Why You Should Do Double Cleanse Method: A Guide to Asian Beauty

If you're like me, then you know that acne can be a real pain. And if your skin is anything like mine - oily and prone to breakouts - then figuring out your skincare routine feels like the world's hardest job. I've tried the lotions and potions that promise clear skin but nothing really works for me! That is until I discovered Asian Beauty Essentials and learned all double cleanse method in my skincare regimen. Now my face feels fresh and clean all day long! In this blog post, we'll go over why you should double cleanse (and how) so maybe it will work for you too :)

What is double cleansing and why do you need to do it?

Double cleansing, with its origins in Korean skincare (Kbeauty), is a two-step cleansing method that involves starting with an oil-based cleanser and following up with a water-based cleanser. This method is growing in popularity worldwide as part of an effective skincare regimen. The purpose of double cleansing goes beyond mere makeup removal—it effectively unclogs pores, prevents breakouts, and enhances product absorption, allowing serums and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively into the skin.

It's particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, which tends to produce more sebum. When relying solely on a water-based makeup remover, leftover oils from makeup and natural skin oil may remain. An oil-based cleanser excels in removing these oils, leaving your skin feeling cleaner and fresher.

How do you start double cleansing?

To start double cleansing, select the right products for your skin type. If you're new to oil-based cleansers, consider starting with something affordable, as prices can vary significantly. A great option is the iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil, a lightweight cleansing oil that suits all skin types due to its mild formulation and 94% natural calendula oil content.

After your first cleanse, move to the second step using a water-based cleanser. This second cleansing step is crucial as it removes any remaining dirt, makeup, or impurities left by the oil-based cleanser. For this step, I suggest using either a foam or gel cleanser, as they effectively reach deep into your pores. Highly recommended products include iUNIK's Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam or The Face Shop's Rice Water Foaming Cleanser. You can also explore the iUNIK double cleanse kit for a more economical option or mix and match brands to find your perfect match.

Remember to use lukewarm water for rinsing and spend enough time to thoroughly cleanse, typically 60 seconds for each step, to ensure your skin remains healthy and balanced.

As a friendly reminder, while double cleansing can be a game-changer, it's essential to be mindful of your skin's needs. Excessive cleansing may strip essential oils, so consider your daily activities and adjust the frequency accordingly. On days without heavy makeup or sun exposure, a single cleanse may suffice. Have you considered how this method could transform your skincare routine?

The benefits of double cleansing

If your face is like mine, you can go through the day and either get too oily (from not removing all of the oil from makeup with one cleanser) or if you only use a water based cleanser, you'll find that your forehead becomes dry and feels tight. Double cleanse method will eliminate some of these issues you may be experiencing with your skin. By first using an oil based cleanser, you'll help remove any excess oils from your clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. After the oil cleanser is washed off, a water-based cleanser will do its job much more effectively - even deep cleaning your pores and removing makeup.

Should I double cleanse?

Even if you have oily skin, the pros far outweigh any cons to this elimination of a step in your skincare routine. Seriously, you'll be thanking me later! But before we get started with double cleansing, make sure that you can use an oil based cleanser on your skin. Now, oily skin types are known to have excess oil on the skin and this is one step in skincare you can't really skip. Oil breaks down oil so if you already have enough oils on your face, adding more won't make much of a difference in reducing sebum production. If you do want to start double cleansing, make sure that you have a cleanser that is specifically geared towards oily skin types. iUNIK's oil to foam cleanser and COSRX's Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser are two of the most popular choices for those with oily skin. You can try either one of these or check out our other oil cleanser if you're oily skinned but want something a bit more affordable.

Make sure that your first step in removing impurities is with an oil-based cleanser so that the excess oils on your face will be broken down and thoroughly removed from your skin! If you have dry or sensitive skin, I would recommend finding a good water-based cleanser that will cleanse your skin but not dry it out even more throughout the day. iUNIK's Lime Moisture Mild Peeling is a great, lightweight option for those with sensitive and dry skin. This gentle cleanser won't leave your face feeling tight or stripped of moisture!

Once you've completed the first cleanse, your second step is to go ahead and use a water-based cleanser. You'll want to make sure that it's foaming or bubbling if possible so that the product can really get in there and deep clean your pores! I highly recommend either of the iUNIK bubble cleansers or The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Foam as they both foam up upon contact with water and contain ingredients like tea tree oil which is great on skin types prone to breakouts. These two products are our best sellers for guys for just this step! 

A list of popular Korean/Japanese beauty products that can be used for double cleansing 

Okay, so now that you know what double cleansing is, let's take a look at the most popular oil and water cleansers for your first two steps!

Oil-based cleanser

Our third best seller for men and women is iUNIK's Lime Moisture Mild Peeling. This product has a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 which makes it great for oily skin types! If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out Innisfree's Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Gel Cleanser or Etude House's Green Tea Pure Cleansing Foam.

Water-based cleanser

Our top selling bubble cleanser is the iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam and our top selling foaming cleanser is The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam. Some customers with oily skin also use the Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Gel Cleanser and COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser, which are cleansers that start off as an oil but turn to foam.

Oil Cleanser

Oil Cleanser Natural 90% Olive Cleansing Oil

Sale price$25.00

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Choosing a makeup remover and cleanser - Tips on finding the right one for your skin type and needs!

For those of you who wear makeup, double cleansing is also a great step to take. Having extra steps in your skincare routine will make sure that all the dirt, debris, and excess oils on your face are completely removed! Go for a water-based remover first and then follow up with a foaming or oil based cleanser. You won't have to worry about moisturizing after using your makeup remover if you take the time to double cleanse!

A couple of our favorite cleansing oils for those who wear lipstick are Banila Co Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Essence Oil and SKII's Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil. The Blossom Jeju Pink Camellia Soombi Essence Oil is also great and works well for those with sensitive skin that still want to double cleanse. Another product that we see customers loving is the Blossom Jeju Camellia Flower Clear Out Deep Cleansing Oil, which has a gentle formula made from camellia flower extracts.

1. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam 
2. iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam
3. Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Gel Cleanser 

These cleansers are perfect for those who have sensitive skin, either because they're allergy prone or their skin is easily irritated by harsh ingredients. They're also great for those with oily or combination skin because the foaming action really allows these products to pull out oil and sebum!

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam has a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5 which is perfect for those with sensitive skin types and needs a cleanser that won't irritate or dry them out.

Cleansing balms, cleansing oils, and cleansing creams - what's the difference?  

Cleansing oils, cleansers, and balms all sound so similar!  Let me clear up any confusion right now with a quick breakdown of each product type!

1) Cleansing Oil

These products come in a pump or jar and have an oil texture but the product turns to foam when water is added.  Popular cleansing oils include Banila Co Clean It Zero, SKII Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil, Blossom Jeju Pink Camellia Soombi Essence Oil, Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Gel Cleanser, and Blossom Jeju Camellia Flower Clear Out Deep Cleansing Oil.

2) Cleanser

These products come in a pump or jar and have a creamy, smooth texture.  Popular cleansers include The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam, Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Gel Cleanser, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser, iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam, and l'HERBOFLORE Firming Cleansing Balm.

Facial Cleanser

Facial Cleanser Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam

Sale price$19.00

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3) Cleansing Cream

These products come in a tube and have the texture of a thick lotion.  Popular cleansing creams include Laneige White Plus Renew Cleansing Foam, l'HERBOFLORE Balancing Cleansing Cream, and Blossom Jeju Camellia Flower Clear Out Deep Cleanser.

Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine, but it's also one of the most important. It's essential to removing makeup and sunscreen that can clog pores or cause breakouts later on down the line. We love double cleansing because it provides two levels of protection for our skin!

Double-cleansing method means using an oil based cleanser first to remove sebum and oils from makeup and sunscreens before following up with a water-based cleanser to clean out dirt, debris, and toxins caught deep within your pores. There are so many different types of products out there now--what type are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!