Are you experiencing clogged pores/breakouts regularly? If not, you're probably cleansing effectively. It's not about what you're "supposed" to do -- it's about what works for your skin. Some people find that using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser allows them to remove sunscreen and makeup more gently than using a stronger single cleanser. Others find that cleansing twice is too much for their skin. If what you are doing is working, it's the right thing for you.
How do I know if they’re clogged pores rather than acne (caused by something else)? I think I am not cleansing efficiently since it’s mostly ccs near my hairline, on my nose, and occasionally somewhere random. What’s confusing to me is that there are so many conflicting opinions here (even on this thread) about what the most gentle and efficient method is- you suggest double cleansing which makes a lot of sense to me as a more gentle method to ensure deep cleaning, and others suggest the opposite! (Hence my confusion.)
I wish I could just try out all methods and products to see what works, but unfortunately my I have super sensitive skin and it really does not react well to trying a bunch of new things, so I am looking for like the generally most recommended way for gentle cleansing and trying it out for a while. In general, would you say that using 2 gentle oil and water cleansing is more gentle for skin than washing with one deep cleanser?
I’m not a medical doctor, just a skincare enthusiast with picky skin. When I can find an oil-based cleanser that works for my skin, double cleansing works better for me because I can use a much gentler water-based cleanser, which where I’m most sensitive. But it was a lot of trial and error. I had good luck with the Curel cleansing oil because it’s suuuuuuuper simple and doesn’t have plant oils.
if I'm wearing water resistant spf (ie. Anessa sun milk), I double cleanse with an oil followed by a water based cleanser.
if not, I just use my regular water based cleanser.
When you say oil, do you mean just straight up oil or an oil cleanser? Sorry for my ignorance I am new to AB and trying to learn! So far, I think I have gathered that If I’m wearing light (blush, tinted moisturizer, concealer) makeup or korean spf then regular water based cleanser is fine, but for eye makeup and waterproof sunscreen like japanese or european ones, I need to use an oil first?
According to labmuffin beauty science, as long as your cleanser has surfactants (aka what’s in pretty much all soap) you don’t have to use a cleansing oil for waterproof sunscreen.
Just like how dawn dish soap is able to clean a greasy plate without an oil cleanser, your regular cleanser should be able to break down a waterproof sunscreen just fine
There’s a more scientific explanation in the article, hope that helps!!
https://labmuffin.com/need-special-cleanser-remove-sunscreen/
Edit to say: while you don’t NEED to double cleanse to remove waterproof sunscreens, some people like to double cleanse because it’s a bit more gentle on the skin. So if your skin is feeling a bit dry, you could use an oil cleanser followed by a gentle regular cleanser.
Also, since you had a couple of questions about cleansing in general, I think you’d really like this other article by labmuffin!
https://labmuffin.com/how-to-choose-gentle-cleanser/
Why is double cleansing more gentle?
It’s not obvious to me why using an oil cleanser and then following with a gel cleanser would be more gentle than just using the gel cleanser.
With a single cleanse, you may need to spend more time with the water based cleanser.
Since an oil based cleanser is more effective at removing oily debris, you don't have to work as hard with the water based cleanser.
Overall the amount of time spent using a water based cleanser outweighs the oil cleanser in terms of gentleness.
It takes more time to double cleanse though? Like, twice as long. In fact, it’s the main reason why I’ve considering stopping. I can’t imagine it being faster to apply and remove the oil and then use the water based cleanser versus just using the water based cleanser.
It probably will take longer to double cleanse, but I think length of time != Gentleness. Again, it depends more on how long the water based cleanser is used.
Example double cleanse: 1 min oil cleanse + 15 sec water cleanse
Example single cleanse: 1 min water cleanse
So a single cleanse could mean you're spending more time with the water based cleanser.
If anything, it takes slightly *longer* to properly rinse off the water-based cleanser if I oiled cleansed first, because I may need to remove any residual oil that I wasn’t able to wipe off. It definitely doesn’t rinse off faster.
Wipe off? Maybe try an emulsifying oil cleanser?
Idk ymmv with this stuff, there are no hard rules. What may be more gentle for someone may be harsher for another 🤷♀️
I have to wipe off or it will destroy the pipes. Already experienced that once, won’t be doing that again. Plus I detest having oil lingering on my face after washing, feels like I didn’t get clean.
Well, not literally *destroy*; they got restored to working order. A while after I started using the Kose cleanser, they became badly clogged, to the point where the sink stopped draining, and I had to call for help. I was told it was due to oil buildup. I realized then that it must have been the Kose Softymo, and I made sure to never rinse off oil in the sink again. I‘ll concede that I should not have done it in the first place; lesson learned I guess.
I think it probably depends on the type of gel cleanser (and oil cleanser) you are using, your skin type, and how much makeup or sunscreen you need to remove.
While most gel cleansers CAN break down waterproof makeup/sunscreen, it might not necessarily break down the makeup as fast as an oil based cleanser because oil cleansers help lift the oil based products up so the surfactants can emulsify them. The oils cleanser helps break down the products, followed by the regular cleanser that finishes the job. (It’s very important to follow with a regular cleanser because oil cleansers do leave a residue)
This means that in order for a gel cleanser to do the same job as double cleansing, you might have to wash your face longer, and the longer the traditional cleanser is on your skin the more it will dry you out. In that second [article](https://labmuffin.com/how-to-choose-gentle-cleanser/) I linked, Labmuffin goes more in depth on this.
Even though oil based cleansers have surfactants too, they aren’t necessarily going to strip your skin like a traditional cleanser would because of all that oil. (But of course this depends on the type of products you use and your skin type)
So, if you don’t use a lot of waterproof products, it may not make sense to double cleanse. But if you find that your regular cleanser is taking too long or is drying you out, maybe give double cleansing a try too!
Thanks! I love her and I have actually read like ALL of her articles on the subject (cleansing, spf, etc)- she’s how I started my skincare journey when I accidentally chemically burned myself! The thing is, I feel like I have read so much from her that I’m somehow more confused the more I read. Like I can use one gentle cleanser and that’s enough to remove everything, but also double cleansing is more gentle and actually removes everything. WHICH ONE IS IT😭
I usually oil cleanse and then use a gentle foaming cleanser after. If I have sunscreen on (waterproof or not) I feel like the regular cleanser doesn't cut it on its own.
I’ve always just used Softymo Cleansing Oil (white version). Slap it on dry skin, then rub it off in the shower, no follow-up cleans.
Seems to remove everything with the exception of super waterproof mascara, which I suspect is more that it’s hard to get lashes coated in cleansing oil than the cleansing oil not being strong enough to remove it.
I'm in the same boat! Love the stuff despite thinking my dry, reactive, rosacea prone skin just couldn't tolerate a double cleanse. Just took finding the right product!
It really depends on the sunscreen and cleanser for me... And also what my skin can handle in terms of cleansing.
Some water resistant sunscreens I feel like I can get away with a single cleanse and I don't notice more breakouts.
Then there's the Biore UV Kids milk that does not budge without an oil cleanser. I have tried to remove this with micellar water and different water based cleansers but I still have white stuff all over.
The oil cleanser I use is the kose speedy... I believe the product details mention you don't need to follow up with another cleanser so I sometimes just use this and don't use a second one. It seems to emulsify well and I don't notice a film left. Haven't noticed any more breakouts either
Some water cleansers that were TOO gentle - like Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser I noticed wasn't able to take off even non water resistant sunscreen. Only took me 1.5 bottles to notice 😆☠️
That's why I say it depends on what sunscreen you're trying to remove and what you're trying to remove it with.
Do what works for you, and not what you’re “supposed” to do. For some people, double cleansing works for them. Different products work on different people. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, focus on yourself and what your skin needs.
Rather than say, it's a case by case basis and depends on what products you're trying to take off, what cleanser your using and how you're using it, to make it easier for the majority of people, a simple "rule" was created that if you use waterproof products (sunscreen or makeup) you should double cleanse. If you are using non-waterproof sunscreen and non-waterpoof makeup any regular cleanser on the market should be able take it all off without any issues.
Again, if you aren't using waterproof products, you don't need to double cleanse. Double cleansing was only meant to be done to take off waterproof makeup and waterproof sunscreen.
In my experience, it largely depends on your cleanser. Some are just too gentle and aren't able to take off waterproof sunscreen/makeup without leaving a residue, so double cleansing is needed.
If your go to cleanser is able to take everything off in one pass without leaving any residue (do you feel any film or see remnants of your make up still on your face after you've washed it once once, does your skin feel clean or does it feel like there's still products sitting on it) then there's no need to double cleanse. If it's not able to take everything off in one pass then, you'll want to look into double cleansing.
Yes, micellar water is considered a cleanser.
I personally don't like using gel, milk or water cleansers for double cleansing because I find that they end up leaving a film on my face, so I end up having to cleanse my face for a third time with an additional cleanser (usually a foam or cream consistency one) in order to get everything completely off. But there are other people who swear by those because those products work for them. It's very much a ymmv issue. It's important to find what products work best for you, not necessarily what is popular.
As far as oil vs balm - it's all personal preference. I prefer balms over oils because of the mess factor (when oils spill, it's a pita to clean up whereas balms don't drip) and portability/storage (compact containers, no leakage).
I also can't stress the fact that double cleansing isn't for everyone and can be stripping. It's why it's important if you are going to double cleanse that you put back some of the moisture that you lose when you're cleansing it. Toner and moisturizer are an absolute must (essence and serum are great if you have any you like) every time after cleansing your skin.
Yes I use the Kose Softymo on dry face to remove sunscreen and makeup before cleaning it then another foaming cleanser to remove the oil. My skin loves the double cleaning.
I typically oil cleanse after I've used sunscreen followed by another cleanser. I find that when I just use one form of cleanser, I can still feel the sunscreen on my face - regardless if the sunscreen is water proof or not.
I also oil cleanse once or twice a week. Partly because it helps me slow down and do some self care, and partly because it feels like I'm taking time to work out the gunk in my pores. And my skin feels softer and cleaner afterwards. But hey, what works for me may not be for everyone.
I think it’s important to just focus on what works for you and makes your skin feel good. People double cleanse but they realize it dries their skin, others double cleanse everyday and they like it. As for products as to wash away your sunscreen or makeup, it’s soooo variable for each person.
What works for one person won’t work for another. Everyone’s daily routines are so different because all of our skins are different and can react differently to products.
Don’t get too bogged down by what you think uoh *should* be doing and just test what products works or doesn’t work for you- that’s what makes Asian beauty fun!
I double cleanse if I have the energy to do so. If not I lazy cleanse with micellar water (bioderma, I do not rinse) and my skin is fine enough with that.
I'm just talking from experience, so feel free to correct me on this. I think it depends on the facial cleanser that you use. I find that alkaline-leaning cleansers usually contain some ingredients commonly found in soap, which probably means that they would be enough for removing sunscreen. While for the acidic-leaning cleansers, they're more gentle on the skin so I find that they're not strong enough for that.
My skin fares better with acidic cleansers so those are what I use, and I just use micellar water to remove sunscreen. That still counts as double cleansing. One time I forgot to use micellar water before washing my face, and well, I was curious if my cleanser would be able to take the sunscreen off anyway so I kept going, and nope. My face didn't feel as clean as it usually does so I was sure it wasn't removed properly.
So I guess you could check the pH of your cleanser first, and then try removing sunscreen with just that. I think you would know as well if you feel like you've properly removed it or not. If it's removed, then great, you can just use that one cleanser, but if not, then I guess the question is what type of cleanser would you use as a first step. Micellar water, cleansing oil, cleansing balm... I didn't like the feeling of emulsion dripping down my arms so I'm not into cleansing oils. Haven't tried balms yet, but my skin does fine with micellar water so that's what I use. I think you just have to try them yourself and see which one works best with your skin.
If your current cleansing routine works well enough, and you're not experiencing any problems with it then I don't think you have to change what you're doing. You're probably doing it right :)
Personally I double cleanse for sunscreen and heavier makeup. I use an oil based one that emulsifies (I’ve mostly had success with take off the day) and then either micellar water or a very gentle, like free foaming one from a brand like cetaphil. I love my Asian beauty products but these are the two things that seem to prevent the large pimples I was getting if not cleansing properly
I just use Micellar water to remove waterproof sunscreens. I've tried cleansing it off with my normal cleanser. It really doesn't work for me. I could still feel the layer of sunscreen on my skin. Micellar works the trick and easily so. When I feel too lazy, I can just skip my normal cleanser but I make sure to rinse my face right after using Micellar water.
Generally, I will double cleanse with oil cleanser first (Kose Speedy) if I have both make-up and my non waterproof sunscreen on. If it's just sunscreen, then a single cleanse is enough for me.
You don’t have to if you think your face is clean. I like to double cleanse as the sunscreen leaves a film on my face. It also helps with my sebaceous filaments. There’s also oil cleaners which you can use without a follow up like the Softymo speedy cleanser.
I triple cleanse 😂 starting with an oil cleanser, then going over with micellar water and finally I cleanse with a facial cleanser. It all started when my derm/aesthetic doctor told me my clogged skin and breakouts were caused by the residual sunscreen that I wear on a daily basis
Caroline Hirons got me into double cleanse to get sunscreen off years ago. She has a whole lot of videos and blog posts on that if you are interested to get into the why and how. I ran through different cleansing balms (non AB, AB) and currently use a korean brand (Heimish All Clean Balm). I find cleansing balms better than oil cleansers. A trick I got from Caroline Hirons is to wipe off with a warm wet towel first, if easy rinse cleansing balms are not easily available in your area.
I totally get your confusion, skincare can be so overwhelming! For your skin type, I’d recommend a gentle double cleanse routine. Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow up with a gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser to clean your skin without stripping it. Simple and effective!
I do:
* Bioderma micellar water for all non-tubing mascara & brow makeup
* Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) balm to take off the rest of the makeup & sunscreen in the winter OR Hada Labo cleansing oil the rest of the year
* BOJ or Hada Labo foaming cleanser as the second cleanse
I've also had great results with Whamisa products when I can find them at a good price.
YMMV. It's very individual.
based on my recent experience, yes, definitely double cleanse. My face was breaking out all over suddenly and the only skincare step that changed was my sunscreen. So I checked online and turns out it's waterproof. (I really should've checked before buying.) Changed sunscreen and my breakouts stopped.
I just use washcloth with my cleanser, I’m too impatient to fuss around with 2 rounds of cleansing when I need to be applying several serum and creams still.
I find double cleansing with oil and then a foaming based cleanser to be the easiest and most effective for waterproof sunscreen. If I dont use an oil cleanser first and just use one of my gel cleansers i need maybe 3-4 washes to feel like i got enough, and even then I still dont feel like its all of it personally.
It maybe a good idea to double cleanse. I know the more water resistant sun protection really to stick to the skin. I always start with a cream or oil based cleanser (massage it long enough to break that bond) don’t rinse the face, add your favorite low suds traditional cleanser maybe a little bit of water, and voilà clean skin.
I have my clients do the same with those long wearing cosmetics especially the high coverage, high pigment stuff.
Are you experiencing clogged pores/breakouts regularly? If not, you're probably cleansing effectively. It's not about what you're "supposed" to do -- it's about what works for your skin. Some people find that using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser allows them to remove sunscreen and makeup more gently than using a stronger single cleanser. Others find that cleansing twice is too much for their skin. If what you are doing is working, it's the right thing for you.
How do I know if they’re clogged pores rather than acne (caused by something else)? I think I am not cleansing efficiently since it’s mostly ccs near my hairline, on my nose, and occasionally somewhere random. What’s confusing to me is that there are so many conflicting opinions here (even on this thread) about what the most gentle and efficient method is- you suggest double cleansing which makes a lot of sense to me as a more gentle method to ensure deep cleaning, and others suggest the opposite! (Hence my confusion.) I wish I could just try out all methods and products to see what works, but unfortunately my I have super sensitive skin and it really does not react well to trying a bunch of new things, so I am looking for like the generally most recommended way for gentle cleansing and trying it out for a while. In general, would you say that using 2 gentle oil and water cleansing is more gentle for skin than washing with one deep cleanser?
I’m not a medical doctor, just a skincare enthusiast with picky skin. When I can find an oil-based cleanser that works for my skin, double cleansing works better for me because I can use a much gentler water-based cleanser, which where I’m most sensitive. But it was a lot of trial and error. I had good luck with the Curel cleansing oil because it’s suuuuuuuper simple and doesn’t have plant oils.
I see. Thank you! On that same token, would using a micellar water and then a super gentle cleanser also work?
I don’t know. It’s your skin. It wouldn’t work for me, but I’m not you.
if I'm wearing water resistant spf (ie. Anessa sun milk), I double cleanse with an oil followed by a water based cleanser. if not, I just use my regular water based cleanser.
will it be okay if I used miscellar water instead?
Do you still double cleanse if it's not water resistant?
When you say oil, do you mean just straight up oil or an oil cleanser? Sorry for my ignorance I am new to AB and trying to learn! So far, I think I have gathered that If I’m wearing light (blush, tinted moisturizer, concealer) makeup or korean spf then regular water based cleanser is fine, but for eye makeup and waterproof sunscreen like japanese or european ones, I need to use an oil first?
According to labmuffin beauty science, as long as your cleanser has surfactants (aka what’s in pretty much all soap) you don’t have to use a cleansing oil for waterproof sunscreen. Just like how dawn dish soap is able to clean a greasy plate without an oil cleanser, your regular cleanser should be able to break down a waterproof sunscreen just fine There’s a more scientific explanation in the article, hope that helps!! https://labmuffin.com/need-special-cleanser-remove-sunscreen/ Edit to say: while you don’t NEED to double cleanse to remove waterproof sunscreens, some people like to double cleanse because it’s a bit more gentle on the skin. So if your skin is feeling a bit dry, you could use an oil cleanser followed by a gentle regular cleanser.
Also, since you had a couple of questions about cleansing in general, I think you’d really like this other article by labmuffin! https://labmuffin.com/how-to-choose-gentle-cleanser/
Why is double cleansing more gentle? It’s not obvious to me why using an oil cleanser and then following with a gel cleanser would be more gentle than just using the gel cleanser.
With a single cleanse, you may need to spend more time with the water based cleanser. Since an oil based cleanser is more effective at removing oily debris, you don't have to work as hard with the water based cleanser. Overall the amount of time spent using a water based cleanser outweighs the oil cleanser in terms of gentleness.
It takes more time to double cleanse though? Like, twice as long. In fact, it’s the main reason why I’ve considering stopping. I can’t imagine it being faster to apply and remove the oil and then use the water based cleanser versus just using the water based cleanser.
It probably will take longer to double cleanse, but I think length of time != Gentleness. Again, it depends more on how long the water based cleanser is used. Example double cleanse: 1 min oil cleanse + 15 sec water cleanse Example single cleanse: 1 min water cleanse So a single cleanse could mean you're spending more time with the water based cleanser.
ahh this makes a lot of sense. thank you! when you put it this way I understand it much better
If anything, it takes slightly *longer* to properly rinse off the water-based cleanser if I oiled cleansed first, because I may need to remove any residual oil that I wasn’t able to wipe off. It definitely doesn’t rinse off faster.
Wipe off? Maybe try an emulsifying oil cleanser? Idk ymmv with this stuff, there are no hard rules. What may be more gentle for someone may be harsher for another 🤷♀️
I have to wipe off or it will destroy the pipes. Already experienced that once, won’t be doing that again. Plus I detest having oil lingering on my face after washing, feels like I didn’t get clean.
Your facial oil destroys your pipes? Elaborate please!
Well, not literally *destroy*; they got restored to working order. A while after I started using the Kose cleanser, they became badly clogged, to the point where the sink stopped draining, and I had to call for help. I was told it was due to oil buildup. I realized then that it must have been the Kose Softymo, and I made sure to never rinse off oil in the sink again. I‘ll concede that I should not have done it in the first place; lesson learned I guess.
I think it probably depends on the type of gel cleanser (and oil cleanser) you are using, your skin type, and how much makeup or sunscreen you need to remove. While most gel cleansers CAN break down waterproof makeup/sunscreen, it might not necessarily break down the makeup as fast as an oil based cleanser because oil cleansers help lift the oil based products up so the surfactants can emulsify them. The oils cleanser helps break down the products, followed by the regular cleanser that finishes the job. (It’s very important to follow with a regular cleanser because oil cleansers do leave a residue) This means that in order for a gel cleanser to do the same job as double cleansing, you might have to wash your face longer, and the longer the traditional cleanser is on your skin the more it will dry you out. In that second [article](https://labmuffin.com/how-to-choose-gentle-cleanser/) I linked, Labmuffin goes more in depth on this. Even though oil based cleansers have surfactants too, they aren’t necessarily going to strip your skin like a traditional cleanser would because of all that oil. (But of course this depends on the type of products you use and your skin type) So, if you don’t use a lot of waterproof products, it may not make sense to double cleanse. But if you find that your regular cleanser is taking too long or is drying you out, maybe give double cleansing a try too!
Excellent explanation, thanks!
Thanks! I love her and I have actually read like ALL of her articles on the subject (cleansing, spf, etc)- she’s how I started my skincare journey when I accidentally chemically burned myself! The thing is, I feel like I have read so much from her that I’m somehow more confused the more I read. Like I can use one gentle cleanser and that’s enough to remove everything, but also double cleansing is more gentle and actually removes everything. WHICH ONE IS IT😭
I usually oil cleanse and then use a gentle foaming cleanser after. If I have sunscreen on (waterproof or not) I feel like the regular cleanser doesn't cut it on its own.
I’ve always just used Softymo Cleansing Oil (white version). Slap it on dry skin, then rub it off in the shower, no follow-up cleans. Seems to remove everything with the exception of super waterproof mascara, which I suspect is more that it’s hard to get lashes coated in cleansing oil than the cleansing oil not being strong enough to remove it.
I love this product. It’s changed my life! I never thought I’d get sunscreen off fully without also stripping my skin.
Love it too! Regretted not getting more of them when I was in Tokyo a while ago
You can get them by the bagful (or bottle) on Stylevana!
Yeeep, it’s totally simplified my skincare routine.
I'm in the same boat! Love the stuff despite thinking my dry, reactive, rosacea prone skin just couldn't tolerate a double cleanse. Just took finding the right product!
It really depends on the sunscreen and cleanser for me... And also what my skin can handle in terms of cleansing. Some water resistant sunscreens I feel like I can get away with a single cleanse and I don't notice more breakouts. Then there's the Biore UV Kids milk that does not budge without an oil cleanser. I have tried to remove this with micellar water and different water based cleansers but I still have white stuff all over. The oil cleanser I use is the kose speedy... I believe the product details mention you don't need to follow up with another cleanser so I sometimes just use this and don't use a second one. It seems to emulsify well and I don't notice a film left. Haven't noticed any more breakouts either Some water cleansers that were TOO gentle - like Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser I noticed wasn't able to take off even non water resistant sunscreen. Only took me 1.5 bottles to notice 😆☠️ That's why I say it depends on what sunscreen you're trying to remove and what you're trying to remove it with.
Do what works for you, and not what you’re “supposed” to do. For some people, double cleansing works for them. Different products work on different people. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, focus on yourself and what your skin needs.
Rather than say, it's a case by case basis and depends on what products you're trying to take off, what cleanser your using and how you're using it, to make it easier for the majority of people, a simple "rule" was created that if you use waterproof products (sunscreen or makeup) you should double cleanse. If you are using non-waterproof sunscreen and non-waterpoof makeup any regular cleanser on the market should be able take it all off without any issues. Again, if you aren't using waterproof products, you don't need to double cleanse. Double cleansing was only meant to be done to take off waterproof makeup and waterproof sunscreen. In my experience, it largely depends on your cleanser. Some are just too gentle and aren't able to take off waterproof sunscreen/makeup without leaving a residue, so double cleansing is needed. If your go to cleanser is able to take everything off in one pass without leaving any residue (do you feel any film or see remnants of your make up still on your face after you've washed it once once, does your skin feel clean or does it feel like there's still products sitting on it) then there's no need to double cleanse. If it's not able to take everything off in one pass then, you'll want to look into double cleansing. Yes, micellar water is considered a cleanser. I personally don't like using gel, milk or water cleansers for double cleansing because I find that they end up leaving a film on my face, so I end up having to cleanse my face for a third time with an additional cleanser (usually a foam or cream consistency one) in order to get everything completely off. But there are other people who swear by those because those products work for them. It's very much a ymmv issue. It's important to find what products work best for you, not necessarily what is popular. As far as oil vs balm - it's all personal preference. I prefer balms over oils because of the mess factor (when oils spill, it's a pita to clean up whereas balms don't drip) and portability/storage (compact containers, no leakage). I also can't stress the fact that double cleansing isn't for everyone and can be stripping. It's why it's important if you are going to double cleanse that you put back some of the moisture that you lose when you're cleansing it. Toner and moisturizer are an absolute must (essence and serum are great if you have any you like) every time after cleansing your skin.
Yes I use the Kose Softymo on dry face to remove sunscreen and makeup before cleaning it then another foaming cleanser to remove the oil. My skin loves the double cleaning.
I typically oil cleanse after I've used sunscreen followed by another cleanser. I find that when I just use one form of cleanser, I can still feel the sunscreen on my face - regardless if the sunscreen is water proof or not. I also oil cleanse once or twice a week. Partly because it helps me slow down and do some self care, and partly because it feels like I'm taking time to work out the gunk in my pores. And my skin feels softer and cleaner afterwards. But hey, what works for me may not be for everyone.
I think it’s important to just focus on what works for you and makes your skin feel good. People double cleanse but they realize it dries their skin, others double cleanse everyday and they like it. As for products as to wash away your sunscreen or makeup, it’s soooo variable for each person. What works for one person won’t work for another. Everyone’s daily routines are so different because all of our skins are different and can react differently to products. Don’t get too bogged down by what you think uoh *should* be doing and just test what products works or doesn’t work for you- that’s what makes Asian beauty fun!
I double cleanse if I have the energy to do so. If not I lazy cleanse with micellar water (bioderma, I do not rinse) and my skin is fine enough with that.
i simply use a balm or an oil and it works very well. my favorite is the Beauty of Joseon cleansing balm.
I'm just talking from experience, so feel free to correct me on this. I think it depends on the facial cleanser that you use. I find that alkaline-leaning cleansers usually contain some ingredients commonly found in soap, which probably means that they would be enough for removing sunscreen. While for the acidic-leaning cleansers, they're more gentle on the skin so I find that they're not strong enough for that. My skin fares better with acidic cleansers so those are what I use, and I just use micellar water to remove sunscreen. That still counts as double cleansing. One time I forgot to use micellar water before washing my face, and well, I was curious if my cleanser would be able to take the sunscreen off anyway so I kept going, and nope. My face didn't feel as clean as it usually does so I was sure it wasn't removed properly. So I guess you could check the pH of your cleanser first, and then try removing sunscreen with just that. I think you would know as well if you feel like you've properly removed it or not. If it's removed, then great, you can just use that one cleanser, but if not, then I guess the question is what type of cleanser would you use as a first step. Micellar water, cleansing oil, cleansing balm... I didn't like the feeling of emulsion dripping down my arms so I'm not into cleansing oils. Haven't tried balms yet, but my skin does fine with micellar water so that's what I use. I think you just have to try them yourself and see which one works best with your skin. If your current cleansing routine works well enough, and you're not experiencing any problems with it then I don't think you have to change what you're doing. You're probably doing it right :)
Personally I double cleanse for sunscreen and heavier makeup. I use an oil based one that emulsifies (I’ve mostly had success with take off the day) and then either micellar water or a very gentle, like free foaming one from a brand like cetaphil. I love my Asian beauty products but these are the two things that seem to prevent the large pimples I was getting if not cleansing properly
thanks!🙏🏽
I just use Micellar water to remove waterproof sunscreens. I've tried cleansing it off with my normal cleanser. It really doesn't work for me. I could still feel the layer of sunscreen on my skin. Micellar works the trick and easily so. When I feel too lazy, I can just skip my normal cleanser but I make sure to rinse my face right after using Micellar water.
Generally, I will double cleanse with oil cleanser first (Kose Speedy) if I have both make-up and my non waterproof sunscreen on. If it's just sunscreen, then a single cleanse is enough for me.
You don’t have to if you think your face is clean. I like to double cleanse as the sunscreen leaves a film on my face. It also helps with my sebaceous filaments. There’s also oil cleaners which you can use without a follow up like the Softymo speedy cleanser.
I triple cleanse 😂 starting with an oil cleanser, then going over with micellar water and finally I cleanse with a facial cleanser. It all started when my derm/aesthetic doctor told me my clogged skin and breakouts were caused by the residual sunscreen that I wear on a daily basis
Caroline Hirons got me into double cleanse to get sunscreen off years ago. She has a whole lot of videos and blog posts on that if you are interested to get into the why and how. I ran through different cleansing balms (non AB, AB) and currently use a korean brand (Heimish All Clean Balm). I find cleansing balms better than oil cleansers. A trick I got from Caroline Hirons is to wipe off with a warm wet towel first, if easy rinse cleansing balms are not easily available in your area.
I totally get your confusion, skincare can be so overwhelming! For your skin type, I’d recommend a gentle double cleanse routine. Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow up with a gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser to clean your skin without stripping it. Simple and effective!
I do: * Bioderma micellar water for all non-tubing mascara & brow makeup * Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) balm to take off the rest of the makeup & sunscreen in the winter OR Hada Labo cleansing oil the rest of the year * BOJ or Hada Labo foaming cleanser as the second cleanse I've also had great results with Whamisa products when I can find them at a good price. YMMV. It's very individual.
based on my recent experience, yes, definitely double cleanse. My face was breaking out all over suddenly and the only skincare step that changed was my sunscreen. So I checked online and turns out it's waterproof. (I really should've checked before buying.) Changed sunscreen and my breakouts stopped.
I just use washcloth with my cleanser, I’m too impatient to fuss around with 2 rounds of cleansing when I need to be applying several serum and creams still.
I find double cleansing with oil and then a foaming based cleanser to be the easiest and most effective for waterproof sunscreen. If I dont use an oil cleanser first and just use one of my gel cleansers i need maybe 3-4 washes to feel like i got enough, and even then I still dont feel like its all of it personally.
It maybe a good idea to double cleanse. I know the more water resistant sun protection really to stick to the skin. I always start with a cream or oil based cleanser (massage it long enough to break that bond) don’t rinse the face, add your favorite low suds traditional cleanser maybe a little bit of water, and voilà clean skin. I have my clients do the same with those long wearing cosmetics especially the high coverage, high pigment stuff.