The Deets on TikTok's Double Cleanse Trend

While you can slather your skin in fancy serums and creams, never forget the foundation of a good skincare routine: cleansing.

The latest beauty trend on TikTok is the “double cleanse.” Just as it sounds, it involves washing your face twice at night. Instead of giving your skin a once over with a face wipe, the double cleansing method focuses on removing every trace of daily grime in a bid to manifest clearer, healthier skin.

Does it live up to the hype? Ahead, all the deets on TikTok’s double cleansing trend.

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing involves washing your face twice at night.

“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,” says Master Esthetician, Jessica Fenn. “The second cleanse is to actually cleanse the skin and pores.”

From your makeup to your SPF, pollution to sebum, the skin accumulates a lot of gunk throughout the day. According to dermatologists, removing this buildup first is essential for getting the most out of your more hardworking cleanser. Not only does it promote clearer skin, but it allows your other skincare products (serums, moisturizers, etc.) to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

Benefits of Double Cleansing Your Skin

If you’re typically wary of social media beauty hacks and trends, you should be. While some of them can be beneficial for your skin, a lot of them can be downright damaging. That said, double cleansing is a TikTok trend well worth trying. Even the derms approve.

Double cleansing is the best way to ensure your skin is squeaky clean at the end of a long day. A quick splash or one round with a face wipe isn’t enough to properly dislodge sunscreen, foundation, and pollution particles. And when all of that is left on your skin overnight, you’re preventing your skin cells from regenerating — and ultimately enhancing your skin.

Another benefit of a more rigorous evening cleanse is that it will allow serums, moisturisers, and other treatments to absorb better and work their wonders as you sleep.

Double cleansing can also slow down the aging process, especially for city dwellers.

“Whilst there are no rigorous scientific trials that show the anti-ageing benefits of double cleansing, there is plenty of evidence that suggests pollution and environmental toxins can accelerate the ageing process,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto.

By ridding the skin of these toxins, you’re quite literally manifesting smoother skin — and preventing the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

All skin types can benefit from double cleansing. However, it’s crucial that you use skincare products that are suited to your skin’s needs.

Acne-prone skin types will benefit the most from double cleansing. By cleansing twice, the blemish-prone ensures that both the first layer of sebum, sunscreen, and makeup are removed. Then you can move onto the product that really targets acne.

While dry skin and sensitive skin types should be wary of overwashing their skin, they can still benefit from the trend as long as they use nourishing, hydrating products.

How to Double Cleanse Your Skin

When it comes to double cleansing your skin, there are no set rules. Saying that, it is important to use the right products best suited to your skin type to avoid irritating or drying out your skin.

Generally speaking, cleansing balms, oils, and micellar waters are some of the best formulas for breaking down makeup and SPF. You can even incorporate gentle exfoliation using a AHA or BHA-based cleanser or even a flannel.

Keep scrolling to find out how to double cleanse according to your skin type.

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

When you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, your main goal should be keeping pores unclogged, as this will prevent breakouts.

Start with a cleansing oil or balm, which will lift off product and leave you with a fresh canvas on which your products can penetrate. Once all the makeup is removed, purify the skin with a second cleanse using a product that targets your oiliness and breakouts. Look for a cleanser formulated with actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, or retinol. These all help fight acne-causing bacteria while shedding dead skin cells to keep pores clear and blemishes at bay.

Dry/Sensitive Skin

Dry and sensitive skin types need to be sensible about cleansing as overwashing can aggravate dryness and irritation. Opt for a cleanser that’s gentle and sulphate-free to avoid stripping your skin of natural oils.

A simple cream-based cleanser is typically best, washed with lukewarm water, without over scrubbing the face. Micellar waters are an excellent choice for those with delicate or dry skin. Choose formulas with soothing, hydrating ingredients such as aloe, green tea, and hyaluronic acid.

What Next?

After double cleansing your skin, you’ll need your evening dose of hydration via a moisturizing serum or cream. Make sure you don’t skip this step! It’s important to replenish any lost moisture via a hydrating serum or cream. Besides softening and smoothing skin, it’ll provide a protective barrier over your skin, keeping it strong and healthy.

One of our faves is Rainbow’s Hydrate Serum. This silky serum contains a moisture-sealing blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to keep skin hydrated throughout the night. It also helps to improve skin texture, plumping out fine lines and wrinkles.

Looking to boost your glow? Top it off with Rainbow’s Smooth Serum, an anti-aging formula of vitamin C and vegan collagen to plump and brighten skin.

Double Cleansing: Is it Worth the Hype?

Absolutely! Provided that you do it properly using the right products for your skin type, you can start reap the benefits of double cleansing by next week if you start today!

We get why you might be apprehensive. The TikTok videos, the influencers, the trends...you’ve seen it zillions of times before. However, one thing we can say about the double cleansing method is that it’s derm-approved. And it’s the easiest way to take your skincare regimen to the next level!

Be sure to return to the blog for more related stories about skincare, body care, and wellness! Happy vibes here!