Why is double cleansing so important?

Double facial cleansing is a hygiene routine that originated in Asia (South Korea, specifically) and has a large following around the world. It consists of using two cleansers instead of one to achieve deeper hygiene, first with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-soluble particles, and then with a water-based cleanser to remove the remaining dirt particles. The secret lies in treating skin impurities separately, achieving a deeper cleanse that also respects the hydrolipidic film. Pilar Gaudí, facialist and director of the Nina Merli centres, talks to us about its benefits, the products we should use and why it is so highly recommended at any age.

In recent years, the double facial cleansing technique used by Korean women has become popular worldwide, removing make-up with an oil-based cleanser and then removing all remaining dirt with a water-based cleanser. The result is a more effective and deeper cleanse that leaves the skin unclogged and with its absorption capacity intact to receive all kinds of ingredients and treatments, giving us healthier skin with a well-oxygenated, luminous, even texture and fewer imperfections and blackheads.

“Double cleansing is a very thorough and comprehensive hygiene process. Personally, starting this ritual was a turning point for me, a unique combination of hygiene and skin health that is perfect for the evening. I recommend it especially for skin that requires deeper care and for those who are not satisfied with just any product and seek excellence in cleansing rituals,” says facialist Pilar Gaudí, who is also the director of Nina Merli salons.

What are the benefits of double cleansing?

Throughout the day, our facial skin is exposed to a large number of elements that dirty and damage it, such as pollution, make-up residue, excess sebum and dead cells. Keeping it clean is essential for maintaining healthy, balanced skin: “A good facial hygiene routine improves its appearance, evens out its texture and keeps the face free of spots, blemishes, wrinkles and impurities. It also combats the dull or tired appearance we sometimes have, restoring its radiance and vitality. Daily skin care is key to maintaining its firmness and elasticity,” says Pilar Gaudí.

Pilar also emphasises the importance of using the right products: “An oil-based cleanser is not incompatible with oily skin; it will remove excess sebum and dirt that clogs pores and minimise their size, resulting in a more refined texture. Those with slightly more sensitive or reactive skin should not be afraid of deep cleansing routines; they should not be associated with an aggressive process for the skin or anything similar, as they do not cause redness or irritation. The products we choose should, if possible, contain prebiotics, antioxidants and active ingredients that stimulate and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, protecting it from external aggressions.”

Steps for double facial cleansing

Any double cleansing routine worth its salt should include these four steps:

1/ Remove make-up
2/ Cleanse with an oil-based product
3/ Cleanse with a water-based product
4/ Tone

These four steps complete our double facial cleansing routine, leaving the face completely clean, the skin surface sanitised and the pores free of residue. In other words, the skin is purified and in complete balance, ready to begin the night-time regeneration process and absorb the active ingredients of any cream or treatment we wish to apply: ‘If our goal is simply to maintain healthy skin, applying a good moisturiser is enough to meet our needs. Later on, we can complement our daily routine with exfoliation or a face mask once or twice a week.’

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