Why You Should Always Double Cleanse At Night

Cleansing is the first and most important step to beautiful skin. However, this is also one step where lots of people get it wrong, for instance, by using harsh cleansers like foaming or scrubbing cleansers, massaging too vigorously or not enough, using water either too hot or too cold, not rinsing off properly, or worse, just not cleansing properly.

We have discussed about the first few points previously, so let’s talk about why double cleansing at night, regardless of whether you have worn make up, is important in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

First, let’s start with dirt and impurities.

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Dirt & Impurities

Not only are skincare ingredients divided into either water- or oil-soluble, so are impurities and pollutants. For example makeup, sunscreen, oil-based pollutants, excess oil, and smoke from cooking, and certain ingredients in your skincare products, are all oil-soluble, while sweat and some other dirt are water-soluble. Now, remember oil and water don’t mix well? This essentially means these oil-based impurities cannot be fully dissolved and rid of by a water-based cleanser.

When these oil-based impurities do not get properly cleansed off everyday, they will start to build up, clog pores, and cause inflammations that lead to blackheads, blemishes, acne, and irritations. Follow-up skincare cannot penetrate properly either.

In other words, unless you are at home all day doing absolutely nothing and without putting on anything on your face, do not rely on one cleanser to really cleanse the face, regardless of whether makeup was worn.

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How To Properly Double Cleanse Step 1: Cleanse With a Cleansing Oil or Balm

Celebrities with flawless skin, like Jun Ji-hyun, Kim Hee-sun, Kim Tae-hee, Song Ji-hyo, Suzy Bae, and Taeyeon, have all revealed that their first skincare step every night is cleansing with an oil-based cleanser. Yet there are still quite a few misconceptions regarding oil-based cleansers——they are not suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, they will make the face more oily, sensitive skin shouldn’t use oil-based cleansers etc. That is simply not true.

As long as they are thoroughly rinsed off, as with all cleansers, not only will they not add more oil to the face, they will actually melt away all the excess oil and unclog pores, which means less blemishes and acne! In addition, they won’t damage the skin barrier but in fact, cushion and nourish it whilst cleansing, making it perfect for sensitive, inflammatory skin.

*Cleansing oil and cleansing balm work the same way in breaking down oil-soluble impurities, so it is really a matter of personal preference.

1. Disperse or take out an adequate amount of cleanser, then divide it on both cheeks, the forehead, the nose, and the chin, to make sure all parts of the face get enough product.
2. Use your fingers to gently massage it into your skin using circular motions for at least a minute. Don’t forget the sides of the nose, the hairline, and the area around the eyes (but avoid getting it in the eyes). Do not rub too vigorously.
3. Rinse thoroughly for around 30 seconds with warm water.

Agent Nateur
holi(cleanse) Cleansing Face Oil <- Click to shop

Enriched with a nutrient-dense base of luxury oils, including Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and Rosehip Seed Oil, it completely emulsifies and removes dirt, oil, and makeup in the most nurturing manner. The gentle formula is also rich in calming botanical extracts to alleviate sensitivity, ease redness, and protect the skin during cleansing.

TWELVE BEAUTY
Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser <- Click to shop

With activated charcoal, kaolin clay and plant oils, the lightweight triple-phase botanical formula cleanses and detoxes while nourishing the skin. Its gel-to-oil-to-milk formula perfectly removes makeup, excess oil, daily grime and pollutants without drying out the skin. Whilst, its hydrating, moisturizing and antioxidants properties like Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Orange Fruit Hydrosol supports the skin’s hydration, improves water retention, replenishes key lipids and fights free radicals.

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How To Properly Double Cleanse Step 2: Cleanse Again With a Water-Based Cleanser

By thoroughly removing all the oil-based impurities, the water-based cleanser used in this second step can now really work its way into the skin, removing sweat and grime, as well as dead skin cells. This also ensures better penetration of follow-up products like toner and serums.

Whether it is in a gel, lotion, or cream consistency does not matter, as long as it does not foam or contain any alcohol or scrubbing bits.

1. Disperse or take out an adequate amount of cleanser, then divide it on both cheeks, the forehead, the nose, and the chin, to make sure all parts of the face get enough product.
2. Use your fingers to gently massage it into your skin using circular motions for at least a minute. Don’t forget the sides of the nose, the hairline, and the area around the eyes (but avoid getting it in the eyes). Do not rub too vigorously.
3. If it contains acids or enzymes, leave it on for a few minutes so the ingredients have the time to actually work.
4. Rinse thoroughly for around 30 seconds with warm water, paying special attention to the hairline, sides of the nose, and the chin, as cleanser tends to stick around in those areas.
5. Lightly dab off excess water, then go straight in with toner within 60 seconds to avoid trans-epidermal water loss.

EATH LIBRARY
Smooth Operator Purifying Cleansing Gel  <- Click to shop

A mildly acidic cleanser that respects the skin barrier, gently dissolves and removes daily grimes in a hydrating, non-irritating way using naturally derived surfactants. The unique formula is enriched with White Truffle, Betaine Salicylate, Noni Fruit, and various berry extracts, as well as the brand's patented core brightening complex AYM to treat breakouts, lighten hyperpigmentation, increase transparency and elasticity, and fight free radicals. 

AGENT NATEUR
acid(wash) Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser  <- Click to shop

Infused with premium organic ingredients, such as Peony Root Extract, Lavender Flower Water and Oil, Aloe Vera, as well as Lactic Acid, this gentle cleanser removes daily grime, soothes inflammation, and gently exfoliates to brighten dull skin, refine texture and pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reduce blackheads and acne yet without any irritation, leaving skin silky, supple, and youthful.

MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Goji Mallow Cleanse™  <- Click to shop

A hydrating and nourishing cleanser with a marshmallow-like texture. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Açaí Berries and Oat Silk, as well as nourishing oils like Frankincense, Avocado and Plum, it locks in moisture, provides essential nutrients, reduces inflammation and increases elasticity of the skin, all the while providing a gentle cleansing action.

KLUR
Gentle Matter Daily Moisture Cleanser  <- Click to shop

Fortified with anti-inflammatory Gotu Kola, detoxifying and anti-acne Dandelion, enzymatic Papaya, antioxidant powerhouse Green Tea and White Tea, soothing Calendula, Gingko and Irish Moss etc., the ultra-hydrating formula delicately cleanses and lifts impurities while maintaining moisture levels.

TWELVE BEAUTY
Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream  <- Click to shop

This mild yet effective creamy milk formula contains a high dose of squalane, as well as prized organic botanicals, including Mallow, Butterfly Bush, White Genepì and Masterwort, to renew and repair the skin, fight free radicals, soothe inflammations and remove impurities simultaneously, leaving the skin revitalized, super soft and hydrated.

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