It’s time to start double cleansing. Here’s why, and my top three choices for step one.

It’s time! 

Have you heard of the double cleanse?  Well, I’m here to tell you it is a game changer in the skincare world.  The idea is to first “cleanse” with an oil-based balm, which you apply to the skin and then wipe off with a microfiber cloth.  This removes sunscreen and makeup so you can then wash the face with your usual cleanser.  Now you are nice and clean and can go in with your active nighttime ingredients and give them a chance to really work!

Where did this idea come from?  Double cleansing is a long-standing practice in Korea, Japan, Germany and France.  According to some reports, Japanese geishas used cleansing oils followed by cleanser to remove the traditional white makeup.  The double cleansing trend started in the USA in the last 5 or so years and has really taken off (pun intended).  I started the practice in the last year, and love what it has done to clean and soften my skin..

Since we all wear (or should wear!) sunscreen, we need a way to take it off at the end of the day.  Sunscreen doesn’t easily breakdown with your average facial cleanser, or the soap you use in the shower.  I tried that for years, in particular after a hot and sweaty bike ride with sunscreen on my legs, arms and face.  Scrubbing didn’t work!  Once I learned the double cleanse routine, the sunscreen literally melted away without a fight.

I have tried several cleansing balms and oils, and these are my top three:

Number Three – Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil – for the Face, 6.5 ounces $7.97

If you are starting out with the double cleanse routine, I recommend this inexpensive oil to breakup your sunscreen and makeup.  You can use it around the eyes, though you may prefer a dedicated eye makeup remover.  There are a few different scents of Palmer’s Oils, and I used Rosehip.  To be honest I didn’t love the fragrance (in general I prefer unscented products) but it worked so well and the scent doesn’t linger, so I continuing using it. It is easily dispensed from the pump bottle.  This oil has a special place in my heart, as it was my first foray into the double cleanse world.  Though it has been relegated to the back of the cabinet, I pull it out after bike rides or hikes to get stubborn sunscreen off my legs and arms.  For the price point, this one can’t be beat.

Number Two – Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – 3.8 ounce $36.00

This is a great all-around cleanser and – bonus – it takes off eye makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara.  It is unscented - which I love – and mild but really delivers.  I received a sample with a Sephora makeup order, and liked it so much it is in my regular rotation.  As with other products that come in a jar, you might like a small spatula or other tool to get the product out.  Once you do, it is a bit chunky but quickly emulsifies with the warmth of your skin.  Wipe away all that makeup and sunscreen with a cloth and you are ready to cleanse part two!

And now, my number one choice for step one of the Double Cleanse: 

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm 3.5 ounces, $66.00

There is a reason this is my number one pick for the first step of a double cleanse – it feels like a spa treatment in a jar.  The scent is from essential oils which include lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus.  This has a strong scent, which begs the question:  as a non-scent lover, why do I like it?  All I can say is it’s an experience for me, and it puts me in a relaxed state as I go through my nighttime routine.  It rubs in nicely and I like to give my face and neck a little massage with the balm before I wipe it off with a cloth.  Heaven!  This one is a definite splurge, at $66 a jar. It does come in multiple sizes, so you can try a sample size of 20g for $16.00.

All three of these cleansers do the job they are meant to – take off makeup and sunscreen.  It’s a matter of personal preference and budget which you choose.  Give one a try, and I’ll bet your skin feels a lot cleaner!

I hope this information was helpful to you.  Take care, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen, everyday!!!

Kelly 😎