Double cleansing: a complete guide for clear skin
Facial double cleansing involves two distinct steps: an oil-based cleanser, followed by a rinse-off cleanser. The choice of products and ideal frequency vary according to skin type, and allow for truly clean skin without compromising the skin barrier.
What is Facial Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is a method that originated from Japanese and Korean routines. It has gradually become established in Western facial cleansing, as it combines two complementary actions to effectively remove makeup, pollution, sunscreens, and accumulated residue on the skin.
The Principle of the Two Steps of Facial Cleansing
The steps of facial cleansing are based on a simple principle: like dissolves like. The first step uses a lipophilic makeup remover, oil or balm, to dissolve makeup, sebum, and sunscreens deposited on the skin's surface.
Then, a water-based cleanser finishes the skin cleansing. It removes sweat, dust, and remaining residues. In practice for sensitive skin, this method leaves the skin clean without excessive rubbing.
Cleansing Products Adapted to Each Step
A gentle facial cleansing routine depends mainly on the right choice of texture according to skin type. For the first step, a cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or cleansing milk is suitable; for the second step, a rinse-off facial cleanser, gel or foam, completes the process.
- Cleansing oil or cleansing balm: These textures dissolve makeup, including long-lasting formulas, as well as sunscreens and excess sebum. They are also suitable for oily skin, as they facilitate facial cleansing without stripping.
- Foaming cleansing gel: The Maria Devoghe facial cleansing gel combines aloe vera juice, blackberry extract, glycerin, and sodium PCA to hydrate, brighten, and purify. The skin barrier reacts when cleansing is too aggressive, hence the benefit of a formula that cleanses without a stripping effect.
- Cleansing foam: The Maria Devoghe facial cleansing foam, formulated with 97% natural ingredients, contains Damascus rose floral water, calendula, and chamomile. This is preferable if the skin feels tight or reactive, especially for sensitive or reactive skin.
Additionally, the PureSkin facial cleansing brush made of FSC certified bamboo, with its ergonomic 35° angle, assists the second step of facial cleansing. Once applied with a gel or foam, this action helps to remove residues and refine skin cleansing without excessive abrasion.
Gentle Facial Cleansing Routine with the Devoghe Method
Maria Devoghe formulates the two steps around COSMOS Ecocert certified textures, chosen not to alter the hydrolipidic film, even on combination or reactive skin. Unlike overly intense cleansing, the skin maintains its comfort better when textures are adapted to its rhythm and needs.
In addition, a COSMOS Ecocert certified gel or foam can be used with the bamboo brush for non-abrasive mechanical cleansing. The difference lies in regularity: a well-chosen double cleanse according to skin type remains more useful than an overly intense technique repeated unnecessarily.
Ideal Frequency and Daily Double Cleansing
The ideal frequency for facial cleansing is not the same for everyone. It depends on skin type, makeup, sunscreens used, and daily exposure to pollution. The right rhythm aims for a simple balance: removing impurities and residues without weakening the skin.
Double Cleansing Every Day
Double cleansing is not mandatory morning and night. This method is especially useful in the evening, when the skin has makeup, sunscreens, sebum, and impurities accumulated during the day. In the morning, a gentle facial cleanser is usually sufficient for a respectful cleanse.
Double cleansing every morning and every evening does not necessarily provide more benefits for sensitive skin. The skin barrier reacts when cleansing becomes too frequent or too stripping, especially with a cleanser poorly suited to the skin type.
- In the evening with makeup: Double cleansing helps dissolve oil, remove residues, and prepare the skin for night treatments.
- In the evening without makeup: The method remains relevant after a day marked by pollution, perspiration, or the use of resistant sunscreens.
- In the morning: A single gentle cleanser is generally sufficient for facial cleansing.
- In case of irritation: It is better to reduce the frequency and choose a fragrance-free facial cleanser with a soothing formula.
The difference lies in regularity: adopting double cleansing in the evening, with a gentle and consistent method, helps keep skin cleaner and more receptive to treatments. Maria Devoghe recommends never exceeding what is well tolerated rather than multiplying passes out of habit.
Adjust Frequency According to Your Skin and Lifestyle
Skincare is integrated as soon as the skin's needs warrant it. Combination to oily or oily skin, often exposed to urban pollution, sports, or long-lasting textures, generally tolerates the method better every evening. Conversely, dry, mature, or reactive skin benefits more from a spaced-out rhythm.
Additionally, adopting double cleansing becomes particularly useful if you wear long-lasting makeup or water-resistant sunscreens. If not, a simple cleanse with a gentle cleanser may suffice, especially in the morning.
| Skin Profile | Recommended Frequency | Recommended Time |
| Oily / Combination to Oily Skin | Every evening | Evening mandatory, gentle cleanser in the morning |
| Normal Skin | 5 to 7 evenings per week | Evening, morning optional |
| Dry or Mature Skin | 2 to 4 evenings per week | Evening only |
| Sensitive or Reactive Skin | 2 to 3 evenings per week | Evening, with ultra-gentle formulas |
| Exposure to pollution / sport | Every evening | Evening, after exposure |
Within the first few weeks, the ideal frequency is re-evaluated according to the season, skin reactions, and the comfort felt after facial cleansing. In practice, noting skin reaction over the weeks allows for refining the rhythm according to the season or changes in exposure.
How to Practice Double Cleansing According to Your Skin Type
The technique adapts to each skin type. Facial double cleansing remains simple: an oil phase to dissolve makeup, sunscreens, and sebum, then a water-based cleanse to remove residues.
Choosing Your Cleanser According to Your Skin Type
Skin type guides the texture at each step: a nourishing cleansing balm is better suited for dry skin, while sensitive skin prefers a very gentle makeup remover, enriched with calendula or camelina oils.
Conversely, oily skin benefits from a light, non-comedogenic cleansing oil, followed by a purifying aqueous cleanser. The skin barrier reacts when facial cleansing is too aggressive: the goal is therefore to eliminate excess sebum without drying out the skin.
Step-by-step application of the double cleansing routine
In practice for sensitive skin, the double cleansing routine is mainly performed in the evening, when the skin accumulates the most impurities.
- Step 1, lipophilic phase: On dry skin, apply 2 to 3 pumps of cleansing oil or cleansing balm, warm between your hands, massage for 20 to 30 seconds, then emulsify with a little warm water before rinsing.
- Step 2, aqueous cleanser: On damp skin, apply a hazelnut-sized amount of cleansing gel or foam, massage for about one minute, focusing on the T-zone, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Step 3 with the Devoghe brush: Moisten the PureSkin brush, apply the cleanser, make circular motions for a maximum of 2 minutes avoiding the eye contour, then rinse.
- Integration into the evening routine: Once double cleansing is done, add an AHA exfoliant 2 to 3 times a week or a targeted treatment, such as niacinamide or a localized anti-acne treatment, then finish with a suitable moisturizer.
Double cleansing for oily skin and routine integration
Facial double cleansing for oily skin helps remove excess sebum, sunscreens, makeup, and particles accumulated during the day without a stripping effect. This is preferable if the skin feels tight or reacts: choosing alcohol- and fragrance-free formulas limits the rebound effect and better respects the skin.
In addition, Maria Devoghe offers an approach inspired by Korean double cleansing, with a gentle mechanical step using the bamboo brush. The bamboo brush provides this gentle mechanical action to unclog pores and prepare the skin for subsequent treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is facial double cleansing and where does this technique come from?
Facial double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method, inspired by Japanese and Korean routines. The first step involves an oil-based makeup remover – oil, balm, or milk – to dissolve makeup, sunscreen residues, and sebum.
Then, a water-based cleanser takes over: gel, foam, or micellar water depending on the skin type. In practice for sensitive skin, the choice of gentle textures often makes the difference.
What are the benefits of double cleansing for the skin?
The benefits of double cleansing primarily stem from the quality of removing oily substances and particles accumulated throughout the day. The skin is cleaner, without a persistent film, and cleansing often remains more comfortable than an overly insistent single wash.
Additionally, this method helps limit pore congestion and improve complexion appearance. Once applied regularly in the evening, the treatment also better prepares the skin to receive a serum or cream. Regularity is as important as the choice of formulas: an unsuitable cleanser is enough to weaken the skin barrier.
Is double cleansing suitable for all skin types?
Yes, double cleansing can be suitable for every skin type, provided the method and textures are adjusted. A more nourishing makeup remover will often be preferable for dry skin, while a light oil or a very gentle cleanser will be better suited for combination, oily, or reactive skin.
Conversely, it is not necessary to repeat this action morning and evening. It is mainly used in the evening, when residues, impurities, and makeup remain on the surface and stress the skin barrier. In the morning, a simple cleanse is usually sufficient.
