If You Never Forget This Daily Step, I Already Know You Have Great Skin (Derms Agree)
Ask any derm, and they'll say it: You don't exactly need all the bells and whistles of a 15-step skincare routine. Sure, a roster of skin-plumping masks or a few passes with a jawline-carving tool can up the ante for a smooth, lifted complexion, but a simple (and consistent!) regimen really does a lot of the heavy lifting. Get the basics down pat, and then you can upgrade the lineup to your heart's—and wallet's—desire.
The nonnegotiables, however, are as follows: a nourishing moisturizer, a targeted treatment (depending on your individual skin goals), and a good cleanser—two of them, to be specific. Trust, double cleansing will take your skin from good to really freaking great, and derms will be the first to stand by that philosophy. Scroll below for all you need to know, including a step-by-step breakdown and editor-approved face washes for a glass-like glow.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Essentially, double cleansing involves washing your face twice with two different products. "This can include an oil or balm, as well as a water based cleanser for the second step," says board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD FAAD. The first wash dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and lingering oil, while the second whisks away all that grime and preps your skin for subsequent steps in your routine.
See, makeup and sunscreen are typically oil-based, so you need an oil-based cleanser to lift those products from your skin (like dissolves like, if you remember from chemistry class). Once all that pigment and SPF dislodge from your pores, a water-based cleanser helps ensure a super-clean canvas.
It's a technique that has long been used in Korea but has become quite popular stateside over the last several years—and derms everywhere often praise it as a best practice. Take board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, who adds, "The two-step approach helps to ensure that you’re removing all the buildup and bacteria that can clog pores or interfere with your skincare product’s effectiveness."
Benefits for Skin
A good, solid cleanse is sneakily the most important part of your skincare routine, regardless of your overall goal. You can invest in all the spendy retinol, peptide, and vitamin C serums as you please, but none of those potent ingredients will be able to penetrate pores clogged with lingering gunk. "Good cleansing will set you up for success!" agrees board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, of New York Dermatology Group. "Removing makeup before skincare routine is crucial so it doesn't clog your pores and break you out."
That first oil cleansing step also helps dissolve excess sebum, which makes double cleansing great for those with oily or acne-prone skin as well. In short: Double cleansing is ideal for pretty much everyone. "It’s especially helpful at night when your skin has been exposed to pollutants and product buildup throughout the day," adds Graf. "The real perk is that it gives your skin a clean slate, so your serums and moisturizers can sink in and be their most effective."
