Double Cleansing Over Makeup Remover Wipes
It’s hard to believe that once upon a time it was A-okay to lather our faces with soap and rinse with water. Until double cleansing shook up nighttime skincare routines everywhere. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to achieve skin that’s twice as nice? Turns out, it’s going to take more than soap, water and the occasional facial wipe to rid our faces of the gunk and grime that lurks underneath.
Double Cleansing Explained: Benefits + Effects
There’s a method to this madness. Let’s break it down: Double cleansing is a skincare method of cleansing your face twice. Use an oil-based cleanser first and then follow with a water-based cleanser. We’re talking about a skincare routine that’s centuries old. Originating in Asia and backed by science, the oil-based cleanser removes excess oil and residue left by oil-based products, while the water-based cleanser gets rid of any pore-clogging dirt that’s left. The results: Thoroughly cleaned skin in exchange for only a few added minutes to your skin care regimen. The first cleanser helps to break down makeup and remove dirt and any excess oils. The second cleanser should focus on any skin concerns you may have whether it be hydration, acne treatment, or exfoliation. Ultimately, both cleansers will ensure treatments and moisturizing are accounted for to keep your skin looking (and feeling) its very best.
Is Double Cleansing Really Necessary?
Not sold yet on the idea of making cleansing a two-step process? We now know double cleansing is super helpful in removing all the icky stuff. But it also impacts the steps that follow (serums, moisturizers, face masks). When skin is truly clean, active ingredients will be able to penetrate better and work more effectively. Not to mention, double cleansing is highly recommended for those who get dolled up from time to time. Layers of makeup can do a lot of damage if not properly removed before bed. The good news is, even if you don’t wear makeup regularly, incorporating an oil cleanser into your routine will work to melt away sebum, SPF, dirt and pollutants that buildup on the skin throughout the day. You can thank these damaging contributors for breaking down your collagen and causing the development of wrinkles and sun spots. Gross!
Think Before You Cleanse
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but, double duty can do more harm than good for different skin types if not done correctly. Like most things in skin care, double cleansing is no exception to the needs of different skin types. A good rule of thumb: Consider your skin type and take into account your specific skin concerns first to find the best double cleansing duo. Doing so will help you get the most out of your routine while preventing your skin from over-washing/over-drying. Too much stripping of our skin’s natural oils and it becomes our own worst enemy—producing more oils that lead us down the terrible road of clogged pores, irritation and unnecessary breakouts.
Toss Out Makeup Wipes + Double Cleanse Instead
Four words: Get. Rid. Of. Them. You’ll thank us later (seriously). I love convenience as much as the next gal—I mean, Postmates and I are going three years strong—but when it comes to skin care it’s best to avoid cutting corners. Makeup wipes appear gentle and effective, with some said to be infused with hydrating and calming ingredients like coconut, tea tree and lavender. Although fine for occasional use (e.g. traveling or a quick cleanse after a late night out) the reality is, makeup wipes are in fact doing more damage to our precious outer layer. Here’s a mindblowing comparison: The texture of about 99.9% of makeup wipes are as harsh as a mechanical exfoliant. Imagine pairing makeup wipes with an exfoliating product that you’d normally use in your beauty routine. A disaster waiting to happen. It’s all a bit too much for our skin to handle. In turn, we’d be kissing our acid mantles (a delicate layer on our skin’s surface that protects it from unwanted viruses and bacteria) goodbye due to over-exfoliating. And you’re not doing the environment any favors either. Most makeup wipes are made of non-biodegradable plastic fibers. This allows the wipe to be durable enough to hold the cleansing solution and be used all over the face without deteriorating. These wipes are key players in catastrophic sewer buildups and the ever-growing waste pileup in landfills around the world.
Skin + Environmentally-Friendly Alternatives
Reusable Organic Cotton Rounds by Josh Rosebrook—Say goodbye to disposables! Naturally hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, these reusable organic cotton rounds have a luxuriously soft terry texture that is also gently exfoliating. The best part? They’re easy on your skin and on the earth.
*Check out this post to learn more about sustainable beauty and leading brands that are making a conscious effort to protect our planet. If anything, makeup wipes should be the first step in your beauty regimen, not the end all be all for a successful cleanse. After all, they're formulated to breakdown makeup, not clean your skin. Despite skin appearing to be stripped of all makeup, dirt, oils, etc., an icky residue remains. That’s where cleansing comes in. A double cleanse at that, to go beneath the surface and truly restore skin from the inside out. A double cleanse can easily be the best way to achieve glowing, healthy skin that’s truly clean. Far more effective than the false-cleanse of a makeup wipe. It’s not a necessity, but rather adds a nice touch to your beauty routine, especially for certain skin types. Those with oily skin will find it worthwhile to use two gentle cleansers to combat excess oils rather than a single strong formula. Struggling with acne-prone skin? Gently double cleanse to help remove bacteria that can lead to breakouts. So, why not double up? Xoxo, Juzanne Martin PWB Marketing Intern & Content Writer
