Ok, so first things first; a double cleanse may not be for you. I mean, why in the heck would you want to add more time to your grooming routine by repeating a step that, if we’re being honest, you’d rather avoid altogether? That’s all well and good and for those perfectly content with their skin care routines by all means move along. But for those looking to step their skin care up to the next level, perfecting the art of the double cleanse may be just the ticket. For a double cleanse, we’re going to need to employ the services of both an oil-based cleanser and your regular targeted cleanser for hydration and nourishment.

Our faces are like magnets for muck. Sweat, oil, grime, makeup, air pollution, smoke, you name it. Time spent away from the home means our faces are exposed to it all. When you consider this, perhaps a double cleanse starts to make a little more sense.

Dirt and oil have a way of clinging to skin despite the effort of a cleanse. In basic chemistry we learn that oil attracts oil, making an oil-based cleanser the logical first step in this one-two-punch. An oil-based cleanser will help to break down acne-causing sebaceous oil and pull impurities to the surface for easy disposal.

Think of your oil-based cleanser as an entrée to the main course of this meal, whetting the appetite for a heartier, more robust course to follow.  

Now that your skin has been primed, it’s time to follow up with your targeted cleanser. This can be your regular tried and true, though keep your eyes out for a cleanser that hydrates and nourishes the skin just the same as it cleanses. Following up with this cleanser will allow it to work far more effectively and make sure all of your remaining skincare steps aren’t for nought.

Because of the double cleanse, our skin can be put into a compromised position. Over-cleansing can dry us out and throw off the skins natural oil production, over producing to compensate for the loss. More oil, of course, means more chances for breakouts. To make sure you avoid this, only employ the double cleanse at night when the days grime really needs to be sorted.