How Double Cleansing Changed My Skin: A Love Story

BEAUTY

Victoria Guillou

10/20/2024

© Colonne / Pinterest / McKenzie Thompson

There I was, standing in front of my bathroom mirror, staring at my tired reflection and thinking, “This is as good as it gets.” My skin was a mix of oily T-zone meets dry desert, with a smattering of breakouts thrown in for fun. I had tried all the miracle products, spent more money than I care to admit, and still, my skin was like a romantic relationship gone wrong—distant, complicated, and in desperate need of therapy. Then I met double cleansing.

At first, I didn’t get the hype. Double cleansing? Why on Earth would I need to wash my face twice? Isn’t one round of soap and water enough? It felt excessive, like re-reading a text from your ex—do I really need to go through that again? But the more I read about it, the more I realized, much like a good relationship, maybe my skincare needed a little more attention.

So, one night, I decided to give it a whirl. I took the plunge—oil cleanser in hand—ready to make a commitment. And let me tell you, it wasn’t the instant love story you see in rom-coms. At first, it felt strange to massage oil onto my already oily skin. I mean, hadn’t I been avoiding oil my entire life? But as I worked it in, melting away the day’s grime, sunscreen, and stubborn mascara, I started to feel something… hope.

Then came the second cleanse—my usual foaming face wash, now in its rightful place as the closer. Like a reliable second date, it did its job, clearing away the leftovers from round one and leaving my skin feeling actually clean for the first time in what felt like forever. No tightness, no irritation. Just clean, soft skin.

The Honeymoon Phase: Week One of Double Cleansing

I’ll be honest: after that first try, I was intrigued but skeptical. I mean, we’ve all had good first dates that lead nowhere, right? But after a week, I started noticing a difference. My skin didn’t just look cleaner—it felt healthier. My breakouts were less frequent, my complexion more even, and dare I say it?—I had a glow. It was like I’d been dating the wrong products my whole life, and now, finally, I’d found the one.

Double Cleansing: My Skin's Soulmate

Here’s how double cleansing works (and why it’s basically the Mr. Big of skincare routines): The first cleanse, using an oil-based cleanser, breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and all the stuff that sticks to your skin throughout the day. It’s the detox, the clean slate. The second cleanse is with a water-based cleanser, which gets rid of any impurities, dirt, or sweat that’s still hanging around. Together, they’re a dream team, like Bonnie and Clyde—but, you know, for your face. And the best part? It didn’t just get rid of the bad stuff. It also made way for the good stuff. Suddenly, my serums and moisturizers were working better, sinking into my skin instead of just sitting on the surface like an awkward third wheel.

The Double Cleanse Routine: My Skincare Romance

Like any great love story, this one has a routine:

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
I use a cleansing balm or oil—because let’s face it, nothing feels better than seeing your makeup melt away in seconds. It’s like when a good relationship wipes away all the baggage of the past, except it’s mascara instead of emotional scars.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
This is the practical, dependable partner. It’s there to make sure everything is squeaky clean, leaving your skin ready to receive all the love (read: moisturizers and serums) that follow.

So, yes, double cleansing is extra—but sometimes, a little extra is exactly what we need. After all, aren’t the best things in life worth a bit more effort?