Do You Actually Need to Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing has become one of those skincare practices that can quickly start to feel like a rule.

First, an oil cleanser. Then another cleanser. Every night.

But do you actually need to double cleanse?
Not always.

The better question is: What are you trying to remove from your skin tonight?

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing simply means cleansing the face twice, typically beginning with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm followed by a second water-based cleanser.

The first cleanse helps remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and the buildup accumulated throughout the day.

The second cleanse is intended to cleanse the skin after those layers have been removed.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone needs both steps every night.

When might double cleansing be useful?

A double cleanse may make sense when you’ve worn heavier makeup, water-resistant sunscreen, or simply feel that one cleanse hasn’t thoroughly removed everything from your skin.

It can also come down to personal preference.

Some people enjoy the feeling of a second cleanse. Others find that one thorough cleanse leaves their skin feeling perfectly clean and comfortable.

When might one cleanse be enough?

If you’re wearing little or no makeup, your sunscreen removes easily, and your skin feels clean after one thorough cleanse, a second cleanse may not be necessary.

More cleansing isn’t automatically better cleansing.

Especially if your skin tends to feel dry or tight after washing, it’s worth paying attention to how it feels rather than following a skincare rule simply because it’s popular.

Why start with a cleansing balm?

A cleansing balm is designed to be massaged onto dry skin.
As the balm melts, it helps loosen makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup.

Kaia Skin’s Ayurvedic Cleansing Balm with Tulsi + Cardamom begins as a rich, buttery balm. As you massage it into dry skin, it melts into an oil.

Then comes my favorite part.

Add a little warm water and the balm transforms into a silky milk before rinsing away.

The formula combines Moringa Oil, Tulsi, Cardamom, and French Green Clay and is designed to cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped.

[DISCOVER THE AYURVEDIC CLEANSING BALM]

How to use a cleansing balm

• Start with dry hands and a dry face.
• Massage a small amount of balm slowly over the face and neck, paying particular attention to areas where you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen.
• Then add a little warm water and continue massaging as the balm emulsifies into a milk.
• Rinse thoroughly or gently remove with a warm, damp cloth.

Then ask yourself:

Does my skin feel clean and comfortable?
If yes, you may be finished.
If you still feel makeup, sunscreen or residue remaining, follow with a gentle second cleanse.

Cleansing as ritual, not another rule

At Kaia, I don’t believe skincare needs to become increasingly complicated to become meaningful.

Even cleansing can become a moment to transition out of your day.

Massage the balm.
Notice the aroma.
Add water.
Watch it turn to milk.
Rinse away the day.
Then move on—or don’t.

Your skin doesn’t necessarily need another step simply because someone told you it does.Skincare doesn’t always need another rule.
Sometimes it simply needs your attention.

[SHOP THE AYURVEDIC CLEANSING BALM]

Kalpana Semple, Founder + Formulator, Kaia Skin