When you wash your face, how well are you actually cleaning it? I remember in my teens and early twenties, that I would wash off my makeup and still wake up with panda eyes. Or sometimes, not wash my makeup off at all… I know, naughty. When I did wash my face, it was only a vague attempt with a makeup wipe or a quick scrub with a face cloth. Drunk early 20’s Meagan just wanted to fall into bed, she didn’t care about cleaning her makeup off!
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that I actually need to take care of my skin. Part of that is making sure I clean it (properly). I was introduced to double cleansing in my 30’s, and I haven’t looked back.
The first time around is to remove makeup, bacteria and daily pollutants from the surface of your skin, and then the second cleanse is to clean your skin. I’m not talking about using your same cleanser twice (yep, that’s what I thought it was), you use two different ones. The first one I use is an oil or a balm (I’ve used both, and I’ll tell you what I prefer in a minute), and then I use a cleanser that’s more specific to my skin type.
Some of my skincare lineup
Precleanse balm or oil?
I’ve tried loads of different kinds of balms and oils, and I’m definitely at the point where I have a favourite. Oils are nothing new, in fact I started using them back in 2013. I’d always thought that using oil on my skin would make it oily, but oh baby Meagan how little you knew! That was actually the beginning of my foray into double cleansing as well, and after trying a few, Dermalogica PreCleanse Oil became a staple in my beauty routine for a long time – and then I found balms. I loved the idea of balms because they were much more travel friendly, but it meant I had to dig the product out of a tub, which I’m not a huge fan of because I’d get product under my nails which is just yuck. I used balms for a really long time, like the oils they left my skin feeling super hydrated and I loved them, but about a year ago I switched back to oils because I just didn’t love the method of application. A few months ago Dermalogica released their Precleanse Balm and that was a real game changer for me because it’s in a tube (no product under my nails, hurray!) and it’s applied with a mitt. It’s super easy to use, perfect for travel and I think I find it more nourishing for my dry skin than the oil was.
It starts out as a balm, which I apply directly to the mitt then smear on my cheeks and forehead (apply it to dry skin). I then massage it in using the mitt, and as it warms up with my skin, it melts into an oil. When I’m wearing full coverage makeup it’s really easy to see the makeup coming off as I work it in, which is pretty cool! Then I wet my hands with water and keep working the product on my face to emulsify it, and then rinse it off. I just use a facecloth for that, because I find that easiest. You can use it around your eye area but I prefer not to because I don’t like how balms and oils feel around my eyes – instead, I use some RevitaLash Micellar Water Lash Wash on a cotton pad to remove my mascara and any other eye makeup I’m wearing.
Some people take glam photos of them washing their face – clearly I’m not one of them
Next step: the cleanse
This is the part that I’m sure most of you will be familiar with, the actual cleansing part. Different cleansers are recommended for different skin types, at the moment I use the Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser, which is a gel. I switched to this one earlier in the year after I had a facial and the therapist noticed that my skin was looking quite dry and a bit irritated – oh the joys of sensitive skin! It’s a bit different to the foaming cleansers I used to use because it doesn’t make foamy bubbles in the same way, but I’ve found it great for cleaning my skin without irritating it.
Of course it doesn’t end there – there are a few more steps in my skincare routine to keep my skin looking and feeling nice. This post is long enough though – let me know if you’d be keen to see my skincare routine, maybe I could make a video?
WIN IT: I have three 90ml tubes of Dermalogica Precleanse Balm to give away – of course each one comes with it’s own mitt! To enter, let me know if you’ve tried double cleansing before, then click here to subscribe to our free fortnightly updates. You can unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind – it just makes it easy for us to contact you if you win (plus it means that you get style, self love and other awesomeness directly to your inbox!). If you’re already a subscriber then great – all you need to do is comment below. The winner will be drawn on 30th October 2017.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS HAYLEIGH EVETT, CLAIRE WALFORD AND KALENA HIRST.
Please note that you must have a New Zealand postal address to enter this giveaway. If you’re not in New Zealand, never fear – good things will come your way soon enough.
Have you tried double cleansing?
Let me know about it in the comments below
While this post isn't sponsored, Dermalogica does provide me with skincare products and has hooked me up with some to give away to you too. Please support the brands that support this blog.
I have tried double cleansing…but had no idea you were meant to use two different products haha I picked up this trick when I noticed hairdressers double washed hair…When I asked why she told me, one was to clean off the gunk…one to actually clean the hair. I’d love to give this a hoon!
No I’ve never tried double cleansing but it sounds so worth it. ‘clean and fresh’
I love that the balm changes to an oil how interesting. Best of both worlds.
I too hate getting anything under my nails understand the yuck completely 😊
Never even heard of double cleansing but I would definitely be interested in giving it a go 😊
I have double cleansed beore but only a few times. It’s never become a routine as I’m very slack on cleansing recently.
Sounds fantastic – never tried double cleansing but I’m sure my skin would love it! Emily
I haven’t tried double cleansing before but I can totally understand now why you would. I’ve struggled to find a decent regime and products for my skin which is a delightfully complicated combination of oily, ridiculously dry and hyper-sensitive since having kids. I’d be seriously interested in trying this 😊
Yes when I wear makeup more than a mineral foundation I do. Makes your skin feel so much better.
I’ve never done it sounds like I need it though I have more acne at 42 than as a teen
No, never tried double cleansing. Keen to try this – anything for better skin.
Never heard of the dermalogica pre cleanse but it sounds absolutely incredible! I suppose I was quite similar to you, didn’t take much care as I was younger but now I try to take more care. But I just cleansed with the same cleanser twice!! Even if I don’t win it sounds like a great product that I must look into.
I haven’t double cleansed my face. I double rice though. Would love to try. Thanks for the opportunity Meagan. 😊
Would love to try! ❤
I’ve never tried double cleansing! I would love to though my skin has been so cruel to me lately!
I don’t but need too as my current way doesn’t seem to be as effective any more.
Love double cleansing! I’m obsessive about my nighttime beauty routine (super lazy in the morning!) And double cleansing made such a noticeable difference e go my skin! I would love to try out the balm!
I always double cleanse! I shudder to think some people just use a face wipe and that’s it. I usually cleanse first with a balm or oil (Clinique take the day off balm is a fave) and then follow with a cleanser. I have heard great things about precleanse and would love to try the balm version.
I’ve never double cleansed, but really want to! I tried a new skincare routine recently, and after spending $120+ on products, my skin was super unhappy so I’ve gone back to basics (because that’s what was working before). Love the idea of the balm!
I have never double cleamsed but i do use a wet wash cloth on face after cleaning with makeup remover.
I love Dermologica and have double cleansed for a year
Dermolgoica precleanse is so amazing – the best makeup remover out there! Would love to try the balm too.
Would love to give it a try – I always think your skin looks fresh AF!
I’ve not double cleansed however after washing my face I take to it with a cotton pad and micellar water, its amazing how much foundation still comes off!
I really need to start looking after my skin the mix of wrinkles and pimples are not a good look.
I haven’t but I’m with you, getting older I’ve had to really look at what I’m using on my skin. Getting old bites! Lol!!
I have never heard of double cleansing until reading your blog. Would love to try it get this 45 year old skin looking better 🙂 Thanks
Never tried it but now I won’t to
Sorry should of said want to 😀😀
Never tried double cleansing – but love to try it! Already a subscriber 🙂
Have just started doing this recently in the last few months. I start with pure coconut oil then use a sensitive cleanser
I have never tried double cleansing but I would love to try the Dermalogica Precleanse Balm.
Never heard of double cleansing until now but makes complete sense 😍
Never even heard of double cleansing but it definitely something I’m going to try now. The balm sounds divine especially as you can get it in a tube; like you I can’t stand creams etc under my nails….
This makes so much sense!! I never thought it was a thing though. I exfoliate then I cleanse. My skin is often dry so I feel like I have to exfoliate the dead skin THEN cleanse, but sometimes that doesn’t feel like enough. I’d like to give this a go. Great post, Meagan! X
I have been so bad with my skincare as of late. I have been neglecting my poor face and my skin is paying for it. Most nights it’s a face wipe. I need to get back into it, I have double cleansed in the past but have gotten lazy.
I’ve never tried double cleansing! Fascinated by this now. I’ve really only just started taking care of my skin better, removing makeup (tired mum emma just wants to fall into bed and sleep) and things like that
Off to look at these balms and oils now.
I have never double cleansed – and since having children i rarely just cleanse!!!…..but I do need to do better as I think I have layers of dead skin on my face – at least it feels like it!! – I DO LOVE the DERMALOGICA BRAND though!!!
I have never tried double cleansing but with my aging skin I would be keen to try it…
Never heard of double cleansing until this post! Will have to try. Balm sounds lovely and hydrating.
Congratulations Kalena, you’re one of the winners of the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm giveaway! Keep an eye out for an email from me xx
I have never double cleansed but it sounds like a brilliant idea! Love Dermalogica products!
I haven’t tried to double cleansing however I’ve tried the ultra calming cleanser and I love it!
Just started double cleansing here after my daughter who is a makeup artist recommended it, my skin thanks me for it…….at 52 I am not too ancient to learn new tricks <3
Actually need to try another brand mine makes my face feel tight after cleansing.
Never tried double cleansing,makes total sense though!
I use a balm to oil cleanser first to get all the grime and makeup off from the day and then use the ultra calming cleanser for my second wash – skin has honestly never been better!
I’ve never tried double cleansing before, I didn’t really know what it was until I read your blog!! I’m super interested to try 🙂
never tried it before, but sounds like common sense to me. I’ ve always wondered whether i’m actually cleaning properly so double cleansing is something i would definitely try!
No I haven’t hesrd of it but I really wamt to give it a try now!
Never tried double cleansing but so keen to give it a try …. my skin just isn’t feeling as go9d as it used to you 😣
When I saw the title of this post I to thought double cleansing was using the same product twice! Thanks for clarifying that, I would love to try this new balm.
Not a double cleanser but I reckon I need to start doing this. Would start with the balm based on your comments.
I’m an absolute shocker with my cleansing routine (and definitely too old to still be doing this!). I’d love to grow up and do this whole double cleansing thing properly 🙂
I haven’t tried double cleansing but would
Love to x
I’ve ever tried double cleansing. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the dermalogica products but never knew which ones to use. I would love to try this out and see if this process helps to clear up my skin a bit more.
Well I always thought double cleansing meant using the same cleanser twice too! Haha. That’s what I do currently, after I use a makeup remover for my eye makeup. So I’d love to try the Dermalogica Precleanse Balm and do double cleansing right!
I have not tried double cleansing before… though I do wash twice (using the same cleanser) – first to take off the makeup Ann’s second to actually clean 🙂
I tend to go through phases of double cleansing, and then just using a cleansing oil/balm. Naughty I know!
I’ve got a sample size of this, and I’m loving it!
Yes, I do double cleanse! A very long time ago you first posted about the precleanse oil in the travel size so I thought why not, for $20 it’s worth a go! So glad I did it was amazing and lasted ages (you said it would!) so now I have the big squirty bottle. But I would love love love to try the balm as well 💝
Congratulations Claire, you’re one of the winners of the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm giveaway! I hope you love the balm as much as the oil – let me know what you think! Keep an eye out for an email from me xx
Would love to try it 🙂 I’m a huge fan of dermalogica products!
No haven’t tried. I use s milky cream cleanser and then a toner. Always surprised how much makeup the Toner removes after cleansing!
Nope, sometimes I struggle to single cleanse! I’ve recently started using a Garnier Micellar water that I really like, so simple when it’s late at night.
I have never tried but I would love too! I’m sold
Hey, have never tried double cleansing, I’ve noticed wihh the air con at work my skin feels dirtier than it probably is, so would love to give ths ago 😊
Aircon always makes my skin feel so dry and tight!
I’ve never consciously done double cleansing, but do often clean my face twice when I feel I need it.
No I haven’t tried double cleansing yet. This Dermalogica balm sounds amazing especially with the mitt. I love that you can see what it’s doing as you go.
I got told not to over exfoliate as it just stimulates oil etc, so the mitt worries me! I do have lots of bumps on my face tho so maybe I should be double cleansing!!
The mitt is made from silicon, so it’s not giving your face a harsh scrub. I use this + a cleansing brush + an exfoliant product + sometimes an exfoliating mask and it isn’t any oiler so unless your skin is super oily you should be fine (and if it is I’d recommend the precleanse oil rather than the precleanse balm) x
Nope never heard of it! Always thought just one thing on yr face would be enough due to being a sensitive area, am keen to give it a try and would love to try a balm as never knew they existed!
I would love to try double cleansing, it makes total sense, always wash off the make up and then wake up with some on the pillowcase…..
I too have moved from foaming to non foaming cleanse amd noticed difference so would love to try this method too. Super keen to get a mitt too!
I thought I double cleansed but now not so sure! 😂 I use makeup wipes first. L’Oréal or Garnier and then neutrogena. The new one, I seriously love it. So to make sure I am doing this right. Can I pretty please try the Dermalogica pre cleanse balm. P.s. If you do choose me (fingers crossed) please contact me through Facebook. My email sucks.
Have never tried double cleansing but have used Eve Lom oil cleanser for last few years – I wonder if it’s similar to a balm? Interested to try something different because I think it’s always good to change things up! ☺
An oil cleanser is usually a liquid rather than a balm (like the Precleanse Oil)
Nope no double cleansing here sometimes none like last nite got home at 3am straight to bed. Oooppps No wonder at 43 I have crap skin lol . But if I won this I would actually start.
Never tried it, but I get a fair bit if dry skin so this could help.
Never tried double cleansing but am very much a fan of the balms !!! I am about to run out of my trilogy one and you are SO right ! I hate it getting under my nails
Congratulations Hayleigh, you’re one of the winners of the Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm giveaway! Keep an eye out for an email from me xx
Have never tried double cleansing, but would be so keen to try it. Pick me!?