The Power of the Double Cleanse

So you may or may not heard of double cleansing but basically its exactly how it sounds, cleansing the face twice! Not just using the same product twice to clean your skin though, using two different cleansers with two different effects to remove make-up, clean and treat the skin.

Cleansing the skin is in my opinion the most important step to any skincare routine, you could be using the most amazing, most expensive moisturiser in the world but if your'e not cleansing correctly you will still get problems with your skin.

A double cleanse means that your skin is obviously super squeaky clean which is the main aim but also means that the skin is being treated with different textures and ingredients which the skin will benefit from. Double cleansing is a way of accelerating your skincare routine, getting better results and really treating different skincare concerns in one routine. Double cleansing is mainly for the evening cleanse, in the morning just choose one cleanser that suits your routine best.

With their being so many cleansers on the market though how on earth are you supposed to choose not one but two that will suit your skin, lifestyle and preferences. Here I will give you a breakdown on different types of cleansers and how to find your perfect double cleanse:

Micellar/Cleansing Waters: 

Micellar water takes its name from micelles, tiny round balls of cleansing molecules that float in the water. The cleansing molecules attract dirt, oil and make up off the skin. This is such a quick and easy way to cleanse and remove make up and this is perfect for a first cleanse just apply to dry cotton pads and wipe over, which makes it great for travelling or anyone that just can't break away from the cleansing wipes! Elemis are about to release Smart Cleanse Micellar Water in June containing soothing rose water and chamomile.

Cleansing Oils:

Oils are great because oil attracts oil, a lot of people I speak to with oily skin wouldn't dream of using an oil cleanser but its actually be a great way of removing excess oil from the skin, using good oils to remove bad oils. A dry/dehydrated skin will also feel the benefit of using a cleansing oil to effectively remove make up without stripping the skin. You would apply a cleansing oil to a dry skin and wash off so I find more effective for a first cleanse to quickly get rid of the majority of make up and dirt. Bare Minerals have just launched their Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil, containing bilberry, borage, cucumber and sunflower oil.

Cleansing Milks/lotions: 

Cleansing milks are lighter lotion type cleansers, they are quite quick to use and good to wash off or remove with cleansing cloths so a good all rounder. These can be used as a first or second cleanse, you could use this first followed by a cleansing balm or use a Micellar Water first and follow with a cleansing milk. If you have a particularly sensitive skin a milk/lotion is good as it doesn't overstimulate the skin and is a gentle way to cleanse. Elemis have the Soothing Chamomile Cleanser which is a cleansing milk perfect for sensitivity.

Cleansing Washes: 

These are great if you lack time or like the feel of washing your face with water. The foaming action is often more deep cleansing too. Often though a cleansing wash isn't ideal as a first cleanse so always use these second and they are more suited to an oily/combination skin. The Bare Minerals Pure Plush Gentle Deep Cleansing Foam with elderflower and rosemary leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean.

Cleansing Balms:

Much more suited to a dry/dehydrated skin, cleansing balms are great for your second cleanse. Often they contain a lot of nourishing and hydrating ingredients that feel amazing on the skin and its always best to remove with a cleansing cloth. The Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm containing Star flower, Elderberry and Optimega Oils gives a deep cleanse leaving the skin so nourished and smells like your'e on a spa day!

Cleansing Clays:

Quite a new one to me but cleansing clays are obviously clay based and are more deep cleansing so great for oily/problematic skins. These are more suited to a second cleanse and could be washed off or removed with a cleansing cloth. The Bare Minerals Clay Chameleon Transforming Purifying Cleanser contains brazilian red clay, papaya and bamboo and feels heavenly on the skin.

To pick which ones suit you best think about what your skincare concerns are and your lifestyle so how much time you have. Here's a rough guide to help:

Dry/Dehydrated: Cleansing Oil and Cleansing Balm

Oily/Combination: Cleansing Oil/Micellar Water and Clay Cleanser

Sensitive: Micellar Water and Cleansing Milk

Struggle for time: Micellar Water and Cleansing Wash

So whatever combination you choose the double cleanse is definitely the way forward and your skin will thank you for it!

Let me know what your favourite combinations are...

Emma x