I often get questions from my customers about whether double cleansing is a necessary part of skincare routine. Some feel unsure about the term “oil based cleansers” and what that would mean for them and the risk of developing clogged pores and acne.
This is an understandable concern so I would like to address why oil based cleansers are a vital part of the first step of the double cleansing process for all skin types to achieve a clean foundation that leads to glowing skin.
One of the cornerstones of Korean skincare methods is the double cleansing. Estheticians in North America and Europe also agree that these two cleansing steps (oil-based and water-based) are beneficial for skin health both short and long term.
Because we develop oil and water based impurities during the day which includes excess sebum and makeup along with dust, bacteria, old skin cells, pollution and perspiration; our skin needs a thorough method of cleansing to rid of both types of dirt build up.
Let’s break down the types of cleansers available and what the steps are for the ultimate cleansing routine:
- If you wear eye and lip makeup; this step should be done first with an eye and makeup remover before cleansing your face. Waterproof mascara is very resistant to cleansers and needs a an eye and lip makeup remover to cleanse around the very delicate eye area. The product used needs to be very gentle and should not sting. Using a product that is good for sensitive skin is your best bet. Try this makeup remover that is designed for the sensitive eye area: A’Pieu Mineral Lip and Eye Make-Up Remover-Pure Water
- Oil cleansers are actually beneficial for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is just a matter of selecting the correct oil-based cleanser for you. The formulations of Korean oil cleansers emulsify once in contact with water leaving the face with no oily residue whatsoever. Try one of these that can be used on any skin type: Innisfree Green Barley Cleansing Cream that is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. The Face Shop Rice Brightening Cleansing Oil is a light oil containing rice water, bran oil, seed and jojoba oils. Cleansing balms such as Heimish All Clean Balm are a great option for that first step even if you when you wear heavier makeup. This balm has this amazing cleansing process when applied, massaged into the face and then when water is added. The formulation emulsifies and turns into to milk and then the milk is further rinsed off with water leaving no oily residue or stripping of the skin.
- Water based cleansers are usually in a foam, cleansing water or gel format. They are used in the second step of cleansing to get rid of residue dirt, pollution or water based grime left on the skin. The key is to pick a low pH water based cleanser to preserve your skin’s pH balance of 5.5. Try COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or Innisfree Apple Seed Deep Cleansing Foam.
It is recommended to double cleansing both morning and night especially if we are using sheet masks, serums and heavier creams during our bedtime skincare routine. We also shed old skin cells and produce skin cell renewal; develop sebum oil build up; perspiration and dirt while we are sleeping.
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