The most important step in any skincare routine, no matter how simple or elaborate, is to double cleanse at night.

Double cleansing, while popular in Western culture today, is a centuries-old tenant of Asian skincare. The process ensures that your skin is properly cleaned and prepped, so the products you follow up with are effective. 

What’s great is that it is easy to do, takes almost no extra time, and you can use the products of your liking. 

Today, we’re continuing our annual Beauty Week by breaking down the simple 2-step process and sharing some of my favorite products. Plus, we’ll talk about the one popular product you NEVER want to use on your face. 

How to Double Cleanse Your Face

How to Double Cleanse Your Face

The goal of the double-cleanse is to remove all the makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and oil that builds up on your skin during the day and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. There is no point in using expensive serums and creams if they are going on dirty skin. They won’t be effective and will just clog your pores.

To do this, you need an oil-based and a gel-based cleanser.

Step One: Oil Cleanse

This is the first step in your nighttime routine, designed to remove sunscreen and makeup.

Start with an oil-based cleanse of your choice. I am loyal to the Tatcha Camellia Oil Cleanser. It’s a gentle formula that works as both a first cleanse and a makeup remover. You can slather it all over your face, including around your eyes, to remove even stubborn waterproof mascara. 

I’m also a big fan of the Eve Lom Cleansing Balm. 

Use a warm washcloth and gently wipe it off, taking care not to pull or tug at your skin.

Step Two: Gel Cleanse

Next, use your regular cleanser. I prefer a gel-based cleanser for this step and use the Drunk Elephant Beste No 9 Jelly Cleanser. It’s clean, fragrance-free, and doesn’t irritate my extra-sensitive skin. 

That’s it! From here, you can move on to your next steps. 

I follow up with this AHA Toner from REN. It works to both exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Then I move to serums and night cream. 

Avoid Face Wipes

One of the worst things you can use in your skincare routine is face wipes. They are loaded with harsh chemicals (no matter how “clean” they are marketed), that strip your skin of its natural oils. They cause irritation and do nothing to prevent wrinkles. In fact, they can make them even worse because you have to pull and tug at the delicate skin around your eyes. 

They do nothing to remove make-up, instead you’re just pushing all the build up from the day around on your skin, while irritating your face, stripping it of moisture and breaking down the protective layer of your skin. 

So toss the wipes and pick up an oil-based cleanser instead. You’ll see and feel a difference right away. 

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