Are You Double Cleansing?

Majority (if not all) of us believe that properly cleansing your face with a rinsable cleanser is an effective way to wash off all that dirt, oil, and makeup that has pilled up through the day. Well we may not know as much as we think we do, because there's more to it. There is an optional step for deeper cleansing, and the benefits promote healthy, balanced, and properly moisturized skin. You do not have to do this every night, but once a week really does wonders for your skin.

Double Cleansing throughly removes dirt, dust, oxidized sebum, dead skin cells, residue from makeup, and any product that accumulates daily on your face. There are two types of dirt: oil-based dirt (like oil in makeup), and water-based dirt (like dust and sweat). Water and oil do not mix well together because of their conflicting properties, so it is best to dissolve each with its own property. Plant oils cleanse your pores naturally without stripping your skin, while soap cleansers remove residue and deeply purify your skin.

It is best to do double cleansing at night, because you have more time, and the point of deep cleaning is to clear the skin of the day's grime. Here's the best method for double cleansing your skin:

CLEANSE: Massage a beauty balm, rinse-free cleanser, or fragrance-free cream into your skin using circular motions with your fingertips. Wipe off with a clean dry washcloth or cotton pads. This removes all oil-based grime from your face. Works great on eye makeup too.


Drugstore Finds: Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser, Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm, Avene Cleanser Lotion, Avene Milk Cleanser, Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser, Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Marjorie Harvey (wife of Steve Harvey) uses Albolene 

PURIFY: Using a small amount of (rinsable) cleanser, massage it onto damp skin (don't forget your neck) with fingertips for about 30 seconds - 1 minute.  Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and splash your face with cool water at the end to tone. Pat dry your skin with a clean washcloth or paper towel. You can use any sulfate-free or oil-free cleanser.

Note: Never tug at your skin when washing or drying; this promotes fine lines and wrinkles. 

TREAT: Apply a light serum, gel or cream to your skin by warming it up in your hands first, then gently massaging it into your skin using upward and outward strokes. You want to combat the sagging effects of gravity by massaging any ointments into your skin in upward gentle strokes. Do not forget your neck.

This may seem like a lot for some people, but the benefits of taking great care of your skin will only aid you in the future when your face looks ageless compared to your peers.

- Stay Beautiful!