During the day, our skin is constantly exposed to UV radiations, pollution, dust, oil and other environmental contaminants which totally leads to dullness, uneven skin tone and clogged pores and with time damages the skin barrier.

That’s why a gentle cleanser becomes an important step which helps in removing the day’s dust, oil, sweat and outside impurities and gives a clean and fresh look on the face.

But plenty of people apply makeup on the skin and single cleansing rarely removes all the makeup and impurities and leaving the makeup build can fully cause clogged pores and acne. That’s why the concept of double cleansing introduced as in this two step cleansing is done which helps in removing the heavy makeup and other irritants completely.

Therefore in this guide we shall discuss why gentle cleanser matters, best gentle cleansers for double cleansing and is double cleansing for everyone will help you to pick the best gentle cleanser for double cleanse which will help in completely removing the makeup and other irritants from the skin.

Why Gentle Cleanser is Important?

Our skin is constantly subjected to sun damage, pollution, dust and other irritants which the studies have proven leads to weakening the skin barrier and making the skin more sensitive. Using a harsh cleanser can fully drag out the natural oil from the skin surface and leave the skin more dried and increase the chance of further damaging the skin barrier.

For that reason, dermatologists have highly recommended using a face cleanser which contains gentle formula and barrier friendly ingredients which help in removing the excess impurities while maintaining the skin hydration. Moreover, for double cleansing using the gentle cleanser is crucial as double cleansing might strip the skin oil if we use the harsh cleanser.

Best Gentle Cleansers For Double Cleansing

Gentle cleanser is one which suits your skin type, containing gentle and non-drying formula. Below are key characteristics to look for in a cleanser for every skin type.

Gel Based For Combination Skin Type

Combination skin type people have both oily and dry skin. So a gel based cleanser containing both sebum controllers and hydrating ingredients helps in removing the excess oil and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated.

Mild Foaming Cleanser For Oily Skin

People with oily skin generally are more prone to acne or skin breakouts due to excess oil production. But a mild foaming cleanser with ingredients such as salicylic acid can help with removing the excess oil deep from the pores which prevents clogged pores.

Cream Based Cleansers For Dry Skin

People with dry skin mainly notice a more tight or dry skin after cleansing the face. That’s why they should use a cream based cleanser which contains hydrating ingredients that help in maintaining the hydration of the skin.

Fragrance Free Cleansers For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin benefits from a gentle and non-drying cleanser. Artificial perfumes can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation which is why they should look for a cleanser which is free from soap, synthetic fragrances and toxic preservatives that help in removing oil and impurities without causing skin irritation.

How to Double Cleanse Without Overdoing it?

Proper technique matters when it comes to double cleansing. Follow the below steps while double cleansing.

  • First, start with gently massaging your face with a cleansing oil or balm which helps in dissolving makeup and sunscreen, then rinse according to the product instructions.
  • Now follow up with a gentle and non-dryning cleanser.
  • Use lukewarm water during washing the face.
  • Gently massage the cleansers on the face in upward circles for roughly around 1-2 minutes and then wash off with water.

Do You Really Need Double Cleansing Every Day?

No, you do not need double cleansing every day. Double cleansing should be done particularly when you have applied heavy makeup, sunscreen and water-resistant products as single cleanse rarely removes all this buildup, but double cleansing helps in completely removing the buildup and gives a clean skin.

However, if you are not applying any makeup or heavy products on the skin then one time cleansing should be enough to remove the excess oil, skin care products and other impurities from the face. Moreover you should totally avoid harsh cleansers or fragrance containing products to avoid skin irritation or dryness.

What You Should Avoid?

While double cleansing you should strictly avoid the following habits or ingredients to prevent skin related issues.

  • Avoid applying the cleansing oil or balm on the wet skin as it prevents oil from binding to and minimizes the effectiveness of the oil.
  • Rubbing your skin forcefully can entirely cause micro tears and redness on the skin.
  • Double cleansing with the same face wash can totally withdraw the moisture of the skin which leaves the skin dry or flaky.
  • Using high concentration of glycolic acid face wash can totally cause skin irritation, redness and burning.
  • Applying pure coconut oil on an acne prone skin can cause severe clogged pores and triggers breakouts as coconut oil is highly comedogenic.
  • Using cleansers that contain harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulphates (SLS) can fully remove the skin oil which makes the skin intensively dry.

The Bottom Line

One time cleansing cannot properly remove the impurities and makeup residue and leaving the makeup residue on the skin can cause clogged pores and trigger skin breakouts. That’s why double cleansing is important which consists of two cleansing steps, one with cleaning balm or oil which dissolves the heavy makeup and sunscreen and another step is a gentle cleanser which removes the oil and other irritants from the skin.

However harsh cleansers can totally leave the skin dry by stripping out the natural oil from the skin. That’s why having knowledge about key characteristics, habits and ingredients to avoid and how to double cleanse properly can help you to pick the gentle cleanser and use it properly to remove the makeup residue and other impurities and get a clean and refreshing look.