Do I need to double cleanse?

Question

This year, I have gotten into skincare after watching several YouTube skincare gurus. I turned 31 this year, so I guess better late than never.

Anyway, I have seen people talk about double cleansing which I don't do. I suffer from agoraphobia, so I don't leave my house very much. Because of this, I only wear sunscreen when I go grocery shopping (which is only a few times a month) and I only wear makeup when I go to doctor's appointments (which I don't do anymore since a mask covers it up). I know they say you should wear sunscreen even inside because you pass windows, but I live in an upstairs apartment. I suffer from migraines which happens to be triggered by sunlight. So my windows have a mini-blind AND a black curtain to keep the sun out. So I can go weeks without ever wearing makeup or sunscreen.

Now, my skin is very dry. Because of this, I only wash my face once a day (at night). If there is a day I do wear sunscreen, I double cleanse that night. The products I use are CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and The Ordinary Niacinamide serum. I am thinking about switching my cleanser and also have other serums from The Ordinary to add to my regimen, but haven't done it yet because I'm wanting to add them slowly since I do have sensitive skin.

So my question is: on days where I don't wear makeup or sunscreen, do I still need to double cleanse?

Anonymous · Answer

Double-cleansing is necessary for those who wear heavy make-up, have oily skin, and are always outside.

? · Answer

The intent of double cleansing is that cleanser two gets whatever cleanser one misses. When wearing make up a makeup remover it first and the usual cleanser takes care of any make up residue. If you aren't wearing makeup then one cleanse is enough. My thoughts are that if cleanser one needs a second cleanse then cleanser one didn't do what it's supposed to do. Also with sensitive dry skin cleanser two might clean away too much and leave your skin red and dry. Sensitive skin should have one cleansing only after removing makeup. For days indoors and out of the sun, one is enough.

I'm a big fan of sunscreen but wearing it indoors is a waste. Unless you are sitting in front of a window for 8 hours there's not enough UV radiation coming in to warrant sunscreen. And if you are indoors in winter in a northern climate on a cloudy day then sunscreen is an absolute waste. For daytime indoors a simple fragrance free moisturizer is enough.

Adding one product at a time is essential for anyone with sensitive skin. You will soon know if a product works or if it's irritating. Have you tried a hyaluronic acid moisturizer or serum? It's something your skin produces on its own. And when used in a serum or moisturizer it's amazing. It leaves skin soft, dewy, and bouncy feeling. My favorites are niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and a Vitami C serum.

One note: use caution when using multiple products. Don't combine strong exfoliants such as retinol and alpha hydroxy serums. If you enter is it safe to mix skin care products into Google you'll find many articles listing good and bad pairings. I once used a lactic acid based exfoliant serum and an alpha hydroxy lotion with a retinol moisturizer. I ended up on a prescription burn ointment and an important lesson in skin care from a dermatologist.

Always remember some YouTube beauty queens are paid by cosmetic companies. They are trying to sell you more stuff made by their sponsor. Your skin's needs aren't complex: it needs to be cleansed of oils, dirt, dead skin cells and it needs a moisture barrier to function as an outer protection for what's inside so.it needs some protection of its own.  Take care of your skin and it will take care of you.

? · Answer

Short answer: no.

Double cleansing is ideal for when you wear makeup, skincare or went outside (pollution).

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Do I need to double cleanse?

3 Answers