Double cleansing is a popular Korean skincare technique—here’s how to get it right

From wearing some amount of makeup every day, to turning up with just a bit of moisturiser and lip balm, it’s been a journey of sorts—of self-love and feeling comfortable in my own skin. But don’t get me wrong, I absolutely do love makeup; it’s like a blank canvas is pretty, but sometimes a splash of colour on it can help it express so much, right? Using any kind of product on your skin that promises to last long can mean that it actually does—longer than you intend to have it on.

Koreans have been using this technique for a while now, but it’s only recently that the rest of the world has caught on to it. I am talking about double cleansing your face every once in a while so your skin can be purified of the remnants of your foundation and more.

What is double cleansing?

The term sounds pretty simple, and one may be soon to judge that all it means is washing your face twice. Double cleansing is strategically cleaning your face twice, using different products each time, depending on what your skin needs. It is a skincare technique that is not tedious at all, but it is not something you can just blindly do. Double cleansing is all about strategy and once you get that right, your skin will thank you!

The idea here is to first break down all the product on your face using an emollient. You can use an oil-based cleanser or a balm. Even though most cleansers do the job they are meant to do, if you’re wearing long-lasting products, it may require more. Two gentle cleansers will be much better than using a harsh one.

How to double cleanse correctly

Step 1: Use an oil-based cleanser to massage your face (wet or dry) including your eye contours for around a minute. You will be able to see the products on your face coming right off. 

Step 2: Using a clean facial tissue or cotton, wipe your face gently in upward swipes. 

Step 3: Massage your face with a face cleanser in a circular motion. Make sure it is gentle, else it will strip your skin of its natural oils.

Step 4: Wash it off and pat your face dry.

Who should do it and how often?

If you have oily skin, you will tend to attract more dust, and it is ideal for you to double cleanse. However, even if you have dry skin, it can be helpful if you use moisturising cleansers, otherwise your skin’s natural defence will be compromised. Double cleansing shouldn’t be done on a daily basis but thrice a week for those with oily skin and once a week for those with dry is recommended.