How to Double Cleanse

Want to double your skin care fun? The next time you wash your face in the AM or PM, try double cleansing. We know that you’re busy but sometimes it pays to spend a little extra time on the first step in your skin care routine. Double cleansing has plenty of skin care benefits, making it well worth showing your skin the TLC it deserves—especially after a day spent wearing a full face of makeup. Want to learn more about this beauty trend? Keep reading for everything you need to know about double cleansing.

WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?

A major Korean skin care trend, double cleansing involves first using a no-rinse cleanser, like a micellar water, oil-based cleanser, or towelette, and then following up with a rinse-off facial cleanser. Basically, it’s exactly what it sounds like: Cleansing your skin twice, instead of just once. The first part of your double cleansing routine will help remove makeup, dirt, and excess oils from your skin, while the second part will help remove any remaining impurities that are left on the surface of your skin.

Using two cleansers may seem like overkill but think about it: When you sleep in your makeup, it can mix with the dirt and oils on your face, leading to clogged pores—and clogged pores can lead to breakouts, and that’s probably something you’d like to avoid. So yes, double cleansing can help acne—at least in the sense that it can help keep blemishes at bay. You may find it particularly useful to double cleanse at night—although you can certainly do it in the morning too if you’d like! Now that you know a little bit about what double cleansing is, read on for an easy step-by-step tutorial on how to double cleanse so you can try it for yourself!

HOW DO YOU DOUBLE CLEANSE YOUR SKIN?

Not sure which skin care products you should use to double cleanse or how exactly you should do it? We’ve got you covered.

STEP #1: START BY CLEANSING WITH MICELLAR WATER

We love using micellar water for a gentle, no-rinse cleansing option. A French-favorite cleanser for years, micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin.

Finding your micellar water match is easy: The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types intensely purifies. To use, just saturate a cotton pad with whichever micellar water best suits your needs and wipe the pad across your face. Oh, and did we mention you don’t have to rinse your face afterward?

After you’ve finished using your micellar water, you’re ready to move on to the next portion of your double cleanse.

STEP #2: CLEANSE AGAIN WITH A CLAY FACIAL CLEANSER

After removing makeup, dirt, and grime from the surface of your skin, it’s time to purify your complexion further with a clay facial cleanser. Not sure which type of clay facial cleanser to use? The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox and Brighten Cleanser, which is formulated with three pure clays and charcoal, helps purify skin of dirt and pollution. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate and Refine Cleanser, which is formulated with three pure clays and red algae, goes beyond daily cleansing to help exfoliate for skin that feels smoother. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify and Mattify Cleanser, which is formulated with three pure clays and eucalyptus, can help purify skin of dirt, oil, and pollution. Once you’ve chosen the right clay cleanser for your skin, squeeze your clay cleanser of choice into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage it onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Editor’s note: One question we often get about double cleansing is whether or not you can double cleanse with the same cleanser. The answer? Well, it isn’t a hard no—technically you can—but we would recommend sticking with using two different cleansers to double cleanse. Why? You can use cleansers with different formulas and purposes and get the benefits of both!

STEP #3: DON’T SKIP THE MOISTURIZER!

A good skin care routine doesn’t end with cleansing. Even if you’re the lowest maintenance person out there, you should still moisturize when you’re done double cleansing. This holds true no matter what skin type you have—yes, even if you have oily skin! After cleansing, you should always smooth a hydrating moisturizer onto your skin. What’s more, to turn face washing into a hydration opportunity, apply your moisturizer before patting your face dry with a towel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is still damp, as this can help lock in hydration. So, rather than reaching for a towel right after rinsing off your cleanser, pick up a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. 

Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin, each of which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

3 MORE CLEANSING COMBINATIONS TO DOUBLE CLEANSE WITH

Of course, the three-step routine we laid out above isn’t the only way to double cleanse—there are endless options! The ability to customize your products based on your skin’s daily needs is another aspect of double cleansing that we love. Here, we’re sharing three other double-cleansing duos you can consider using.   

double-cleansing duo #1: clay facial cleanser + clay face mask

On evenings when you find yourself with a bit of extra time for pampering, or you’re looking to get an even deeper cleanse, you can keep your clay facial cleanser but pair it with a clay face mask instead of a micellar water. Choose any of the three aforementioned clay facial cleansers for your first step, then move on to one of the following clay face masks. One note: These masks should be used two to three times a week for best results, so this double cleansing routine isn’t meant for everyday use.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Mask: Over time, harsh environmental factors like pollution and debris can damage skin, leaving your complexion looking dull. Formulated with charcoal, this clay mask can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and pollution and reduce the appearance of dull skin. Use three times a week for best results.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Mask: Day after day, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion feeling rough. Formulated with red algae extract, this face mask can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils, exfoliate dead skin cells, and smooth the look of imperfections, and allow skin to breathe. Use three times a week for best results.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Mask: Day after day, impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion looking overly oily. Formulated with red algae extract, this clay mask can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and reduce the appearance of excess shine. Use three times a week for best results.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Mask: Over time, harsh cleansing can be drying and sensitizing, leaving skin feeling uncomfortable. Formulated with seaweed, this clay mask can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and gently cleanse stressed areas. Use twice a week for best results.

After cleansing, apply an even layer of your clay mask of choice to clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

double-cleansing duo #2: MAKEUP WIPES + GEL CLEANSER

Take your post-workout cleansing routine to the next level by packing cleansing wipes and a gel cleanser in your gym bag. Refresh your complexion after working up a sweat in two simple steps.

1. L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Makeup Removing Towelettes: Talk about quick and convenient! These wipes gently yet effectively remove all traces of dirt, impurities, and makeup without over-drying skin. The quilted towelettes leave skin feeling clean and refreshed. Simply sweep a wipe across your skin to clean.

2. L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser: This foaming gel cleanser lifts away dirt and impurities without drying out skin. To use, wet face and hands with lukewarm water, then work a small amount of the gel into a foamy lather and massage it onto your face using a gentle, circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water.

double-cleansing duo #3: TOWELETTES + CREAM CLEANSER

You already know how convenient cleansing towelettes are—now couple that with a cream cleanser for a double cleansing duo that’s ideal for mature skin.

1. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes: We already mentioned these soft cleansing cloths, which gently and thoroughly remove dirt, sweat, and makeup with one wipe. Just wipe and move onto the next step—it’s that easy!

2. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser: Besides gel and clay cleansers, another type of rinse-off cleanser you can try is a cream one. This gentle foaming cleanser helps to remove all traces of makeup and impurities. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of skin and helps enhance the appearance of skin’s smoothness and radiance. Lather the cleanser in wet hands and massage it onto skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then pat dry.

Loved learning about how to take your skin care routine to the next level? For even more ideas, check out our article on Your Anti-Pollution Skin Care Routine.