Wash, rinse, repeat—the saying may be an old-school directive for washing your hair, but it can offer benefits for your skin, too. Double cleansing is the concept of just that: Washing your face twice. And while it might sound like a lot of work, the juice can be worth the squeeze

The proof is in its staying power. “Double cleansing has actually been around for hundreds of years, believed to have been first done in Asia and then in Europe,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. “The short of it is that it evolved into a professional method of cleansing.” These days, it typically describes a routine of washing with an oil cleanser and following up with a water-based cleanser. 

Double cleansing is only growing in popularity, as it’s a solid (and safe) way of taking all your stubborn makeup and leave-on skincare products off for the day. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a daily must — after all, not everyone has the time (or desire) for an additional step. To get the deets—when, how, and whether it’s right for you—keep on reading.

What is the double cleansing method?

By the end of the day, skin has accumulated a *lot* of stuff. “We have two different types of dirt and debris on the skin: oil- and water-based,” says Parenti. So, each step of the double cleanse addresses one of the two.

“Oil-based cleansers work off the concept of ‘like dissolves like,’ meaning they work to remove more oil-based makeup and impurities, such as sebum,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia. “The water-based cleanser with surfactants works in a more traditional sense — with the surfactants forming ‘micelles,’ attracting and trapping dirt, pollutants, and other impurities to be rinsed away.”

Can I use micellar water for double cleansing?

The aforementioned micelles are also the primary ingredient in micellar water — hence the name. So if you’re not interested in an oil cleanser, you can swap it out for that. “The micellar water can act as the first step to remove the base layer of makeup and debris, and then the cleanser can be used to remove the rest and truly cleanse the skin,” says Plescia. “It does not need to be washed away and is gentler [than rinse-off formulas].” Try Ere Perez Gingko Micellar Water, which replenishes with aloe vera leaf juice, or Odacité Blue Aura Cleansing Water, which calms with turmeric.

Is double cleansing necessary?

It depends! It can be especially helpful if you wear longwear makeup (such as foundation or concealer) or physical sunscreen, which can be more stubborn. Plus, your skin deals with other external factors throughout today, too, which is why double cleansing can come in handy even if you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look. “This method of cleansing will effectively remove the environmental film of the day,” says Parenti.

It’s also a good idea if your skin tends to get oily during the day. “Although it seems counterintuitive, building oils into your skincare routine if you have oily skin can help balance the skin’s natural sebum production, resulting in less oily skin,” says Plescia.

Doesn’t sound like you? No problem: “If you are less inclined to do the double-cleansing routine or tired after a long day, a cream cleanser can be a great alternative, as a cream cleanser contains both oils and surfactants,” says Plescia. “The oils in the formula can work to better dissolve the oil-based impurities, while the surfactants work similarly to rid the skin of all the dirt, pollutants, and debris.” For that, look no further than NakedPoppy Nourish Cream Cleanser, which offers, to Plescia’s point, the best of both worlds.

Are there any drawbacks?

In short: No, not really. For those with dry skin, “if that first cleanse is an oil cleanser, it will actually help to replenish lost lipids in the skin,” says Parenti. You’d only be at risk of wrecking your skin barrier if you were using two similar (i.e. water-based) types of cleansers without giving your skin a break in between. 

Should I double cleanse twice a day?

“Double cleansing is part of your evening routine, after a long day of makeup, dirt, oil, and makeup,” says Plescia. “It really is not necessary in the morning, as you should’ve cleansed your skin the night before from the build-up of the day.”

How to double cleanse

First, pick your duo. “An oil-based cleanser such as a cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or a micellar water is the perfect first step in the double cleansing routine,” says Plescia. “For the second step, a gentle lathering cleanser is a great pairing to the routine.”

For an oil, consider Kari Gran Cleansing Oil, which does the trick with a blend of avocado oil; those seeking a balm can’t go wrong with KYPRIS Cleanser Concentrate, which leaves skin baby-soft.

Next, for your foaming cleanser, we’re partial to NakedPoppy Foaming Refresh Cleanser, which refreshes and soothes skin, as well as Tata Harper Purifying Gel Cleanser, which is a winner for those with blemish-prone skin.

Then, start your oil cleanse with dry hands and dry skin. “Massage it into the skin, focusing on areas of congestion and makeup build-up, such as the hairline and around the nose,” says Parenti. Rinse with warm water to turn it into a washable lather (though you may need to remove it with a cleansing cloth, depending on the exact formula) and then follow up with your foaming cleanser. Lather, rinse, and you’re good to go.

Easy? Yes. Super-effective? Also yes. If that’s not a case for double cleansing, we’re not sure what is.

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