Navigating the skincare landscape can be a daunting task. When I first ventured into this realm, my mind raced with questions: What do I need to buy immediately? What can wait? Where should I splurge versus save? And how do I layer these products correctly? It felt overwhelming, to say the least.
However, after years of experience, I can confidently tell you where to start—regardless of your skin type. Even if you have flawless skin and no plans to purchase a serum, the key to achieving great skin lies in cleansing. You might be thinking, “Well, duh!” since most people wash their faces daily. But here’s the catch: most people are not double cleansing.
Yes, that means washing your face twice, but hang on—it’s not as complicated or time-consuming as it sounds. In just a couple of minutes, you can refresh your skin without breaking the bank. Trust me on this one!
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing involves removing makeup, sunscreen, and the daily buildup of grime before using your regular cleanser. There are many options available, from budget-friendly to luxury products, and from oils to balms. If you wear heavy eye makeup or waterproof mascara, feel free to start with an eye makeup remover.
Begin by massaging an oil or balm into your dry skin to ensure you get into every nook and cranny. Then, take a warm (but not hot!) washcloth and gently wipe away the product. Rinse the cloth, wring it out, and repeat until your skin feels clean. This is your first cleanse.
A quick note: perform this step at the sink rather than in the shower. The heat from the shower can be damaging to your facial skin. I know it may seem inconvenient, especially if you’re used to washing your face in the shower, but standing at the sink really doesn’t take long.
Favorite Cleansing Balms
- Botanics Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm (a fantastic value!)
- Clinique Take The Day Off
- Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
- Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (a luxurious treat)
Once you’ve eliminated all the residue, your skin is ready for the second cleansing step. This time, you’re not just swishing cleanser over makeup; you’re genuinely cleaning your skin. This is where gel, milk, and lotion cleansers come into play. Massage the cleanser into your skin again, and then use the warm washcloth to remove it thoroughly—rinse and wring the cloth multiple times to ensure everything is gone.
Important: Avoid foaming cleansers as they often contain sodium laureth sulfate, which can strip your skin’s protective barrier. Additionally, be cautious with mineral oil; while it can be useful in some contexts, it may prevent other products from absorbing effectively.
Go-To Cleansers
- La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (an unbeatable value)
- Pixi Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse (perfect for both at home and travel)
- Andalou Naturals Cleansing Milk
- Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs
Though it may seem like a lot of information, remember that this entire process takes just two minutes. You’ll remove makeup and cleanse your skin—easy peasy!
As skincare expert Darlene Foster emphasizes, this is the foundation of any skincare routine. Before diving into serums, acids, or fancy moisturizers, prioritize double cleansing. If you do nothing else for your skin (aside from wearing sunscreen, of course), commit to this two-minute routine.
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In summary, by dedicating just two minutes each day to double cleansing, you can set the stage for a healthier, more radiant complexion.
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