For all of you who just can’t be bothered washing your faceat night, it’s time to get with the program. Sleeping with all the makeup, sunscreen, dirt and oil that accumulate over the course of the day is just asking for trouble. And even if you do wash diligently, I hate to break it to you that cleansing once isn’t enough—and we should all be doing what our skin-obsessed Asian counterparts have been doing for ages: Double cleansing.
A two-step cleansing process serves a few purposes… First, it allows you to remove all of your makeup before kicking off your skincare regimen. Then, the second wash preps your skin for the products that follow, and allows them to penetrate better. I’ve been doing the double-cleanse thing for quite some time, and I tend to mix it up. My current wardrobe of face washes includes a scrub, lotion cleanser, cleansing balm and an oil, which is by far the best way to melt away makeup before moving on.
My favorite for my first cleanse is Dermalogica’s Precleanse, which comes in a straight-up oil and wipe form. While some of us may prefer one over the other, I like having both options on hand. The oil is great when I have the luxury of time—and when I have a washcloth handy. The wipes are ideal when I’m feeling lazy or especially tired, but both are insanely efficient for removing makeup, including mascara. (Proof below.) If you’re new to cleansing with oil, don’t knock it until you try it. It washes off super-easily, and contrary to popular belief, it will not make you breakout.
Regardless of my first-cleanse choice, a second go-around leaves my skin squeaky-clean (in a good way), and I can sleep better knowing that the only stuff on my skin is what I put there to make my skin healthier and more youthful.
So tell me, are you willing to take the double-cleanse challenge?
