The Proper Way To Double Cleanse Oily Skin

Many people want that dewy glow to their skin, but it can be hard to achieve if you have oil. Oily skin can make it hard for your makeup to stick or lead to breakouts and uneven skin texture. You try everything from scrubbing to exfoliating, but nothing seems to do the trick.

The oil in our skin is meant to keep it soft and moisturized, according to bioClarity. But sometimes, the skin can produce too much oil and sebum, which can lead to a slick shine and annoying acne. Unfortunately, there isn't too much you can do about how much oil your skin produces because it's due to hormones and genetics. However, there are ways to fight oily skin. If you have excess oil, you're probably washing your face incorrectly and using the wrong products. You should be double cleansing to help remove the excess oil. But there's more to double cleansing than simply washing your face twice. Luckily, it's not too difficult to start double cleansing the right way.

Those with oily skin might recoil at the idea of adding more oil to their face. But, if you've heard someone say that oil and water don't mix, you'll understand why you should with an oil cleanser. Oil-based cleansers act as solvents that are lipophilic. That means they attract other oils like sebum and skin oils, explains Paula's Choice. Because of the like-attracts-like rule, an oil cleanser will help dissolve some of the excess oils from your skin. And when you rinse with water, more of that oil is able to be washed away.

Oil cleansers are also great for removing makeup or sunscreen, especially if they're water- or sweat-resistant or have a long-wear formula. To use an oil cleanser, you'll want to massage a small amount into damp skin. Gently focus on oily areas as well as any areas with heavy makeup. You'll want the oil to be emulsified like a small lather to ensure it dissolves the excess oil in your skin. Then you'll want to thoroughly rinse the cleanser off with water.

The second half of a double cleanse is washing with a water-based cleanser. Using this will ensure that you wash away any sweat or dirt that may have lingered on your skin. For many, this is the typical cleanser they may already have in a skincare routine. Foaming cleansers, gel cleansers, and cleansing waters are among the most common types of water-based cleansers. Foaming cleansers are the most common and effectively remove impurities and build-up in your skin. However, you should be cautious because some can be drying depending on the formulations. In contrast, gel cleansers can be much gentler and more hydrating to the skin. You can massage both of these into the skin for 30 seconds before thoroughly rinsing the cleanser away.

Cleansing waters are a little different because you don't need to wash them away with water. Instead, use a cotton pad with cleansing water on it and wipe it across the skin. While these can remove water-soluble impurities like sweat and dirt, many people may not feel like they got a thorough cleaning. So, these can be used in combination with a foaming or gel cleanser. Cleansing waters can also be great for quick cleaning when you're out and about.