I shared in this post that I double cleanse as part of my skincare routine, but have never really gone into detail about why and how. Well, it started a few years ago when I went to my dermatologist for acne. Of course we all hope for a miracle solution that will magically erase all our blemishes, but instead, my derm suggested something I hadn’t tried before: double cleansing at night. Let’s just say I was game to try anything at that point, and bottom line: it’s done wonders for my skin. It’s even become part of my nightly regimen.

Why the double cleanse, though? I know it probably sounds like 2x the work, and to be honest, it is, but I learned that part of controlling acne is keeping your skin clean. It has honestly helped me a ton with breakouts – even hormonal ones.

You might already be double cleansing since it’s been talked about a lot in the beauty world recently thanks to Korean Beauty (K-beauty basically founded the idea of double cleansing) becoming so popular. It’s actually been around for so long, Vogue is now talking about triple cleansing!

But if you’ve never tried it, or simply want to know more about what products I use in my routine, I put together this little guide for you to follow. Hope it helps and answers any questions you have about it!

xx
Ashley

Why Double Cleanse?

Dermatologist recommended

This is the number one reason I started double cleansing. When a highly skilled derm was telling me it would help, I knew I had to listen. Initially, it’s one more step to the routine, but as I mentioned, it’s so worth it! And honestly, it only adds on an extra 30 seconds or so, which isn’t a huge deal.

Helps get rid of every trace of makeup

If I leave my makeup on before going to bed, I’m almost guaranteed to wake up the next day with a blemish. Double cleansing gives me 100% confidence that every last trace of makeup is off and my skin won’t get irritated overnight. Plus, it helps get rid of things we can’t see, like pollution and chemicals in the air.

Has improved my skin

I don’t want to give the illusion that since I started double cleansing my skin is now perfect, because it’s not. However, I’ve seen a huge reduction in breakouts since adding a second cleanser to my routine. That alone is enough for me to keep going with it!

It allows me to give my skin what it needs

When I use just one cleanser, I sometimes feel like I’m not truly giving my skin what it needs. With double cleansing, I look at the first cleanse as taking my makeup off. With the second, I look at my skin and decide what it needs – an acne treatment, hydration, brightening, anti-aging love, etc. – and then reach for my second cleanser accordingly.

Favorite Cleansers and Products I Use to Remove Makeup

Because I’m skincare and beauty obsessed, I’ve tried a lot of cleansers and makeup removers over the years. I obviously don’t use all of these at once and I’ve switched things up now that I’m expecting. But if you’re looking for recommendations to start double cleansing yourself, these are some of my favorite products.

MAKEUP REMOVER

Each of these removes makeup really well. Depending on your skin’s needs and personal preference, I would pick one to start with. All of these can be applied to dry skin. Then use a wet Cleansing Muslin Cloth to wipe clean. 

Elemis Cleansing Blam – I like to use this makeup remover as my first step when I want to leave my skin with a punch of anti-aging. Its pro-collagen formula nourishes and softens my skin but also works on those pesky fine lines. It smells like the spa too — which is always a plus.

One Love Organics Cleansing Oil – I’m a big fan of this cleansing oil and also included it in my post on building a natural beauty regimen. Using an oil-based cleanser can take some time to get used to but it’s supposed to be less harsh than washing with regular face wash. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Bioderma Water – If you haven’t tried this product for removing your makeup, you’re definitely missing out! It’s gentle and non-drying, which can be hard to find in a makeup remover.

Cleansing Muslin Cloths – I mentioned these in a newsletter a little while back and a few times since —  I love these. I like using a muslin cloth when double cleansing because it gets off every trace of makeup and gently exfoliates my skin. This helps wash away any dead skin cells that can cause texture and blemishes. Make sure to be gentle though. If you use a Spin Brush for step two, I would suggest the silicon head or something gentle. Using both the muslin cloth and spin brush  could possibly irritate your skin if you have sensitive skin  

FACE CLEANSER

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser – I’m using this cleanser in my routine right now and am loving it. I recently wrote about it and other natural, glow-boosting skincare products because I think it’s such a good option to have on-hand. I also love the idea of using as many clean products as possible while pregnant.

Cerave Cleanser – If you’re looking for a gentle, foaming cleanser, this is it. It’s affordable and works really well, which you just can’t beat.

Tula Cleanser  – If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, then you know I’m a big fan of Tula. Their products are amazing and this cleanser is no exception. If you want to give it a try, you can receive 20% off using code ASHLEYR at checkout.

Spin Brush – Last, but certainly not least, I have to mention my Vanity Planet Spin Brush. It works so well with any cleanser and gets every last drop of makeup off my face. I’d be lost without this little tool! I often get asked if this is as good as Clarisonic and the truth is they are very comparable. This doesn’t have the bells and whistles like the Clarisonic – doesn’t beep when you need to switch spots and it uses batteries vs a built in charger. But functionally speaking, it is 100% similar and would recommend this to anyone.

Like I mentioned above, if you are also using a muslin cloth to remove your makeup, be sure to use the sensitive brush head when you cleanse your face with a cleanser. It could possibly irritate your skin if you go to hard on the exfoliating. Personally, I use my spin brush 2-3 times a week or before a big event  

Let me know if you have any other questions. And I’d love to hear if you start double cleansing in your own routine!