Is Doing A Double Cleanse Really That Important?

We’ve all been there.

Getting home from a night out. Falling into bed. Falling asleep and forgetting to take our makeup off, and waking up the next morning with crusty eyes and a face as dry as the Sahara.

As we get older, we tend to get better at looking after our skin. We remove our makeup, we cleanse, we use eye serums and face creams and apply SPF religiously.

We think we’ve absolutely nailed our skincare routines and then we’re hit with a sudden blow – the very concept of the double cleanse.

Cleansing our skin? Twice? One after the other? The very idea seems wild, and yet, dermatologists everywhere are telling us that it’s the only way to completely remove dirt and impurities from our faces.

So, in order to find out more, we decided to ask an expert all about the double cleanse, what actually differentiates the first cleanse from the second, and whether we really do need to be adding this two-step technique to our skincare routines.

@natalie_oneillll How to double cleanse tutorial & all the worst mistakes to avoid ✅✅ lil back to basics video on how I double cleanse, the method I use and things you want to steer clear of 💓 #howtodoublecleanse #doublecleansing #doublecleansingmethod #cleansingmistakes ♬ original sound – Natalie O’Neill

Skincare expert and Yon-Ka Education Manager Shannon McCreery says that double cleansing allows for a “deeper, more effective” clean, and can even help your skincare products work better. 

The first cleanse generally uses a cream, balm, oil-based cleanser, or micellar water to dissolve makeup, SPF, and excess sebum. The second cleanse uses a gentle cream or foaming cleanser to deeply cleanse and target skin concerns.

“Double cleansing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, particularly at night, to ensure a clean and healthy complexion,” Shannon says. 

“Throughout the day, our skin accumulates pollutants, dirt, and debris, which, if not properly removed, can clog pores and lead to irritation. The first cleanse is designed to break down and remove makeup, excess oil, and environmental impurities.

“Following up with a second cleanse tailored to your skin type ensures a deeper clean. This step preps the skin, allowing it to fully absorb serums, moisturisers, and other treatments for optimal results.”

Shannon recommends using the Yon-Ka Micellar Water for the first step, to gently lift away dirt and maintain the skin’s barrier function. You could also use BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, or Ultraceuticals B2 Micellar Solution. 

Yon-Ka Eau Micellaire – €37

BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – €14

Ultraceuticals B2 Micellar Solution – €33.50

For the second cleanse Shannon says Yon-Ka’s Lait Nettoyant is great for dehydrated skin, while Nettoyant Crème is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. You could also use Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser, or Purifide Daily Facial Cleanser.

Yon-Ka Lait Nettoyant – €38

Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser – €47.50

Purifide Daily Facial Cleanser – €10

Sculpted By Aimee’s DuoCleanse contains both a first and second cleanser, that melts away makeup before targeting dullness and dark spots. Two birds, one product!

Sculpted By Aimee DuoCleanse – €36

Double cleansing is particularly recommended for those with blemish prone skin, but if you’re happy with your single cleanse and can’t really be bothered adding in an extra step to your skincare routine, that’s fine too.

As long as your face is clean at the end of the day – and before you put anything else on it in the morning – you’re doing well.

However, if you do want to enter your double cleanse era, there are a few things you should know. Shannon says to avoid using hot water when double cleansing, or over-cleansing skin that is too dry.

Furthermore, you should make sure you’re using the correct cleanser for your skin type, to avoid breakouts and maintain the skin’s balance.

Happy cleansing!