Korean cleansing routines are becoming more and more common. For hundreds of years, there has been a belief in Korea that physical appearance is a reflection of one’s inner self. As a result, they have created a culture of facial care that has transcended barriers. One of the keys is double facial cleansing. It refers to performing two steps to cleanse the face in depth.

Double cleansing has extra skin care benefits. This step is so integrated into the routine of Korean women and more and more people are incorporating it into their daily routine. Adding this step to the facial routine has among other advantages:

• Prepares the skin for the application of cosmetic products. This makes the dermis more receptive and the ingredients are better integrated, thus acting more effectively.
• It allows for deeper cleansing, and helps to remove dead skin cells and dirt.
• It helps prevent the possible appearance of blackheads or blemishes caused by the use of make-up or traces of dirt.
• The benefits of double cleansing for the skin include improved texture and a brighter, healthier complexion.

Cleansing oil

The first step of a double cleansing routine is the cleansing oil. This cleanser has an oil base. This means that it is formulated with special oils for the face. Among them you can find:

• Jojoba seed oil.
• Coconut oil.
• Evening primrose oil.
• Macadamia nut oil.
• safflower oil.

This step is essential because it acts as a magnet for sebum, make-up and sunscreen residue that accumulates in the pores of the skin. No water-based cleanser has this effect, which is why it is so important to include a cleansing oil in your facial cleansing routine.

Despite what it may seem at first glance, this type of cleanser is suitable for oily and combination skin because it helps to reduce sebum.
On the other hand, it is also good for sensitive skin, as its formula is very respectful.It is recommended to apply this product in the morning and evening routine:

• In the morning, it helps to remove sebum generated during sleeping hours and particles from the pillow that can soak into the skin.
• In the evening, it helps to thoroughly remove traces of make-up and sun cream.

There are different formats of cleansing oil: you can choose the one that best suits you and your needs. To apply the product as part of a double facial cleansing, it is a good idea to follow the steps below:

• Apply a few drops to the skin and massage in a circular motion to enhance the magnet effect and remove dirt.
• Afterwards, rinse as often as necessary with lukewarm water. Some cleansing oils cling more tightly to the skin and are more difficult to remove.
• Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Water-based cleanser

The second step of the Korean double facial cleansing involves the application of a water-based cleanser, such as CeraVe’s Hydrating Micellar Water. The function of this product is to remove water-based substances such as sweat or pollutants. This step, combined with the previous one, enhances its effect.

This type of cleanser is mainly composed of water and, in addition, it has a series of specific ingredients for each situation or problem, such as dryness, dilated pores, hyperpigmentation, etc.

You can find this type of water-based cleansers in different formats, although the most common ones are:

• Cleansing foams: these are light and the bubbles spread easily over the face.
• Cleansing gels: they have a thick, gel-like texture.
• Soap bars: they contain cosmetic ingredients and last a long time.

This step may have been in your routine from the beginning, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Avoid washing your face in the shower, because the water you use is hotter and comes out with more pressure. To apply this type of product, follow the steps below:

• First wet your face. It is important that the water temperature is lukewarm.
• Apply a little of the cleanser to your hand and massage all over your face in circular motions.
• Rinse again with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

After double cleansing, your skin is ready for the rest of the routine: pH balancing toner, serum and SPF50 cream in the morning.

The cosmetics that will help you create your Korean skincare routine.