noticed more breakouts, clogged pores, or dullness lately, it may be time to rethink your cleansing routine. Enter: double cleansing — a simple two-step skincare ritual that can completely transform how your skin looks and feels.
In this article, we’ll break down what double cleansing is, why it’s especially important during the summer months, and how to do it the right way (without overcomplicating things). Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, you’ll learn how to tailor this technique to your skin’s needs and walk away with a glow that actually lasts.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing isn’t just a TikTok trend or something only beauty enthusiasts do — it’s a method that genuinely works. It involves washing your face in two steps:
- First, with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and other oil-soluble debris.
- Second, with a water-based cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and impurities that can remain on the surface.
Think of it like sweeping before mopping — each step plays a different role, and together, they give your skin the clean slate it deserves.
Why Double Cleansing Is Essential in Summer
Let’s be honest — your skin works overtime in the summer. Between daily SPF, heat, sweat, oil, pollution, and (sometimes) makeup, a single cleanse often isn’t enough to fully clear your skin.
Here’s what your skin is dealing with in hot weather:
- Thick sunscreen reapplications
- Extra sweat and oil production
- Dirt and environmental pollution
- Frequent use of waterproof makeup
When all of that builds up, it can clog your pores, lead to breakouts, and make your skin appear dull and congested. Double cleansing helps remove that buildup effectively, without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
It’s a simple change that delivers real results — clearer pores, smoother skin texture, and better absorption for the rest of your skincare routine.
Is Double Cleansing Right for Your Skin Type?
Almost every skin type can benefit from double cleansing, but the key is choosing the right products.
| Skin Type | Should You Double Cleanse in Summer? |
|---|---|
| Oily / Acne-Prone | ✅ Yes — helps unclog pores and control excess sebum |
| Dry | ✅ Yes — but use hydrating, non-stripping formulas |
| Combination | ✅ Yes — great for balancing oily T-zones and dry patches |
| Sensitive | ✅ Yes — just opt for fragrance-free and minimal ingredients |
Tip: Most people only need to double cleanse at night. In the morning, a quick rinse with water or a gentle cleanser is enough.
How to Double Cleanse in Summer: Step-by-Step
🔹 Step 1: Start with an Oil-Based Cleanser
This is the step most people skip — and it’s exactly what makes all the difference.
Oil-based cleansers are designed to break down everything that doesn’t wash away with water: stubborn sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum, and even pollution particles that cling to your skin.
Massage a small amount of the oil cleanser onto dry skin — yes, dry — and take your time. Let your fingers gently melt away the day’s grime. Don’t rush through it like a chore. Think of it more like a short face massage.
After about 45–60 seconds, add a splash of lukewarm water and continue massaging until the cleanser emulsifies (turns milky), then rinse thoroughly.
Great summer-friendly options:
- The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm – gentle and nourishing
- Banila Co Clean It Zero (Purifying) – light and non-greasy
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – effective but still suitable for sensitive skin
Tip: If you’re wearing a full face of makeup, this step is non-negotiable.
🔹 Step 2: Follow with a Water-Based Cleanser
Now that you’ve removed the oil-soluble stuff, it’s time to clean off what’s left: sweat, bacteria, and anything water-based. This step ensures your skin is truly clean — without feeling tight or stripped.
Pick a gentle, non-foaming or low-foaming cleanser that matches your skin type. Don’t go for anything with harsh sulfates or strong fragrances — especially in summer, when your skin is already more vulnerable due to heat and sun exposure.
Try these:
- CeraVe Foaming Cleanser – excellent for oily or combo skin
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser – fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive types
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser – perfect for dry or reactive skin
Always rinse with lukewarm or cool water — hot water can inflame skin and worsen redness.
✅ Sample Summer Double Cleansing Routine
If you want a ready-to-go routine that works for most skin types, try this simple summer-friendly setup:
Night Routine (PM)
- Step 1: The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm – removes SPF, makeup, and pollution
- Step 2: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser – lifts away sweat and residual grime
- Optional serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – for brightening and oil control
- Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream – hydrating and non-greasy
- Lip care: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask or classic Vaseline
Morning Routine (AM)
- Splash of cool water or a mild cleanser
- Apply a lightweight moisturizer
- Use SPF 50+ (e.g., Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun or La Roche-Posay Anthelios)
Can Double Cleansing Cause Breakouts?
It shouldn’t — unless you’re using the wrong products or applying them incorrectly.
Common mistakes that can lead to breakouts:
- Using comedogenic oils (like coconut oil)
- Not fully rinsing off the first cleanser
- Cleansing too harshly or too often
Remember: double cleansing should leave your skin feeling clean, not tight or irritated. If you feel dry or overly squeaky-clean after, switch to gentler products or skip the oil step every other night.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using lukewarm water for cleansing — hot or cold water can disturb the skin barrier, leading to dryness or irritation.
Debunking Double Cleansing Myths
❌ “It’s only for people who wear makeup.”
✅ Even if you wear zero makeup, SPF, sweat, and pollution still cling to your skin.
Even WebMD notes that air pollution particles can stick to skin and accelerate aging or irritation — even without any makeup.
❌ “It’ll dry out my skin.”
✅ Not true — the right oil and water cleansers can actually hydrate and calm.
❌ “It’s too much effort.”
✅ It takes two extra minutes. Once you feel the difference, it’s hard to go back.
Final Thoughts: Small Habit, Big Difference
When your skin feels heavy, congested, or constantly irritated, the answer isn’t always more serums or stronger exfoliants. Sometimes, it’s just a better cleanse.
Double cleansing — especially in the summer — helps reset your skin each night. It’s not about adding more products, it’s about doing the basics better. And once your skin is clean, everything else you apply can actually do its job.
It’s a small shift, but it might just be the one thing that finally clears your skin and brings back your natural glow.
