The Benefits of Double Cleansing
Posted by TEAM WILD BEAUTY
We spoke to Mandy Oxley Swan, a facialist with over 25 years of experience in the skincare industry about double cleansing and how to get the best from this procedure for your skin needs and your cleansing products.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is purported to come from K Beauty (the Korean step method) but Facialists have always been trained to double cleanse simply because it pays dividends to skin quality. Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds. It involves cleaning your face with 2 different types of cleansers. It is important to note that this not 2 repeat cleanses with the same product, but 2 cleanses with 2 different types of cleansers, which will have a specific desired effect on the skin.
Why is double cleansing recommended?
Double cleansing is good for skin as it incorporates the usage of 2 different cleansers with different textures, ingredients and qualities, which will help many different skin types. Double cleansing is also very effective as it ensures that all make up, SPF, sebum and pollutants are removed from the skin.
Should we double cleanse our skin every day?
No. Every person’s skin is different and responds to products/techniques in different ways. If you wear make-up and SPF every day, or live in a large city with higher pollution, then double cleansing at night will work well.
Is double cleansing recommended for everyone?
Someone with very sensitive, rosacea prone skin may find 2 different cleansers aggravating and might prefer 1 gentle cleanse. Likewise, 1 cleanser in the morning will work for most people - just to remove any nighttime skincare products and to prep the skin for its next skincare steps such as serum, moisturiser and SPF.
How do you double cleanse?
Different methods may suit different skin types. However, the first cleanse would usually be with an oil based cleanser. This type of cleanser is designed to remove oil based impurities, make-up, sunscreen/SPF and pollution. This could be a cleansing oil or oil based balm such as the new Wild Beauty Deep Cleansing Balm with Wild Berries containing Safflower Oil which is rich in Vitamin E, known to reduce the signs of ageing, Rose Otto Essential Oil to moisturise and soothe and antioxidant-rich Wild Berries from the Rhug Estate, to brighten and protect.
Personal preference is key when it comes to cleansing. Some may find a water based second cleanser works for them but others might prefer to follow on from the balm with a creamy textured cleanser. The important thing is to thoroughly remove all product between cleanses using a muslin cloth or soft flannel to ensure all traces are removed before moving onto the next steps in your skincare routine.
Should we include the neck & décolleté area when double cleansing?
100%. In a professional facial, every single product used is applied to the neck and décolletage. The skin in these areas is thinner and really benefits from each product’s qualities.
What sort of gestures/techniques should be used when double cleansing?
Whatever type of cleansing product you choose, the application technique should be the same. I always like to do a few inhalations of the cleansing balm. It’s wonderful aroma of Geranium and Rosemary Essential Oils help calm the nervous system and it’s a great self-care ritual too to take some time for yourself.
Apply your chosen cleanser to your palm and use your fingers to gently massage it into your skin using circular motions. Then pay attention to any areas of congestion and use deeper pressure to break down blockages and help with lymphatic drainage/removal of toxins. Don’t forget the hairline area too. I love to work on the cheekbone/jaw area when cleansing as we can store a lot of tension. You can use quite firm pressure as massaging the skin has so many benefits ie increasing blood flow to the skin helping to give a glowing complexion.
You can find out more about Mandy and her skin studio
www.oxleyswanskinstudio.com
www.oxleyswanskinstudio.com
And follow her on Instagram @oxleyswanskin
