Come on, how many times have you gone to bed without cleaning your face properly? After a long day, it’s easy to grab a makeup wipe or splash some water and call it a night. However, if you’re serious about healthy, dewy skin, double cleansing is quite the game changer.

You might have heard it tossed around in Tiktok or on your favorite skincare blog, but what is double cleansing? And do you really need to do it every night?

This is a must-read if you ever experienced dealing with clogged pores, breakouts or that oily-but-dry sensation. 

First Things First: What Is Double

Cleansing?

Double cleansing is just like it sounds; it is simply washing your face twice with two different cleansers.

Step One: Use an oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum.

Step Two: Follow it up with a water-based cleanser - like your favorite facial cleansing gel - to wash away sweat, dirt, and leftover residue.

The two-step process will cleanse out your pores without drying out your skin, something important in case you are combating acne, dullness, or irritation.

Why It Works 

Majority of us use skincare products with SPF, makeup, or active ingredients like retinol. These don’t just rinse off with water. When you don’t take them off properly, they accumulate- resulting in breakouts, flaky patches, and that strange bumpy skin feel that even foundation can never quite cover.

The second pillar of your double cleanse is a facial cleansing gel that removes water-based impurities. It's gentle on your skin barrier but tough on dirt.

Think of it like shampooing your hair. Would you simply rinse your scalp and think it feels clean? Same idea here.

Step-by-Step: How to Double Cleanse

Like a Pro

Okay, so how to take it as a daily thing, and not make it a spa in your bathroom (assuming you want to do that).

1. Start with Dry Hands and Face

Take just a little bit of your oil based cleanser. Massage it onto dry skin—don’t wet your face yet. Target those areas that have accumulated makeup or sunscreen.

2. Add Water and Rinse

After massaging for about a minute, add water to emulsify (it’ll turn milky), then rinse it all off.

3. Use Your Facial Cleansing Gel

Now for round two. Apply a small amount of your cleansing gel to damp skin. Massage in gentle circles for about 30 seconds. This picks up any leftover grime and balances your skin.

4. Rinse and Pat Dry

Use lukewarm water to rinse—hot water can strip your skin. Pat (don’t rub) with a clean towel.

5. Follow With a Skin Rejuvenation Serum

Now your skin is prepped to actually absorb the good stuff. This is where you apply a lightweight skin rejuvenation serum. These serums often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or vitamin C to restore moisture and help with glow.

Do You Need to Double Cleanse Every

Day?

Here’s the real-talk answer: Not always.

If you wear makeup, SPF, or live in a city where pollution is a thing—yes, double cleansing nightly is smart. But if you're bare-faced all day and spend most of it indoors, a single cleanse might be just fine.

Listen to your skin. Some people double cleanse 5–6 nights a week, others only do it after heavy makeup or sweaty gym sessions.

FAQs

Q: Can I double cleanse if I have dry or sensitive skin?

Absolutely. Just choose a gentle oil cleanser and a mild facial cleansing gel with no alcohol or heavy fragrance. The key is balance—you're removing buildup, not stripping your skin.

Q: What if I don’t wear makeup?

You’d be surprised how much dirt, sunscreen, and pollution builds up even without makeup. If you use SPF, double cleansing still helps.

Q: How long does the whole process take?

Under 5 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, it’s super quick—and way more effective than just scrubbing with soap and hoping for the best.

Q: Can I use micellar water instead of an oil cleanser?

Micellar water is great for light cleansing, but it doesn't break down waterproof makeup or long-wear SPF as well as oils do. You can use it in a pinch, but a proper cleansing oil or balm works better.

Q: Is it okay to double cleanse in the morning too?

Usually, one cleanse in the morning is plenty. But if you use heavy overnight treatments or wake up feeling oily, go for it.