With so many skin care tips, tricks, do’s and don’ts thrown our way it’s easy to forget the basics. However, if you don’t do the basics in the beginning all of the expensive creams, serums, and toners are pretty worthless. This is because they don’t get the chance to penetrate the skin. And if you’re over 50, double cleansing is especially important.

What is double cleansing?

What is it exactly? It’s a two-step process that begins by taking off your make-up, SPF, and any excess sebum from your face. Following this, you use a cleanser that is more effective in order to help you achieve radiance, hydration and a clear complexion. You wouldn’t take a shower with your clothes on right? Well, this is essentially the same concept. Without removing everything on your face first, anything else you put on really doesn’t have a fighting chance at doing what it should do.

Benefits for mature skin

While double cleansing is great for everyone, it’s especially important for mature skin. Why? Because mature skin in your 50’s and above are starting to show signs of more serious aging than younger skin. Let’s have a look at what the professionals say. 
Dr. Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist, states that double cleansing eliminates sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells – a notion that Rabbia Aslam, creative director at HC MedSpa, agrees with. According to her, a deeper cleanse is necessary to rid the pores of any dirt or contaminants. This is best achieved through a second round of cleansing, designed specifically for oily skin.

How do you do double cleansing?

Ok, we are sold. How do you do it? It’s pretty simple and involves 2 steps. 

1. Remove makeup, SPF, and all oil from your face using an oil based cleanser. Oils, balms and micellar waters are among the best solutions for removing heavy make-up (including waterproof mascaras) and SPF. Although lighter textures can be washed away with warm water, heavier balms demand a warm flannel or muslin cloth.

2. Use your regular cleanser. Now that the dirt has been cleared away, use a second cleansing product to nourish and bring equilibrium to your complexion. If you are a proponent of going without makeup, it’s totally acceptable to use the same cleanser twice. Just give it the attention it deserves.

Lastly, apply your toner, serums, and moisturizer. When practicing a double cleanse before these things. It gives them the best chance to penetrate the skin and actually do their job.

Aslam suggests that one should dedicate at least one minute to a water-based cleansing routine in order to get the most out of the cleanser and its ingredients. She goes on to explain that the majority of individuals only spend about twenty seconds on cleansing, which is not sufficient to massage the cleanser thoroughly. She recommends increasing the washing time to two minutes, similar to the duration of brushing one’s teeth. She also adds that part of any evening skincare routine should include using two different cleansers, one of which should be a more exfoliating type, to help remove the dead skin cells and brighten the complexion. So don’t forget to always double cleanse to glow!