The latest trend on TikTok is the “double cleanse,” which recommends washing your face twice at night. But what is double cleansing, anyway? To see if this trend lives up to the hype, we spoke to beauty experts. Here’s what you need to know.  Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned. 

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing means washing your face twice at night, and it can have benefits. “I do recommend the double cleanse technique, which involves using a makeup remover or oil cleanser first to remove all traces of dirt, makeup and oil from the skin,” says Dr. Alpana Mohta, MD, certified dermatologist and medical advisor for BetterGoods.org. “Then, follow with a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin more deeply. This will ensure that your skin is truly clean and free of any impurities.” Jessica Fenn, Master Esthetician, agrees. “The first cleanse is meant to wash ‘the day’ away, and by the day I mean makeup, dirt, debri, exhaust from vehicles, pollution in the air, dust, allergens and the like,” Fenn states. “The second cleanse is to actually cleanse the skin and pores.”

What a Good Nighttime Skin Routine Looks Like

A good nighttime skin routine should consist of a few simple steps, according to Dr. Mohta. At night do a double cleanse, beginning with a pre-cleanse, Fenn recommends. Bioderma Micellar Water works great for this or Dermalogica’s pre-cleanse. Then, use an actual cleanser that’s suited for your skin type. It can be cream for dry, gel for combination or oil, foam for acne, and the like. Next, tone. This helps balance your skin’s ph’s and prepare it for product penetration. Fenn’s favorite toners are Dermalogica’s multi-active toner, and Aveda’s Toning mist. Then, apply your (if desired) serum(s). Fenn uses Hush and Hale Vitamin C Serum and Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Snail Mucin, and moisturizer. For moisturizing products, try Bioelements Barrier Fix, Aveda soft cream (which duals as a makeup primer) and Dermalogica’s Active Moist.

How Your Nighttime Skin Routine Should Differ From Your Morning Routine

Your nighttime skin routine should be more thorough than your morning routine. In the morning, you can get away with just cleansing and moisturizing the skin. An ideal morning skincare routine would include using skincare actives like vitamin C or niacinamide, followed by an SPF 30 sunscreen, Dr. Mohta explains. However, at night, it’s important to remove all traces of makeup and dirt from the day, as well as cleanse the skin more deeply before applying your serums or night cream. This will help to keep your skin healthy and free of blemishes. “Your daytime routine usually involves fewer steps compared to your nighttime routine, and is always followed up with SPF. A rule of thumb is if it’s daytime, regardless of the weather you need SPF,” says Fenn. “Finding one that suits your needs is best, but the proper coverage level is 30-50 SPF six months and up. Cleanse, tone, moisturize, SPF.” If you choose to add in serums or any other products, ensure they are not sun-reactive, and once again, remember SPF is your BFF. Next up: Brad Pitt Debuts Genderless Skincare Line

Sources

Dr. Alpana Mohta, certified dermatologist and medical advisor for BetterGoods.orgJessica Fenn, Master Esthetician