What Is Double Cleansing?
Double Cleansing isn’t particularly mysterious. The name pretty much says it all. If you’re curious to know more about what it is, how and when to do it, and what it could do for you, read on.
WHAT
Double Cleansing became hugely popular as part of the Korean 10-step skincare routine. The idea is to use an oil-based cleanser first and then follow with a water-based cleanser to achieve an ultra-clean skin.
WHY
Every skincare ritual begins with cleansing. Double Cleansing simply ensures exceptionally clean skin, leaving it prepped and ready for the products to follow. At night, this allows your skin to more deeply absorb the do-gooders of skin care, like serum or night cream, as you sleep.
Your face puts up with lot in a day, including these common culprits which can be problematic in your pursuit of healthy skin:
- Makeup, especially if it’s full coverage or the transfer-resistant or waterproof kind
- Mineral-based sunscreen with active ingredients like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which can leave stubborn residue behind)
- Excess sebum, sweat, dirt and pollution which can lead to congested pores
HOW
The two-step process is easy-peasy and usually goes like this.
Step 1: The First Cleanse
Use a cleansing oil for your first cleanse to remove the layers of makeup, sunscreen, excess oils, and pollution that have accumulated on your skin during the day. Cleansing oils work on the principle that “like attracts like”, which is why they’re so effective at banishing any oil-based gunk.
Step 2: The Second Cleanse
By getting rid of the stubborn surface stuff first, the second water-based cleanser can penetrate more deeply into skin, whisking away water-based impurities like grime and sweat.
Here’s the thing though: There’s no beauty law that dictates how often you should double-cleanse–you can choose to do it twice daily, only in the p.m., or just occasionally. Maybe you’ll want to try it if you’ve been camping in the wild, running a marathon, or after an event where you went full glam with the makeup. Or when you just feel like pampering your lovely self.
How to choose a second cleanser?
Gentle is a key word to keep in mind. Every skin type can benefit from a mild cleanser that’s hydrating, calming and soothing. Anti-inflammatory ingredients can be especially good for sensitive skin.
Take a careful look at the ingredients of any new product you’re considering. Avoid cleansers that these drying, potentially irritating ingredients: contain alcohol, artificial fragrance, artificial colors, or sulfates that can strip the skin. The last thing skin needs is a harsh cleanser that strips away its natural protective barrier.
How Does Double Cleansing Fit With Kari Gran’s “Less Is More” Approach?
While Kari won’t be Double Cleansing every day, she does find it helpful on certain occasions. Such as after a photo shoot where a lot of makeup is applied or nights when she feels her skin needs a little extra attention.
The Kari Gran Skincare includes two cleansers for Double Cleansing: Kari Gran Essential Cleansing Oil for step #1 and Luxe Facial Cleansing Bar for step #2. Both are extremely gentle, richly hydrating, and won’t strip the skin. Made with only pure, carefully selected, skin-nourishing ingredients and no known toxins ever.
Her method: Apply the Essential Oil, massage it in, and remove it with a warm washcloth (which adds a nice little bit of exfoliation). Then use the Luxe Facial Cleansing Bar to create a gentle lather, applying in circular motions to provide the double dose of cleansing.
Sometimes she’ll go rogue and do a double dip of Essential Oil, instead of using the Facial Cleansing Bar. Either way, her skin is smooth, soft, and ultra-clean, and perfectly primed for Kari Gran Essential Hydrating Tonic and Essential Serum!
The Benefits
Double Cleansing offers benefits beyond cleaner-feeling skin. It can help your complexion look brighter, healthier and more luminous, with fewer breakouts. It also allows the active ingredients in a serum or night cream to penetrate more deeply to work their wonders.
