What is Double Cleansing & Should You Do It?

We all know that cleansing your face properly is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your skin, but what about double cleansing? This two step technique involves washing your face twice in a row with a facial cleanser, instead of the traditional single cleanse. 

The double cleansing method first came to prominence in Japan and South Korean skincare routines, before gaining growing popularity in the West. So, you’re likely wondering who should double cleanse and what skin benefits you can expect from adopting this method.

This guide will explain all the basics you need to know about double cleansing, with practical recommendations for how to get started. Keep reading to learn about double cleansing with the same cleanser, recommendations for different skin types and more.

What is the double cleansing method?

Adopting the double cleansing method involves making a small alteration to your daily skincare routine steps to include cleansing your face twice in a row. 

This two-step process typically involves two different cleanser formulas, the first being an oil or balm and the second being a cream or foam cleanser. However, experts suggest that simply utilising one cleanser formula used in a two-step process can help provide similar benefits. 

The steps of double cleansing are simple yet effective. Step one is an initial cleanse similar to what you would usually do. A regular amount of product is used to remove makeup, impurities, dirt, sunscreen and pollution from the skin’s surface using gentle circular motions of your fingers. After rinsing or gently wiping away with a washcloth, a small amount of product is then used to re-cleanse the skin. The purpose of this second step is to deeply cleanse your skin and pores, rather than just removing impurities from the top of your skin.

Why double cleanse?

So, what are the benefits of double cleansing? According to the CeraVe experts, double cleansing is not essential, but this skincare technique can have benefits for certain skin types or for people who’ve found their current cleansing regime isn’t meeting their needs.

Can you double cleanse with the same cleanser?

The method of double cleansing is the main source of the skin benefits, so it’s not necessary to use two different cleansers. We recommend using a makeup remover first if you wear heavy or waterproof eye makeup, but otherwise choosing one cleanser formula well-suited to your particular skin type and concerns is the best way to go. In light of this, can you double cleanse with CeraVe? The answer is yes. Read on to learn how to double cleanse with a formula that works for you.

How to double cleanse with CeraVe

In terms of how to cleanse with CeraVe, we recommend double cleansing once or twice a day depending on the oil levels of your skin and how much makeup you tend to wear. That means you can double cleanse morning or night, or pick one depending on your needs. Choose a cleanser that works best for your skin type and simply use it twice for enhanced benefits. Here are our recommendations for cleansers for each skin type.

Double cleanse for dry skin

If you have a dry skin type, we recommend using our CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, formulated to cleanse and hydrate without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 

If your skin is very dry, you can also try our CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser. The oil formula effectively removes impurities via a mild surfactant system for an ultra-gentle double cleanse.

Double cleanse for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin we recommend double cleansing with our CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. This formula is suitable for sensitive skin thanks to its amino acid-based surfactant which provides a gentle yet effective cleanse, even more so when used twice.

Double cleanse for oily skin and combination skin

Those with combination or oily skin should try our CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, designed to remove excess sebum without disrupting the skin barrier. The foaming texture makes for an ideal double cleanse for combination skin due to its ability to effectively remove impurities and oil.t

Double cleanse for acne-prone skin

If your skin is prone to mild acne, we recommend combining the double cleanse and exfoliation steps of your routine by using our CeraVe Smoothing SA Cleanser. This cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid to help target rough and bumpy skin.