Your evening skincare routine begins with taking the day off. From your morning sunscreen to your last makeup touch-up, the products that help you look and feel your best deserve a thoughtful removal. Enter double cleansing: a two-step cleansing method that helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup before you move on to the rest of your skincare routine.
At NicholsMD, we believe even the everyday essentials should feel personal. With Dr. Nichols’ Cleansing Balm and the right SkinCeuticals cleanser, getting unready can become a ritual your skin looks forward to.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing involves using two complementary cleansers: an oil-based cleansing balm or cleansing oil first, followed by a water-based facial cleanser. The first step helps dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. The second washes away remaining residue and impurities. This method can be especially useful in the evening after wearing long-wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen.
What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing?
More Thorough Makeup and Sunscreen Removal
Your foundation and water-resistant sunscreen are designed to stay put. A cleansing balm helps break down those layers before your second cleanser washes away what remains. If you regularly wear makeup or reapply SPF throughout the day, double cleansing can help you finish the evening with a more thorough cleanse.
Less Temptation to Scrub
Stubborn makeup can make it tempting to rub harder or repeatedly wipe your skin. Starting with a balm helps loosen buildup so you can remove it with gentle massage. Use your fingertips and lukewarm water, keeping your touch light. After cleansing, your skin should feel clean and comfortable rather than tight.
A Fresh Start for Your Evening Skincare
Removing makeup, oil, and surface debris prepares your skin for the serums and moisturizer that follow. When one wash leaves residue behind, a second cleanse can help complete that preparation. The goal is a comfortable, effective cleanse tailored to what your skin needs.
Step One: Dr. Nichols’ Cleansing Balm
Our Dr. Nichols’ Cleansing Balm brings a little luxury to getting unready. Its solid texture warms into a silky oil that helps dissolve makeup, SPF, and daily impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and conditioned.
The formula includes a blend of safflower seed, sunflower, rosehip, and camellia seed oils, along with shea and cocoa butter. These conditioning ingredients help support skin comfort and protect against dryness during cleansing. Vitamins C and E complement the formula with antioxidant ingredients.
Designed as the first step in a double cleanse, the balm helps remove the day’s layers before you follow with your facial cleanser. It is listed for all skin types; your second cleanser should reflect your individual skin concerns and tolerance.
Step Two: Choose the Right SkinCeuticals Cleanser
Your second cleanse is an opportunity to personalize your routine. Our SkinCeuticals cleanser collection includes creamy formulas, comforting foams, and exfoliating gels for different skin types and concerns.
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser: For Dry or Sensitive Skin
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is a mild, non-foaming cream cleanser formulated with glycerin and allantoin. It removes impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized. Its creamy texture makes it an option to consider if your skin tends to feel dry or uncomfortable after washing.
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser: For a Comforting Foam
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser dispenses a dense foam that transforms into a comforting emulsion. Its formula includes glycerin, sorbitol, orchid extract, and cucumber extract to gently cleanse while soothing sensitive skin. For those who prefer a foaming texture, it offers a gentle option to discuss with your provider.
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean: For Normal, Combination, or Oily Skin
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser is a refreshing gel cleanser that removes makeup and excess oil while gently exfoliating rough or uneven skin. With glycerin and botanical extracts, including chamomile and aloe, it is an option for those who want a gel cleanser that also helps refine skin texture.
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser: For Dullness and Uneven Texture
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser combines glycolic acid and glycerin in a mildly foaming cleansing gel. It removes surface impurities while helping smooth skin and maintain hydration, making it an option for those looking to address dullness alongside daily cleansing.
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser: For Congestion and Breakouts
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser combines lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to exfoliate and help decongest pores. Formulated for aging skin prone to breakouts, it targets excess oil, blemishes, and uneven texture. Your provider can help you determine how it fits with other exfoliating products or retinoids in your routine.
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser: For Dullness and Rough Texture
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser is a soft-foaming exfoliating gel formulated with an 8% glycolic acid free acid value, 1% phytic acid, aloe leaf juice, and glycerin. It helps address dullness and rough texture while cleansing for a brighter-looking complexion. Because it exfoliates, your provider can help determine whether it is the right choice for your skin and overall regimen.
Our collection also includes SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which uses hydrated silica to physically exfoliate. A scrub is not required for double cleansing; exfoliation should be tailored separately to your skin’s needs.
How to Double Cleanse With a Cleansing Balm
- Start with dry skin. Warm Dr. Nichols’ Cleansing Balm between your fingertips until it melts into an oil.
- Massage gently. Use light circular motions to loosen makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup. For eye makeup removal, follow the product directions and keep the eye closed.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. Remove the balm before beginning your second cleanse.
- Apply your facial cleanser. Massage your chosen SkinCeuticals cleanser onto wet skin according to its directions, then rinse thoroughly.
- Finish your evening routine. Pat dry with a soft towel and follow with your appropriate evening skincare and moisturizer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Cleansing
Do I Need to Double Cleanse Every Night?
Double cleansing can be useful after wearing heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen. If one gentle cleanse removes everything comfortably, a second step may be unnecessary. Adjust your routine based on what you wore that day and how your skin feels.
Is Double Cleansing Good for Acne-Prone Skin?
Removing makeup and excess oil is part of caring for acne-prone skin, but double cleansing does not replace acne treatment. Choose products that suit your skin, rinse thoroughly, and avoid over-washing, which can cause irritation.
Can I Double Cleanse if I Have Sensitive Skin?
Some people with sensitive skin tolerate a gentle cleanser pairing, while others do better with one cleanse. If your skin feels tight, stings, or becomes irritated, simplify your routine and speak with your provider.
After an in-office treatment, follow your provider’s specific cleansing instructions.
Find Your Double-Cleansing Routine at NicholsMD
The art of double cleansing is finding a combination that leaves your skin clean, soft, and comfortable. Start with our silky cleansing balm, then select a facial cleanser that fits your skin.
Shop our cleanser collection, or book an appointment with NicholsMD in Greenwich, SkinLab by NicholsMD in Stamford, or NicholsMD of Fairfield for personalized skincare guidance.