Cleansing your face is the foundation of any skincare routine. You’ve done it for years and years, like brushing your teeth, it’s burnt into your muscle memory. But do you brush your teeth for the advised two minutes to get all the gunk out? Probably not. The same way, do you wash your face thoroughly enough?

If you think about it, you’re out and about the whole day collecting dust, pollutants, and all sorts of nasties that lurk around in the air. Top that off with the oils and sebum that your skin naturally produces throughout the day and multiplied by the humidity of hot air recycled underneath your face mask. Your skin is essentially a playground for bacteria.

It’s true what the Korean beauty fiends tell us – whether your skin type is dry, normal, combination, or oily, you’re not cleansing right until you do it twice over. Hear us out, not only does double cleansing remove all the icky stuff, it also makes the skin that much more absorbent of all the skincare goodness that follows. And it’s really not that complicated.  

A double cleansing routine, as its name suggests, consists of two steps: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. Using two different types of cleansers is the best way to ensure that you’re getting rid of both oil and water-based impurities. It’s where most cleansing routines fall short.

The tricky part about a double cleansing routine, however, is finding the right cleansers for your skin type. Disclaimer: The wrong combination will dry out your skin.  

Double Cleansing for Dry or Sensitive Skin

If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for gentle, non-drying, and non-irritating formulas that have a neutral pH. When choosing your oil cleanser, look for a cleansing balm or oil with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, rosehip seed oil, and marula oil. Your water-based cleanser, on the other hand, should be a creamy formula that’s designed to provide nourishment so that it doesn’t irritate your skin. Look for words like gentle, replenishing, and hydrating on the label.

Double Cleansing for Normal Skin

For normal skin types, consider switching up your cleansers from season to season. In winter, lean toward nourishing, hydrating formulas that protect your skin and keep it from drying out. But in summer, reach for lightweight cleansing oils that won’t leave your skin feeling oily. Water-based gel cleansers are a great choice for the second step.

Double Cleansing for Combination Skin

Combination skin types can be slightly tricky. It’s all about striking the perfect balance. A rich, cleansing oil or balm followed by a gentle foaming cleanser should provide a good balance of cleansing and hydration while keeping both dryness and oil at bay. Jojoba oil is a star ingredient for combination skin as it absorbs quickly and maintains balance.

Double Cleansing for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Lastly, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, stick to lightweight cleansers year-round. Choose formulas that regulate oil production and contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like glycolic acid and vitamin E.

Are you still following?

After a week or so of sticking to your double cleansing routine, you should begin to notice fewer breakouts, brighter skin, a more youthful glow, and skin that just looks healthier overall. Whether your skin is uncomfortably dry or chronically acne-prone, double cleansing with the right cleansers can completely turn things around.

What To Read Next: 5 Fuss-Free Ways to Hit Reset on Your Skin Post-Holiday, Hear Ye, Hear Ye – We Found the Best Matte Lipstick Yet, and Colour Correctors Are the Cheat Sheet to Perfect Skin That No One Talks About | Cover Collage: Qide Sim. Text: Nicole McCray.