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What is double cleansing?

woman with face near skin and water running from faucet into cupped hands.

Getty Images

Like we said, double cleansing isn’t just repeating the act of washing your face.

It’s about switching up what you’re washing itwithto achieve a deeper clean.

(We likeDHC Deep Cleansing OilorGarnier SkinActive Micellar Water.)

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil on white background

Any gentle cleanser of your choosing should do the job here, likeCetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserorCeraVe Hydrating Face Cleanser.

Again, the keyword here is gentle avoid formulas with active ingredients like exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide.

Think of double-cleansing as a one-two punch to tackle both surface and deep-down impurities.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on white background

Who should double cleanse and when?

“Double cleansing [can be] very, very stripping to the skin,” says Dr. Linkner.

(Try a cream spiked with skin-barrier strengtheningceramides, likeSkinCeuticals TripleLipid RestoreorShani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream.)

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm on white background

SkinCeuticals

A.G.E.

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm white and black tube on white background

Cetaphil cleanser on clear background

White and green pump bottle of CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser on a white background

A jar of the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced on a light gray background

Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream white bottle with grey lettering on white background