Is Double Cleansing Worth the Effort? Experts Weigh In

You’re probably already familiar with the importance of cleansing your skin, but it can feel like a chore at the end of a long day. However, doubling up on your cleansing routine may offer double the benefits. Whether your skin appears lackluster or needs a boost, dermatologists suggest that double cleansing could lead to smoother, brighter skin. Why? By thoroughly removing makeup, dirt, and oil beforehand, you allow your cleanser to work more effectively, resulting in glowing skin, anti-aging benefits, and potentially reduced acne.

We spoke to dermatologists to learn more about double cleansing and discover the best products for your skincare routine.

What Is Double Cleansing? “Double cleansing typically involves using an oil cleanser to dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup, followed by a gel cleanser to remove any remaining impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” explains Rachel Lee Lozina, licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa.

The first cleanse targets surface-level debris, while the second cleanse goes deeper, addressing specific skin concerns, says Jared Jagdeo, MD, board-certified dermatologist.

Benefits of Double Cleansing “Double cleansing provides a thorough cleanse without disrupting the skin’s delicate microbiome of oil and dead skin cells. It helps keep the skin hydrated, and hydrated skin ages better than dry or dehydrated skin,” notes Lozina.

By effectively cleansing the skin, you create a clean canvas for other skincare products, allowing them to work more efficiently. Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of this step in a successful skincare routine, as it prepares the skin to absorb active ingredients from subsequent products.

Another significant benefit of double cleansing is anti-aging. “Failure to properly cleanse the skin can lead to accelerated aging and oxidative stress, resulting in pigmentation issues and wrinkles. Cleansing the skin without compromising its natural barrier will promote healthier, more hydrated skin and contribute to better long-term skin health,” adds Lozina.

Side Effects of Double Cleansing For those with sensitive or compromised skin, it’s essential to choose double cleansing products carefully. “Overdoing double cleansing can disrupt the skin’s balance, leading to stripping and potentially causing the skin to overproduce oil in response. This may exacerbate existing skin concerns,” warns Dr. Graf.

How to Double Cleanse Nighttime is the optimal time for double cleansing to remove makeup and pollutants accumulated throughout the day. Dr. Jagdeo recommends double cleansing every night and using a gentle one-step cleanser in the morning.

When it comes to products for double cleansing, there are numerous options available. Dr. Graf suggests starting with an oil cleanser, balm, or micellar water to dissolve makeup, dirt, and oil, followed by your favorite facial cleanser.

Cleansing Balm: These typically have a thick texture that melts into a milky cleanser upon application. They effectively break down makeup, dirt, and oil, allowing for easy rinsing before using a deeper cleanser.

Cleansing Oil: Similar to facial oils, cleansing oils are applied to dry skin with dry hands and massaged to dissolve makeup. Follow up with a foaming gel cleanser for a thorough cleanse.

Micellar Water: This water-like solution removes surface-level makeup and impurities. Apply with a cotton pad before using your regular cleanser to ensure a clean base.