Double cleansing is probably a newer skincare technique you’ve heard about recently. Honestly, I think it’s saved my skin. First of all, I used the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and Face Wipes. I thought they were great for my skin and removed all of my makeup in one little wipe. I was wrong, very wrong. I have now realized those makeup wipes were most likely the reason why my skin was always so red and dry. I never necessarily broke out from them but I definitely was clogging my pores by wearing makeup and not fully removing it or removing it properly. This is when I learned about double cleansing. Im not really sure where exactly I found out about it but, I thank my Boxycharm subscription for introducing me to my first and all time favorite cleansing balm. I think the cleansing balm sat in my drawer for a few months when I first got it because I had no idea the purpose of it. If you know nothing about double cleansing or just think it’s a marketing scheme for skincare, I am here to help explain.

What exactly is double cleansing? Basically, it’s cleansing your face twice but with two different types of cleansers, an oil-based cleanser first then a water-based cleanser. You only really need to double cleanse in your PM routine when you are wearing makeup or SPF. I wear SPF everyday so double cleansing is a daily thing in my PM routine.

The oil based cleanser helps break-down makeup and remove dirt and oils from your pores when also cleansing your skin. You can also get facial cleansing oils, there are a ton out there but I haven’t tried a cleansing oil yet so I don’t have any recommendations. Below is my double-cleansing routine including the products I use and how I use them.

Step 1: Farmacy Beauty Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

Boxycharm introduced me to this cleansing balm and I even repurchased after I ran out. The jar lasts a pretty long time and a little goes a long way. Farmacy is one of my favorite brands and I love their products, especially this one. It is a little on the expensive side, but I think its worth it. A dupe for this cleansing balm is the Versed Skin Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm.

How to use: Apply a scoop of cleansing balm to damp face, gently rub in a circular motion for 30 seconds or more. Rinse off, but keep your face damp for your second cleanse, a water based cleanser.

Step 2: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

I just switched to La Roche-Posay and I am so glad I did. Before I was using a GlamGlow cleanser I got from a boxycharm. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but I knew I wasn’t going to repurchase. Once I ran out I knew exactly what cleanser I wanted, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Since I have normal skin that’s not acne prone or oily, a gentle cleanser is really all I need. It also has ceramides and niacinamide in it, which help retain moisture and prevent drying the skin out (bonus). This is my second step in my double cleansing routine.

How to use: Just like any other facial cleanser, but apply after your first cleansing balm or cleansing oil. Make sure the cleansing balm is mostly off of your skin and your face is still damp. Apply the facial cleanser, gently use circular motions for 30 seconds and rinse. The water based cleanser helps clean up any leftover makeup as well as washes away the cleansing balm or oil.

Double cleansing isn’t necessary, but if you wear makeup a lot (like I do) or SPF everyday (I do this too) and you feel like your pores are clogged, congested or you’re noticing breakouts, try this technique. Oh and PLEASE throw away those makeup removing wipes and facial wipes that don’t do anything but strip your skin. Your skin will thank you.