How to do it based on your skin type

Just like you change your clothes when you get home after a long—and probably a little dirty—day in the outside world, you should also cleanse your skin. Let’s start: Double cleansing, a skin-care technique that involves using two different cleansers to really get the dirt out of your pores.

The concept of double cleansing isn’t new — in fact, the practice originated in Asia in the 14th century — but it can be difficult to know whether you’re actually doing it right, especially if you’re acne prone skinwear makeup every day or live in a heavily polluted area. We asked skin experts to decode cleansing techniques so you can get the best skin possible.

Benefits of double cleansing

While sometimes the last thing you want to do is wash your face before bed, cleansing sets your skin up for success. “Cleansing is so important; I can’t stress it enough,” David Kim, MD, a licensed dermatologist, tells InStyle. “If you don’t deep clean, you’re going to clog your pores and your skin will look rough, uneven, and congested.” Double cleansing, especially at the end of the day, helps alleviate common skin concerns.

“Double cleansing removes impurities like excess sebum, makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and pollution more thoroughly than single cleansing,” says triple-board-certified dermatologist Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD. “This deep cleansing prevents clogged pores and breakouts, enhances the absorption of skin-care products, and helps maintain long-term skin health.” Confident enough to try it? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

How to double cleanse

1. Get an oil-based cleanser or micellar water

Traditionally, the first step in double cleansing is an initial oil cleanse.Oil based detergent “It’s effective at breaking down and removing makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based impurities that can be difficult to remove with water or regular cleansers alone,” says Dr. Turegano. But your first cleanse doesn’t have to be Have are actually oils, especially if you know your skin doesn’t react well to them. “I like to incorporate a cleansing step, whether it’s a balm, milk, oil, micellar water, or cleansing wipes, to help remove oil from the skin,” says celebrity aesthetician Joanna Czech.

2. Massage and rinse

Now, spend at least 30 seconds massaging the cleanser into your skin. If you’re using an oil cleanser, massage it into dry skin. “This ensures that all makeup, sunscreen, and impurities are removed, and it also gives the cleanser enough time to work its magic,” says Dr. Turegano. She suggests paying extra attention to areas where makeup tends to build up, such as around your eyes, nose, and hairline. Then, rinse with warm water (warm water will dissolve and remove impurities without drying out your skin like hot water) before washing your face a second time. You can also use a soft washcloth to wash away any remaining oil and do a little physical exfoliation.

3. Second cleaning

For the second cleaning, use a gentle, water based detergent You probably already have a cleanser, whether it’s a gel, foam, or cream. Dr. Turegano recommends massaging the cleanser into damp skin in circular motions. This is a self-care moment—let it be luxurious! Then, gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. “Avoid rubbing your skin, which can cause irritation,” she says.

Double cleansing for different skin types

Depending on your skin type, texture, makeup routine, and environment, double cleansing will look different. So while you may see TikTok creators promoting the products they use for their cleansing routines, remind yourself that they don’t have the same skin as you. It’s always worth seeing a dermatologist and/or aesthetician a few times a year; they’ll be able to analyze your skin and help you find the right products.

Oily and acne prone skin

Dermatologists are divided on whether to recommend oil-based cleansers if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Dr. Turegano recommends a lightweight option with cleansing ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid. However, you may want to skip oil cleansing altogether. “I don’t recommend oil cleansers for acne-prone skin,” Dr. Kim says. “I’ve seen too many people break out and flare up.” That’s because, depending on your skin, many people—but Are not all—oil cleansers can clog pores. “If you wear makeup, micellar water is a good first cleanser,” he says. After your initial cleanse, follow with a gentle gel or foam cleanser. Both dermatologists recommend looking for one that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid to help deep clean pores and reduce breakouts.

Dry, aging and sensitive skin

If you have dry, sensitive, or aging skin, use a rich cleansing balm or oil cleanser first to remove makeup without drying out your skin. Look for ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, and oils like avocado and jojoba. Creamy or milky cleansers are best for your second cleanse; however, your skin shouldn’t feel stripped or tight after washing, so look for lightweight, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. Aging skin may benefit from a second cleanse that’s fortified with wrinkle-smoothing ingredients like glycolic acid and peptides.

Normal and combination skin

If you have normal skin, use a cleanser or oil that contains moisturizing, nourishing ingredients. For your second cleanse, Dr. Turegano recommends using a gentle gel, cream, or foam cleanser that maintains your skin’s natural pH. Moisturizing and soothing ingredients are key here—even if you have combination skin. (Oily skin needs moisturizing, too!)

Tips and Considerations

Double cleansing should generally be limited to your evening routine to avoid over-cleansing, according to Dr. Turegano. While it’s a great and effective technique for many people, if you have eczema or very dry skin, Dr. Turegano says a gentle one-time wash is probably appropriate, as double cleansing can be too drying. “If you have delicate skin, don’t wear makeup, or don’t spend a lot of time outdoors, you should avoid double cleansing as it can irritate your skin,” Czech adds. Additionally, you may not need to double cleanse every day, especially if you work from home, don’t go out, or don’t wear makeup. “Your skin’s needs may change,” Dr. Turegano says. “Be flexible and adjust your cleansing routine as needed.”