Why Double Cleanse? When It Helps, When to Skip It, and How to Do It Right.

I used to think washing my face was pretty straightforward. Apply cleanser, rinse, and move on with my skincare. And for the most part, that's what many of us have been doing for years. But here's something worth knowing. Not everything sitting on your skin at the end of the day comes off with one wash.

Think about everything your skin comes into contact with throughout the day. Sunscreen, makeup, natural oils, sweat, pollution, and whatever else the day throws at you. Even if you don't wear makeup, there's still plenty to wash away! That's where double cleansing comes in. And before you think this sounds like another unnecessary step in your skincare routine, hear me out.

So, what exactly is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is simply washing your face in two steps, using two different types of cleansers.

• The first is an oil-based cleanser that helps dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and other oil-soluble buildup.

• The second is a water-based cleanser that washes away the remaining residue, sweat, and everyday impurities.

They work together, but they do different jobs.

I like to think of the first cleanse as taking off everything you've worn throughout the day, and the second as actually washing your face. The goal isn't to get your skin squeaky clean. In fact, that's the opposite of what we want. Your skin should feel clean, soft, and comfortable afterward, not tight or stripped.

Do you really need to double cleanse?

Here's where I think skincare advice sometimes gets a little carried away.

No, not everyone needs to double cleanse every single day.

If you're wearing makeup, water-resistant sunscreen, or have spent the day sweating and reapplying products, double cleansing can be a great way to make sure everything gets removed. But if you've spent the day at home, haven't worn much on your skin, and a single gentle cleanse gets the job done, that's perfectly fine too.

Your skincare routine should work for your skin and your lifestyle. You don't need extra steps just for the sake of having them. What matters is that you're removing what needs to come off without disrupting the skin barrier you're working so hard to protect.

When should you double cleanse?

For most people, the evening makes the most sense. That's when you want to remove everything that's accumulated on your skin throughout the day before applying your nighttime skincare.

I especially recommend considering a double cleanse when you've been wearing sunscreen, makeup, or heavier skincare products. And if you're someone who wears foundation, concealer, blush, and sunscreen, you know sometimes one quick wash doesn't quite cut it.

In the morning? You probably don't need both steps.

Depending on your skin, a gentle cleanse or even just rinsing with water may be enough.

I personally don't believe in overcleansing, especially as our skin changes with age and becomes more prone to dryness. In the morning I use warm water and gentle cloth.

What if your skin is dry or sensitive?

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about double cleansing. People assume that washing twice automatically means drying your skin out twice as much. But it's not necessarily the number of cleanses that causes problems. It's the products you're using, how they're formulated, and how your skin tolerates them.

A well-formulated cleansing oil can remove stubborn makeup and sunscreen without requiring a lot of rubbing or scrubbing. Follow that with a gentle, properly formulated water-based cleanser, and you can get a thorough cleanse without that uncomfortable, tight feeling afterward.

I always say that taking care of your skin barrier starts with what you wash your face with, not just what you put on afterward.

Does double cleansing help with clogged pores?

It can, particularly if leftover makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum are contributing to buildup on your skin. Our pores naturally contain sebum, and when that mixes with dead skin cells, it can contribute to congestion and blackheads.

An oil cleanser can help remove excess surface oils and oil-soluble residue, while the second cleanse helps wash everything away.

But I want to be clear about something. Double cleansing isn't an exfoliating treatment, and it won't magically clear blackheads or shrink your pores. What it can do is help keep your skin properly cleansed, which is an important part of managing congestion.

And please, don't scrub harder thinking you'll get better results. You won't.

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How to double cleanse the right way

I developed two cleansers for Born of Four because I wanted cleansing to feel like part of caring for your skin, not something you have to recover from afterward.

Step 1: Start with THE MELT Transforming Cleansing Oil.

Apply to dry skin with dry hands and gently massage across your face. Give it a little time to break down your makeup, sunscreen, and the day's buildup.

Add a little water to emulsify the oil, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Follow with THE CLOUD Soft Foaming Cleanser.

Apply to damp skin and gently massage. This second cleanse removes remaining residue and leaves your skin feeling fresh and comfortable.

Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry.

That's it.

No aggressive scrubbing. No hot water. No need to wash until your face feels squeaky clean.

From there, you can move right into your serums, moisturizer, and the rest of your evening skincare.

One more thing I want you to know

If there's one thing I've learned from formulating skincare, it's that cleansing deserves a lot more attention than we tend to give it. We spend so much time researching serums, moisturizers, peptides, and active ingredients, but the cleanser we use every day is just as deserving of consideration. Especially as we get older!

Our skin changes. It may produce less oil, hold onto moisture differently, and become more sensitive to products we used for years without a second thought. That's why I'm a big believer in cleansing thoroughly, but gently. And you certainly don't need to double cleanse just because someone on social media told you to. Do it when your skin needs it. Choose products that respect your skin barrier. And remember that sometimes the simplest changes to your routine can make a difference.

Ready to rethink how you cleanse?

Meet THE MELT and THE CLOUD, our cleansing duo designed to work together to remove the day while leaving your skin feeling soft, clean, and comfortable.

Because good skincare starts with a good cleanse.