I always thought my skincare routine was good enough. Quick, simple, and easy. Just a few swipes of micellar water, a gel cleanser, and my go-to moisturizer. That was it. Then I moved farther out of the city. My daily commute doubled. More time on trains and platforms meant more contact with dirt and air pollution. And my skin? It changed—fast. I noticed clogged pores, dullness, and more breakouts than usual. That’s when I realized my skin needed more help. I had heard about how to double cleanse, but never took it seriously. Now, it felt like the right time to test it. I decided to commit for two full weeks. Just two steps, twice a day. What happened next surprised me. Let me walk you through it—from why I started to what really changed.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is a method, where you wash your face twice at once, with two different products. You then apply an oil based cleanser. This will break down oily impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and clogged pores that have excessive sebum. After that, you use a water-based cleanser. That is what removes sweat, residues, and environmental dirt.
This isn’t over-washing. In fact, it’s smarter cleansing. Most people don’t realize that one wash often leaves things behind—especially when you use waterproof makeup or heavy SPF.
Dermatologists, including Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur, confirm the same. The oil cleanser breaks down what water alone can’t touch. Then the second step completes the clean without stripping your skin.
And the science backs this. According to a study by Sichuan University, just using a regular cleanser leaves 37% of residue on the skin. Washing with only water leaves 60% behind. But oil cleansing followed by water cleansing? It leaves less than 6%. That’s a big difference—and one that matters.
Understanding to double cleanse means knowing the order, choosing the right products, and listening to your skin’s signals.
The results:
Week One: A Cleaner Canvas
When I first started, I had doubts. My skin leans oily. The idea of rubbing cleansing oil into it felt risky. But once I gave it a try, I was shocked at how gentle and satisfying the process was.
What I used:
- Step 1 (Oil Cleanser): Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Balm
- Step 2 (Water Cleanser): Sarah Chapman Rapid Radiance Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The balm melted down my foundation instantly. I didn’t have to tug or rub. Then the gentle cleanser removed the rest. My face felt calm—not tight. I wasn’t just removing makeup anymore—I was removing layers of grime I never noticed before.
After cleansing, I followed with two moisturizers:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo on acne-prone areas
- Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturizer for all-over hydration
I noticed changes by the end of the first week. My face felt smoother. Pimples were still popping up, but less inflamed. I also saw fewer tiny bumps under the skin.
My favorite part? The ritual. It turned my night routine into something I looked forward to.
Week Two: Real Improvements
The second week felt easier. The routine had become a habit. I also decided to try a new oil cleanser for comparison.
What I used:
- Step 1 (Oil Cleanser): Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Cleanser
- Step 2 (Water Cleanser): Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Sunday Riley’s product comes with a pump. That made it more convenient. Even on days I was tired, I had no excuse to skip cleansing. The gel-balm consistency felt lighter than the balm I used in week one.
By day 14, my skin was noticeably clearer. I saw a big drop in blocked pores, and the overall tone of my face looked more even. Redness had reduced. My skin felt softer to touch—even during the day.
The only minor issue? A bit more oiliness during mid-day. But it didn’t cause new breakouts. I think my skin was just adjusting to better hydration and deeper cleaning.
Final thoughts
So, is double cleansing worth it? Yes—especially if you live in a city or wear makeup every day. Double cleanse is not about adding more products. It’s about using them smarter.
In just 14 days, I saw a noticeable shift in my skin’s health. Less congestion. Fewer spots. A better glow. And the best part? My face felt genuinely clean without feeling dry.
But double cleansing isn’t for everyone. If you have very sensitive skin, or if you don’t wear makeup or SPF daily, you might not need it every day. Once in a while can still help.
What you should avoid is overdoing it. A third cleanse isn’t helpful—it can harm your skin barrier. Too many surfactants strip the oils your skin needs. So, keep it simple. Stick to the method. Oil first. Water second.
The key to double cleanse is finding products your skin likes, and staying consistent. If you’re dealing with dull skin, clogged pores, or just want that clean-skin feeling—you should try it.
Your future face will thank you.
