Washing your face daily—both at the start and the end of each day—is a must for achieving clean, healthy-looking skin. But if you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you may be wondering if you should be doubling down on your skincare routine with the newly popular technique: double cleansing.
Though it originated in Korea and has been around for decades, the double cleansing method has recently gained some serious traction on social media. What is double cleansing, you ask? It’s a multistep face washing method designed to better remove all dirt, makeup, and sunscreen from your face.
But the method is about more than just washing your face twice. By using two different types of cleansing formulas (an oil-based cleanser, followed by a non-oil-based cleanser), you’re able to achieve the most effective clean for your skin. Plus, it preps your skin to better absorb all the hydrating products and skin-loving benefits to follow in the rest of your skincare routine.
Want to learn how to double cleanse and how to best incorporate this practice into your daily regimen? This seven-step hydrating skincare routine for dry skin will get you where you want to go, featuring our lineup of e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! products that will help you cleanse, tone, moisturize, nourish, and protect your way to extra-clean, happy skin.
Step One: Cleanse with a Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
First things first: kick off your double cleansing routine with an oil-based cleanser to help break down any dirt, excess sebum, or makeup residue. Our Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is up for the task: it’s a solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil that then transforms into a nourishing, milky texture to easily melt away the day’s makeup and grime. Added bonus: it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides to leave your skin feeling silky smooth and soft.
To use, massage a dime-sized amount of makeup melting balm onto dry skin; moisten fingertips, then continue to massage your skin using circular motions (it removes eye makeup, too). To finish, rise with water or remove with a warm damp cleansing cloth.
This initial cleanse is especially crucial if you’re rocking a full face of makeup, are wearing a layer of face sunscreen, or live in a city and are often exposed to air pollutants.
Step Two: Double Cleanse with a Facial Cleanser
To reap the benefits of double cleansing, you’ll want to follow up by washing your face with a non-oil-based cleanser (such as a foaming cleanser) to remove any lingering water-soluble impurities like dirt and sweat.
Our gel-based Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser is a great option for your second cleanse, whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin. The gentle, hydrating cleanser is ideal for everyday use—and since it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it leaves your skin feeling moisturized, extra-clean, and healthy-looking without any dryness or tightness.
Step Three: Apply a Hydrating Face Toner
After double cleansing your face, using a gentle daily toner will not only help refresh and balance your complexion, but it will allow your skin to better absorb the benefits of your whole skincare routine—talk about a win-win!
Enter our Holy Hydration! Keep Your Balance Toner: it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, and aloe extract, which work to remove any lingering impurities without drying out your skin, restore hydration, and reveal a soft, fresh complexion. To use, apply to your face and neck with a clean cotton ball post-cleansing.
Step Four: Apply a Hydrating Face Serum
Face serums are the unsung heroes of your skincare routine. Since they often contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients and are absorbed quickly into your skin—aka, they are highly effective and don’t feel heavy or greasy—you can super-boost your skincare regimen with just a few drops.
If your dry skin is craving an unmatched surge of hydration, look no further than our Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum. This unique gel face serum is supercharged with 1.7% hyaluronic acid in three molecular weights (ultra-low, low, and high), which physically binds water to the skin for a fresh, bouncy appearance.
The formula also contains hydrating squalane and niacinamide (helps minimize the appearance of pores and even out skin tone) to help deliver maximum hydration and reveal a plump, smooth, and fresh complexion. For maximum results, use every am and pm on cleansed skin prior to moisturizing.
Step Five: Hydrating Face Mist
If you haven’t been using a face mist in your skincare routine, then you’ve “mist” out (sorry, we had to!). Facial mists offer so much more than a fun application: these magic spritz bottles are chock full of skin-loving formulas to hydrate your skin, prep your face for makeup application, and instantly refresh it throughout the day for a quick moisturizing boost.
Like with any skincare product, the ingredients at work are key to help your skin reap those hydrating benefits. Our revitalizing Holy Hydration! Hydrating Coconut Mist is infused with thirst-quenching ingredients like Coconut Oil and Vitamins B5 & E to nourish, calm, soothe, and hydrate your skin. Plus, it features an invigorating coconut scent for a little energetic burst. To use, hold the bottle several inches from your face and mist over clean, bare skin. Then, toss it in your purse or leave it on your desk to spray throughout the day for a moisturizing pick-me-up.
Step Six: Apply Your Favorite Hydrating Face Moisturizer
Our pick: a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula like our Holy Hydration! Daily Moisturizer. It’s enriched with naturally nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and grapeseed oil to deeply hydrate skin, help lock in essential moisture, and reveal a plump, supple complexion.
Are you a member of the sensitive skin club? Opt for our fragrance free moisturizer to stave off any potential reactivity. If you’re heading out for the day and double cleansing as part of your morning routine, follow up with our Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30, which works double duty as a moisturizer and a sunscreen to give you all the same hydrating benefits, plus SPF protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Do you tend to have more oily skin rather than dry or combination skin? We recommend opting for our Gel Face Moisturizer. This lightweight, hydrating gel moisturizer is fast-absorbing, leaving a non-greasy feel.
Not sure which skincare routine is right for you? Take the skincare finder quiz—a short set of questions that will help you find the best routine for your skin’s unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Double Cleansing:
Q: What is Double Cleansing?
A: Double cleansing is a two-step skincare routine that ensures a thorough cleanse, leaving your skin fresh and ready for the rest of your regimen. This method is especially beneficial for those who wear makeup, live in polluted areas, or might have oily/combination skin. Double cleansing can help to prevent clogged pores, breakouts, and allows better absorption of skincare products. Remember, gentle cleansing is key – no need to scrub harshly! Double cleansing can be done daily, particularly in the evening, to ensure your skin is squeaky clean before bedtime. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate your skincare game and achieve that coveted glow!
Q: Is It Okay to Double Cleanse Everyday?
A: Yes, it's totally okay and even recommended to double cleanse every day, especially if you wear makeup! Here's why:
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Thorough Cleansing: Double cleansing helps to ensure that most of your makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime are removed.
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Prevents Clogged Pores: It helps avoid breakouts by thoroughly cleaning your pores.
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Preps Skin: Your skin will be ready to absorb nighttime skincare products better.
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Gentle on Skin: Using two gentler cleansers is often less harsh than one strong cleanser.
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Customizable: You can adjust your face cleansers based on your skin's daily needs.
Remember, the key is to be gentle and use products suitable for your skin type. Your skin will thank you with that extra clean, fresh feeling every night!
Q: What Are the Cons of Double Cleansing?
A: Double cleansing is a skincare superstar with minimal drawbacks! This two-step process can work wonders for your skin, helping to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. It's like giving your face a mini spa treatment every day! Regular double cleansing can lead to clearer pores, better absorption of skincare products, and a brighter complexion. However, it's important to listen to your skin. If you have sensitive skin or go overboard with harsh products, you might strip away those precious natural oils. The key is to use gentle, suitable cleansers and pay attention to how your skin responds. Remember, skincare is all about balance – treat your skin with love, and it'll love you right back!
Q: What Comes First in a Double Cleanse?
A: In a double cleanse routine, the first step is using an oil-based cleanser. This initial cleanse is crucial for breaking down and removing makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and other oil-based impurities that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. The oil-based cleanser works by attracting and dissolving these stubborn products, making them easier to wash away. This step ensures that your skin is free from surface-level pollutants, preparing it for the second, more thorough cleanse. Remember, even if you don't wear makeup, this first step is still beneficial for removing sunscreen and environmental pollutants, leaving your skin primed for the next step in your skincare routine!
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