Mastering the double cleansing Korean skin care routine

This simple routine will work wonders for your skin.

It’s for a very good reason that double cleansing is a revered step in Korean skin care. It’s an easy, cheap, and simple way to achieve a radiant, younger-looking complexion. Do we have your attention now?

Thorough cleansing is a must for all. In fact, it is the foundation of any skin care routine. Cleaning all the grime off with a face wipe at the end of the day just doesn’t cut it anymore. Without a good cleanse your skin will look dull, tired, and have higher chances of breaking out. You need a good cleanse that will get rid of all the makeup you’ve got on as well as all the impurities that have accumulated on your skin. Here’s how you can incorporate the double cleanse into your skin care routine.

Step 1
The first cleanse is supposed to remove makeup and oil-based impurities that have built up, like sebum, sunscreen, and pollutants. Start with a cream or oil cleanser. These products will help remove oil-based impurities better than water-based cleansers, as water and oil don’t mix. Massage a cream or oil cleanser onto your face and neck in gentle motions. Use upward strokes and circular motions to work in the product. Next, add some water and massage again so as to emulsify the product (it usually turns milky around this time). Then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Oil cleansers are very gentle on the skin and this cleanse will gently remove makeup and oil build-up without stripping your skin of hydrating oils.

Those with oily or acne prone skin are tempted to avoid this step as they feel it will worsen their condition. But that’s not the case. Oil cleansers help remove excess sebum and impurities that are clogging your pores, which can lead to breakouts. If used properly, oil cleansers don’t add more oil to your face; rather they balance your skin’s moisture level, and make it less likely for your skin to break out.

Step 2
The second cleanse is to be done with a water-based foam or gel cleanser. This is a good old fashioned cleanse with water. It breaks down and draws out water-based impurities. This step cleanses a little deeper, so look for a product that’s gentle on the skin, has low pH, and won’t strip your skin of moisture. Gently massage the product into your skin using upward strokes and circular motions. Rinse of with lukewarm water.

There are many cleansers out there, so pick products that are made for your skin type and skin concerns. Those with sensitive skin should pick cleansers that are fragrance- and alcohol-free, mild, and non-comedogenic. It’s recommended that you do the double cleanse twice a day—in the morning and at night. The morning cleanse will get rid of sweat and oil produced overnight, as well as the skin care products you’d put on the night before. This way you have a clean, fresh canvas.

You should do a double cleanse at night even on days when you’re not wearing makeup. You need to remove the dirt, oil, and other pollutants that made themselves at home on your skin. Double cleansing also helps you prep your skin for your nighttime skin care routine.

Photograph: jcomp /Freepik.com