A Guide to Double Cleansing
Not all methods of washing one’s face are equal. There’s the face washing you do when you’re racing against the clock, and then there’s the face cleansing you do when you can really pay attention to what your skin is trying to tell you.
After all, washing your face regularly has never been more important. Since many of us are noticing changes in our skin like breakouts and clogged pores, all courtesy of maskne (acne caused by wearing a face mask) regularly cleansing your skin is a practical way to prevent skin issues.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Yves Rocher’s new facial cleansers to double cleanse your face.
The root of breakouts
Underneath the surface, your skin produces sebum, a type of oil that’s released onto the surface of your skin through follicles. This oil creates a protective barrier that keeps your skin safe from harsh elements in the environment.
When dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities build up on the surface of your skin, your follicles get clogged, trapping sebum and other impurities beneath the surface. This can lead to acne and other types of skin congestion.
If you deal with dryness, redness, and irritation, cleansing can help manage the pH levels of your skin. By removing impurities both morning and night, your skin will be prepped for the the following steps in your skincare routine, such as moisturizer and serums.
Double cleanse for cleaner skin
First popular in Japan and South Korea, and now Europe and North America, double cleansing is a process that uses two different types of cleansers, one after the other.
Most commonly, the first step uses an oil-based cleanser to remove surface-level impurities, followed by a gentle sulfate-free cleanser. However, you can also use a micellar water as a first step in your double cleansing routine.
Discover micellar water
Micellar water is a mixture of purified water, hydrating glycerin and mild surfactants that contain molecules (micelles) which pull dirt and oil away from your skin. This mild and gentle formula is ideal for removing makeup without stripping your skin of its moisture barrier and causing irritation.
Step 1: Start double cleansing with micellar water
To get started, wash your hands with soap to remove all bacteria and dirt from your fingers. Then, take a reusable cotton pad or cleansing glove and soak it with your micellar water of choice.
For truly a gentle 2 in 1 formula, the Pure Algue, Pure Menthe,or Pure Camomile are all great options.Each of these micellar waters gently removes impurities while also cleansing and protecting your skin’s natural pH levels.
Starting from the center of your face, gently move the cotton pad in circular motions until you reach the outside of your face.
If you’re wearing mascara, let the cotton pad sit on the delicate area around your eyes for a few seconds. When the micellar water has had a chance to break down your makeup, move from the inside to the outside of your eyes and you will see the makeup disappear.
Step 2: Pick the cleanser for your skin
Depending on your skin type (which may change throughout the year), choose the cleanser that meets your skin’s needs today. This will allow your skin to get the benefits it currently requires.
The all-around cleanser for every skin type
Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin, anyone can reach for the Pure Algue 3 in 1 Makeup Removing Marine Jelly. This unique formula combines all the benefits of an oil-based makeup remover with the freshness of a cleansing gel.
Fortified with detoxifying microalgae gathered in an eco-responsible manner from Brittany, France, this formula is vegan and contains 99% natural ingredients.
At first, it gently removes makeup and other impurities. As surface debris lifts away, micro-droplets will turn into a light foam, gently cleansing and balancing your skin, leaving it feeling oxygenated. When used in a double cleansing routine, use this as your first step to remove impurities on the surface, and use a deeper cleanser for a more intense cleanse.
How to clean oily skin
If you find that your skin produces excess oil throughout the day, the Pure Menthe Purifying Cleansing Gel offers a deep clean. Made with organic peppermint, this formula helps purify and mattify—ideal for oily skin.
How to clean sensitive skin
For sensitive skin that’s reactive to most products, try the soothing effects of the Pure Chamomile 2 In 1 Soothing Makeup Removing & Toning Milk.
This gentle cleanser has organic wild chamomile that helps protect and calm irritated skin, while simultaneously removing dirt and impurities from the skin.
Step 3: Rinse your face with lukewarm water
Now that you’ve selected your cleanser of choice, make sure that your water temperature is lukewarm. Hot water can dehydrate skin and cold water may not loosen excess sebum. Before you apply your cleanser, splash lukewarm water on your face to prep your skin for cleansing.
Take out the facial cleansing tools
While using your fingers is perfectly acceptable, if you happen to use a facial cleansing device, like a brush or a konjac sponge, now is the time to pull it out. Just make sure you regularly clean your device so that it doesn’t gather harmful bacteria that could be transferred to your face.
Step 4: Work up a lather
Step 5: Remember, your neck is part of your face
This may come as a surprise, but your face starts at your hairline and ends at your collarbone. Since the neck is one of the first places that shows signs of aging, it’s important to show this area as much love and attention as your face.
Step 6: Wash away the suds
Once you’ve lathered your face for 60-seconds, turn your tap back on and wash away all traces of cleanser. It’s important to make sure your skin is thoroughly rinsed off to avoid skin congestion.
Step 7: Pat your skin dry with a clean towel
Once you’ve carefully cleansed your skin, if you used a dirty towel to dry off, you’d be back at square one.
Each time you wash your face, make sure you have a soft, clean towel on hand. As the skin on your face is quite delicate, it’s important to use a soft towel. It’s equally important to pat your skin dry (no rubbing) as this is the most gentle way to remove the water. Rubbing a towel on your face could cause irritation and damage the skin.
Now that your skin is thoroughly cleansed, you’re ready to hydrate with the next steps in your skincare routine. To stay consistent, follow up with the rest of the products in your Yves Rocher regimen of choice. Whether you use the Pure Algue, Pure Menthe or Pure Camomile, use the toner or moisturizer that works best for your skin type within a minute of cleansing. Your skin is most receptive to toners and moisturizers at this point, so try applying them in this time frame for best results.
Show your skin some love twice a day, every day!
Whether you reach for the Pure Algue 3 In 1 Makeup Removing Marine Jelly, packed with nutrients derived from seaweed, the Pure Menthe 3 In 1 Cleanser Scrub & Anti-Blackhead Face Wash, rich with soothing peppermint, or the Pure Camomile 2 In 1 Soothing Makeup Removing & Toning Milk filled with organic camomile, it’s imperative that you wash your face both morning and night.
The reasons why you should face wash before bed are clear—what may be confusing is why you need to wash your face in the morning. After all, how much dirt can have accumulated overnight?
In reality, your skin cells are at work 24/7. That means they may be producing excess sebum. By washing your face in the morning, you remove all of the impurities that may have accumulated overnight, so your skin can better absorb the products in your morning skincare routine.
