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What is Double Cleansing & What are the Benefits?

What is Double Cleansing Method

If you're a skincare junkie, you may have heard of the double cleansing method, but maybe you're not sure what it is, why you should try it, or if it's right for you. Keep reading to learn all about this popular skincare method and get Dr. Lily's top tips and product recommendations if you want to try this out for yourself.

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What is Double Cleansing?

Double-cleansing is washing your face with an oil-based cleanser, then washing with a water-based cleanser.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

If you wear a lot of makeup, mineral sunscreen, or have oily skin, double cleansing is for you! If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, double cleansing may not work for you.

Why Should You Double Cleanse?

Because regular cleansers alone don't remove all the dirt, grime, and makeup of your daily life.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

  • Removes makeup and sunscreen buildup
  • Prevents sebum buildup and bacteria
  • Helps your other skincare products penetrate skin better

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

The first step of double cleansing involves using a cleansing oil or balm. This step removes any makeup, mineral sunscreen, dirt, and grime from your daily life.

Dr. Lily's Favorite Oil-Based Cleansers

Best Oil-Based Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin

Best Oil-Based Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Best Organic Oil-Based Cleanser

Isdin Oil Based Cleanser augustinus bader cleansing balm One Love Organic Oil Based Cleanser
Isdin Essential Cleansing Oil  Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm
One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
  • Melts away stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and unwanted oils
  • Made with 85% ingredients of natural origin
  • Gentle, soothing, antioxidant-rich, and environmentally conscience
  • Dissolves and removes daily build-up of dirt, oil, environmental impurities and stubborn makeup
  • Tones, purifies and decongests the skin
  • Nourishes and hydrates for soothed, smooth skin
  • Lifts away makeup and impurities without stripping skin
  • Upholds skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance
  • Designed with dry, dehydrated skin in mind, yet effective for all skin types

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Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

Your second step should be a water-based cleanser, and you should wash your face as you normally would. This step removes any residues of the preceding oil-based cleanser and ensures all impurities are removed.

Dr. Lily's Favorite Water-Based Cleanser 

 Best Water-Based Cleanser For Dry Skin

Best Water-Based Cleanser For Oily Skin

is Clinical Cream Cleanser
Obagi C Cleansing Gel
iS Clinical Cream Cleanser Obagi C-Cleansing Gel
  • Deep-cleanses skin and pores without drying
  • Can be easily removed with or without water
  • Excellent for eye makeup removal
  • Leaves silky smooth, moisturized finish
  • Loaded with Vitamin C
  • Lightens signs of aging and sun damage
  • Extracts dirt, excess oil, and makeup from deep within pores
  • Soothing aloe vera leaves skin clean, but never dry or tight 

How to Remove Residual Eye Makeup After Cleansing

If you wear a lot of eye makeup, you may find you have leftover eye makeup around your eyes, even after double cleansing. To remove this residue, try a micellar cleanser!

 Dr. Lily's Favorite Micellar Cleanser

bioderma micellar water
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Pump
  • Potent micelle formula works to soothe and clear up irritated skin
  • Gentle for both your eyes and face
  • Apply it to a cotton pad and then remove your makeup

Learn More About Skincare:

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