Double Cleansing: A Fresh Start for Your Skincare Routine

Once upon a time, I thought washing my face was as simple as soap and water. Then I would swipe an astringent-soaked cotton pad over my skin and find leftover makeup on it. My routine had become “soap, water, scrub!” rather than a thoughtful way to care for my skin.

Fast-forward to what I have learned since then: cleansing does not need to involve scrubbing harder. Choosing the right products and removing them carefully can make the experience much more enjoyable.

Hello, Double Cleansing!

Double cleansing means using two cleansers in sequence: typically an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based rinse-off cleanser. The second cleanser does not have to be a cream.

The idea behind the first step is often described as “like dissolves like.” An oil cleanser helps loosen makeup, excess surface oil, and oily buildup. A second cleanser can help wash away what remains. It is an optional routine, not a requirement for clean skin.

How Divine Cleanse Became Part of My Routine

I learned about double cleansing during a continuing-education class on natural skincare. That curiosity led me through trial and error as I developed Divine Cleanse, our oil-based facial cleanser.

I was skeptical at first, particularly because my own experience with rosacea made me cautious about trying new products. That personal journey helped inspire Essentials Everything. It is part of my story, not a promise that these products treat rosacea or will suit everyone with sensitive skin.

Why Consider a Second Cleansing Step?

You might enjoy double cleansing when removing makeup or a day’s buildup. Divine Cleanse helps lift surface impurities while leaving skin feeling conditioned; a rinse-off cleanser then provides a fresh finish.

More washing is not automatically better. If one cleanser removes what you need it to and your skin feels comfortable, a second step may be unnecessary. Double cleansing should not be presented as a way to reverse aging, remove “toxins,” or guarantee that serums penetrate more deeply.

Who Is It For?

The right routine depends on your skin, the products you wear, and your preferences. Not everyone needs to double cleanse morning and night. Pay attention to your skin’s response rather than following a fixed schedule.

Natural ingredients are not automatically irritation-free. If cleansing leaves your skin irritated, tight, or uncomfortable, simplify your routine and stop using any product that causes irritation. Persistent concerns deserve advice from a dermatologist.

Step 1: Begin with Divine Cleanse

Start with a dry face. Apply Divine Cleanse and gently massage to help loosen makeup and surface buildup. Avoid scrubbing, pulling, or getting the oil into your eyes.

Place a soft, comfortably warm, damp washcloth on your face for about 20 seconds, then gently wipe clean. Use a clean section of the cloth as needed. The cloth should not be hot, and you do not need to keep repeating the step until your skin feels stripped.

Step 2: Choose Rose Glen or Lavender Cleanse

Follow with your chosen rinse-off facial cleanser if a second step suits your routine.

Rose Glen combines rose hydrosol, aloe vera, glycerin, cleansing ingredients, and botanical oils. Apply a small amount to the face and neck, massage gently, and rinse with warm water.

Lavender Cleanse offers a lavender-scented alternative with lavender hydrosol, aloe vera, glycerin, and botanical oils. Massage onto damp skin on the face and neck, then rinse thoroughly. It is offered for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types, although scented products may not suit every sensitive skin type.

Step 3: Finish with Your Preferred Skincare

After cleansing, follow with the moisturizing steps that suit you. A toner or serum can be an optional addition; you do not need every step to create a worthwhile routine.

My original routine included Vitamin C Facial Serum in the morning, Hippie Hemp in the evening, and Honey Cream as a moisturizer. I also enjoyed changing things up with Summer Nights. Those choices reflect my personal preferences rather than a schedule everyone needs to follow.

Think of these products as ways to add conditioning and moisture according to their individual directions, not as promises to repair skin cells overnight or shield skin from environmental impurities. Moisturizer is not a substitute for sunscreen.

Keep the Ritual, Lose the Scrubbing

What I love about double cleansing is the opportunity to slow down: a gentle massage, a warm cloth, and a fresh start for the rest of my routine. If you enjoy it and your skin feels comfortable, it can be a lovely part of your evening. If a single cleanse works better, that is a good routine, too.

With love,
Margaret