If you have ever ended your day, washed your face, and your skin still looked dull or had residue, the problem probably wasn't your cream or your serum. It was the cleansing.
Double cleansing is a technique of Korean origin that has gained popularity worldwide for a simple reason: it works.
What is double cleansing?
It consists of two consecutive cleansing steps, each using a different type of cleanser:
- First step: oil-based cleanser — Oils and sunscreen are lipophilic — meaning they dissolve better in oil than in water. An oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or cleansing milk effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and sebum accumulated throughout the day without stripping the skin.
- Second step: water-based cleanser — Once oily impurities are removed, a gel, foam, or cream cleanser takes care of deep cleaning, removing sweat, pollution, and any residue left over from the first step.
Why is one wash not enough?
A single cleanser, no matter how good it is, generally cannot do both jobs at once. If you only use water and foam, it is likely that sunscreen or makeup residue will remain on your skin. If you only use a milk cleanser, you might not effectively remove water-soluble impurities. The combination of both ensures a complete cleanse.
Who should double cleanse?
Double cleansing is especially recommended if:
- You wear sunscreen daily (which everyone should).
- You wear makeup frequently.
- You live in a city with pollution.
- Your skin tends to get congested or have clogged pores.
If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you can double cleanse only at night and use a gentle cleanser in the mornings, when the skin has not been exposed to external impurities.
When should you do it?
Double cleansing is a nighttime ritual. In the morning, your skin hasn't been exposed to the sun, pollution, or makeup, so a single gentle cleanser is sufficient.
The result you will notice
After a week of consistent double cleansing, most people notice brighter skin, less visible pores, and that their ritual products (serum, cream) are more effective. When the skin is truly clean, it absorbs everything that follows better.
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare ritual. Doing it right is the simplest and most impactful change you can make today. If you want to explore La Forêt cleansers, you will find options for every skin type in our cleansing collection.