Famous for its iconic formulations and innovative trends, Korea has undoubtedly become a global skincare superstar. It is also the historical home of the legendary double cleanse. As a leading advocate of this prized practice, our Founder, Caroline Hirons, explains why it is such a key step towards beautiful skin.
Where did double cleansing come from?
Originating in 14th century Asia, double cleansing was the ritual of Korean women and Japanese Geishas, who used natural oils followed by rice, bran or bean pastes to remove their iconic white makeup. Oil was the only effective way to remove the traditional ‘Oshiroi’— the bright white foundation that was made from rice powder often blended with lead, oil and wax (I know, grim).
Over the centuries this cleansing technique became the cornerstone of Korean skincare and throughout history influenced the routines of millions of skincare lovers the world over. I fell in love with the ritualistic and highly efficient cleansing methodology when I trained as an Esthetician and have been a vocal advocate of it ever since.
The Queen of the Double Cleanse
For me, double cleansing is the absolute bedrock of a solid skincare routine and a prerequisite of beautiful, healthy skin. It’s also what I’m known for: popularising the term for a new generation of skincare lovers, and being given the moniker ‘Queen of the Double Cleanse’. I’ll take that, thank you very much.
Why should you double cleanse?
Double cleansing is such a critical component of healthy, glowing skin that one cleanse just doesn't cut it (if you wear makeup and/or sunscreen or ever leave the house before dark that is). Makeup and sunscreen are both designed to stay put on your face, and you need something that will take that off before you even start on a deeper cleanse of your skin and pores. This one extra step in your skincare routine makes a massive difference to your skin condition. It’s almost self-abuse not to double cleanse.
Are there other benefits?
The purpose of the first cleanse is to break down makeup, sunscreen, and oils that will likely clog your pores. The second cleanse is to rinse off traces of the first cleanser, deep clean your pores, and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. Done well, this will enhance the efficacy and penetration of everything else you put on your skin, and is therefore the most important part of any skincare routine. You will often hear me talk about how pointless it is buying great treatments or serums if your face isn’t really clean. It's like putting Farrow & Ball paint over a dirty, flaking undercoat —you will never get a good finish and there’s grot underneath the glamour.
The power of double cleansing lies in the ‘like attracts like’ properties of an oil-based cleanser. The oil binds with oil-based impurities, products and makeup, dissolving all the tough stuff that we add to our faces during an average day. With the first layer of impurities removed, the second cleanse—usually a milk, gel or foam but sometimes another round with an oil— then works on the skin and pores to extract sweat, pollutants and other impurities deeper down.
How do you double cleanse properly?
First, use an oil-based cleanser (either a solid balm or a liquid oil) on dry skin. Massage it in well and rinse off with the help of a warm, damp cloth—my Skin Rocks flannels are great for this as they are super large and fluffy, but any flannel will do.
You can go back in with the same cleanser a 2nd time if you love a rich cleanse or have very dry skin, but most people like to switch to a lighter format such as a gel, milk or foam (just avoid the old-fashioned SLS-based foams).
What are the best products for double cleansing?
A rich, sensorial oil-based balm is what I would always recommend. There is nothing like it for decimating sunscreen, makeup and gunk, and at the end of a long day, the ritual of hair up and loungewear on, followed by a rich, deep double cleanse is heavenly. Balms and oils are usually beautifully scented and feel really indulgent, so it just draws a great line between day and evening and gives your skin some much-deserved TLC after being bombarded with crap all day. It’s a delicious thing.
After your oil-based cleanse, go back in with the cleanser of your choice, it really is down to texture preference, so use whatever you love that suits your skin type and condition. The Skin Rocks Gel Cleanser and Cream Cleanser are both incredible, but whatever works for you is fine. You can then finish off with your treatment step/s and moisturiser.
