If you consistently remember this daily routine, I can already tell you have beautiful skin (Dermatologists concur).

      Consult any dermatologist, and they'll agree: you don’t necessarily require an elaborate 15-step skincare routine. While a lineup of skin-boosting masks or the occasional use of a jawline-sculpting tool can enhance your complexion, a straightforward (and consistent!) routine can accomplish much of the work. Master the essentials, and then feel free to enhance your regimen as you wish—both personally and financially. The essentials include a nourishing moisturizer, a targeted treatment according to your skin needs, and a quality cleanser—specifically, two of them. Trust that double cleansing will elevate your skin from good to exceptional, and dermatologists will readily support this approach. Continue reading for everything you need to know, including a step-by-step guide and editor-recommended cleansers for a radiant complexion.

      What Is Double Cleansing?

      Double cleansing involves washing your face twice with two distinct products. “This can include an oil or balm as the first step, followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD FAAD. The initial wash breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and residual oils, while the second one clears away any remaining impurities and prepares your skin for the next stages of your skincare routine. Makeup and sunscreen are generally oil-based, so an oil-based cleanser is necessary to effectively lift these products from your skin (like dissolves like, as you may recall from chemistry). Once all traces of pigment and sunscreen are dislodged from your pores, a water-based cleanser works to guarantee a thoroughly clean surface.

      This method has been a staple in Korea for years but has gained significant traction in the U.S. recently, with dermatologists universally endorsing it as best practice. Board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, adds, “The two-step process ensures you’re eliminating all buildup and bacteria that can clog pores or disrupt the effectiveness of your skincare products.”

      Benefits for Skin

      A proper cleansing routine is stealthily the most vital part of your skincare regimen, no matter your ultimate goal. You can spend lavishly on retinol, peptide, and vitamin C serums, but none of these powerful ingredients can penetrate pores clogged with residual debris. "Effective cleansing will set you up for success!" asserts board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD of New York Dermatology Group. "It's crucial to remove makeup before your skincare routine to prevent clogged pores and breakouts."

      The first step of oil cleansing also dissolves excess sebum, making double cleansing especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. In summary, double cleansing is suitable for nearly everyone. “It’s particularly advantageous at night when your skin has been exposed to pollutants and product buildup throughout the day,” Graf explains. “The main benefit is that it provides a clean slate, allowing your serums and moisturizers to penetrate better and work effectively.”

      Who Should Avoid Double Cleansing?

      However, there is a caveat: "If you have very dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, such as during an eczema or rosacea flare-up, you might want to skip it or limit how often you double cleanse," Graf advises. “Over-cleansing with inappropriate products can disrupt your skin barrier, so it's essential to pay attention to what your skin requires each day.” If your skin feels particularly delicate and tight, you might prefer an oil-based wash, which also hydrates, as a gentler option.

      Nevertheless, everyone else can proceed with double cleansing. You could technically manage with just a single cleanse if you don't wear much makeup, but it’s also effective for eliminating sunscreen. Personally, I adhere to a double cleansing routine every night, even when not wearing any makeup, to ensure my skin is free of SPF and excess oil. "Consider it an option for an extra boost when removing makeup or after a long day outside," Bhanusali recommends.

      How Do You Double Cleanse?

      **Step 1: Use an Oil-Based Cleanser**

      First, select your oil-based cleanser. You can choose a cleansing balm, oil, or even micellar water (technically water-based but containing tiny micelles that attract oil), but ensure the formula is gentle and non-stripping. Apply the product to dry skin (remember, oil and water don’t mix!), massaging it in with your fingertips to break down any makeup and sunscreen. Take your time with this step, Graf suggests, to fully dissolve buildup. “Oil cleansing can effectively draw out impurities, and it's best achieved with several minutes of massaging,” she adds.

      After your face feels nice and oily, briefly wet your hands and massage again. At this stage, the oil should emulsify into a milky solution.

      **Step 2: Follow Up With a Water-Based Cleanser**

      “Next, you can use a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure you remove all debris clogging your pores,” suggests Bhanusali. Water-based cleansers typically come in gel or foam forms,