Are you sure your skin is clean before bed?

by Victoria Stanell

Published May 5, 2011

563

Have you ever woken up with a dark smudge on your pillow? Women in Asia have used the two-step, or double-cleansing method for centuries to get completely clear skin before bed (no wonder Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil is a cult favorite). In recent years, this technique spread to the west like wildfire and women are loving the effect. I recently introduced this technique into my skincare routine and I love the results: Cleaner, clearer skin.

Regular water-based cleansers typically aren't strong enough to penetrate oil on their own. Cleansing oils, however, attach themselves to the oil-based debris on your skin—makeup and sebum—and emulsify it so you can simply rinse away. What's so special about cleansing oils versus your regular kitchen EVOO? These formulations are hydrophilic, meaning they dissolve and wash off with water—the hydrating and clarifying benefits of oil without the filmy residue left over.

Not sure to how to use cleansing oils? It's easy. Pump approximately one teaspoon of oil and rub it between your palms. Massage the oil onto dry skin in circular motions. Your face should look like a grease pit now—don't worry, you're doing everything correctly. Make sure to gently massage the eye area and remove all makeup. After about a minute, wet your hands with lukewarm water and rinse off the oil, which will transform into a milky consistency. Now that all the debris is removed, wash your face with a gentle cleanser for a squeaky-clean finish. If you have sensitive skin, start double-cleansing twice a week and increase the frequency from there to adapt your skin to this new routine. Not all cleansing oils are created equal—some contain mineral oil or other potential botanical allergens. Do your research and test various formulas to find one that your skin loves.