincare routine with us, added: “By double cleansing at night, we are also ensuring that any activities in the creams and serums are absorbed effectively. My first cleanse tends to be with micellar water, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.”
Of course, like any skincare trend, it won’t be suitable for every skin type. While double cleansing may be extremely beneficial for make-up lovers, daily sunscreen wearers, or anyone with oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin, those who suffer with rosacea, eczema, or particularly sensitive or dry skin may want to avoid double cleansing completely as it can be stripping to the skin.
Will you be putting the viral TikTok trend to the test?
