You may have heard of the term “double cleansing” before, but what you might not know is the benefits that incorporating it into your daily skin care ritual can have on your overall skin health. We sat down with Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, Emma Hobson, to get the rundown on the importance of double cleansing, and the best way to incorporate it into your daily skin care routine.
What is double cleansing and why should you do it?
According to Emma, to make the most of cleansing your skin, your everyday cleansing routine should be a two-step process. “The first cleanse breaks down and removes the layer of dirt, oil, pollution, product, SPF and makeup (including long-wearing cosmetics) that sit on the skin’s surface,” says Emma. “This allows your second cleanse with your preferred cleanser to work to its full potential and thoroughly clean the skin.”
What type of cleanser should I use for the first cleanse?
“For the first cleanse, I’d recommend a cleansing oil or balm. Use an oil if your skin is combination to oily, and a balm if it’s normal to dehydrated or dry,” recommends Emma. The reason these formulas are essential for the first cleanse is because they work to draw out and dissolve dirt and impurities. “Cleansing skin with a plant-based oil or balm is like using a magnet, as the oils in the cleanser bind to oil-soluble debris on the skin. When you then add water, the cleansers turn milky as they emulsify, encapsulating the trapped debris and rinsing it away,” she says.
As a tip, Emma suggests opting for a balm when you’re travelling, as it’s a more convenient option.
Does double cleansing suit all skin types, including sensitive or dry skin?
In short, yes, everyone’s skin can benefit from a double cleanse. “All skin types can benefit from double cleansing as it aids skin health – the important thing is to ensure you have chosen the correct pre-cleanser for your skin,” explains Emma. “[Even if you don’t wear makeup], you still need to remove invisible pollutants that sit on your skin, and your SPF, as well as the skin’s surface oils, dirt and dead skin,” says Emma. At bh, we’re loving the new Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm. A follow-up to the brand’s much-loved Dermalogica PreCleanse – an oil formulation – the PreCleanse Balm is your new go-to for getting your healthiest, clearest skin yet.
When should you double cleanse with the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm and how do you use it?
Think of your Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm as the essential step before your skin care regimen even begins. “Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm is your step zero. You then follow with your preferred cleanser and move onto your other skin care steps such as exfoliation,” says Emma. “Apply a small amount directly onto dry skin, massage the balm into the skin, focusing on areas of congestion or makeup, such as mascara or lipstick. You can aid the cleansing experience by applying the product onto the cleansing mitt provided and massaging the product into the skin with the mitt,” says Emma. “This can also help to dislodge any trapped dirt or dead skin, ensuring the skin feels really soft and clean, and gently increases the micro-circulation, improving overall skin health.”
Keen to supercharge your pre-cleanse? Emma suggests that you spend a few extra seconds massaging the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm into your entire skin surface. “Ensure you go up to the hairline, and spend time on your forehead, chin, nose and under the jaw, and remember to go down onto the neck and around the back of the ears,” she says.
To remove the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm, apply some tepid water to your skin using your hands, which will emulsify the product into a milky consistency, and then rinse it off and pat your skin dry. Then, follow with the traditional step one of your skin care regimen, using your regular cleanser for your deepest cleanse yet. “Using a cleansing oil or balm for your first cleanse ensures your second cleanse – with your preferred Dermalogica cleanser – can work to its full potential, leaving the skin squeaky clean,” says Emma.
What key ingredients make Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm an ideal pre-cleanser?
Rich in hydrating and smoothing ingredients, this balm is perfect for those with combination to dry and dehydrated skin types. “It contains natural biolipid complex which locks in hydration and reinforces the skin’s barrier, and apricot kernel oil which deeply nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth,” says Emma. “An combination of essential oils – lavender, bitter orange, grapefruit, mandarin orange, lemongrass, lemon ironbark – invigorate the senses and help to deliver really fresh, clean skin,” she says.
Ready to add step zero to your skin care regimen? Simply click here to try the new Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm.
Do you double cleanse your skin? Did you know the benefits of double cleansing?
