With the temperature getting cooler every day, a lot of things have to change about your beauty care. While adjusting things, you have to pay close attention to how you care for your skin. While you have to be careful with the heat in summer, the dry air that’s typical of autumn can have negative effects on Black skin. One way you can keep your skin healthy without drying it out is by adding double cleansing to your routine.
What is Double Cleansing?
On the surface, double cleansing may sound like washing your face twice. According to beauty experts, it’s not that simple. It’s the part of your beauty routine that asks you to be more mindful of which products you use. The idea is to use two different cleansers to effectively remove products from your face without adversely affecting your skin. First, you wash with an oil-based cleanser that’s meant to remove heavier products such as sunscreen and makeup. You’ll then use a gentler cleaner that will remove pollutants and debris. This should leave your face completely clean and ready for the rest of your routine.
Depending on your skin type, you can vary how often you double-cleanse. People who have oily skin or wear a lot of makeup may benefit from doing it daily. If you have dry or sensitive skin or you don’t usually wear more than sunscreen, it’s best to do it every other day. You may also use different cleansers than someone prone to having a lot of products on their face.
Why it Works so Well
Many people assume that they only need to wash their face once if the cleanser is good enough. That can lead to them using products that are too harsh for their skin. However, the dry air that’s typical of fall can already make it easy for your skin to feel dry and tight. If you add harsh cleansers to the mix, you run the risk of making things worse. That’s why skin experts recommend opting for the double cleansing method, instead.
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You don’t have to depend on one product to remove everything so finding the right cleansers should be easier. It’s good to focus on using a cleanser that is supposed to remove heavy products for the first step and then a much gentler cleanser for the second one. In that way, your face will be free of buildup but it will still be healthy and protected from the harsh environment.
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The Best Products to Use
When looking for the right products, it’s best to research products that work well for your skin type. Those with oily skin will be interested in different cleansers than those with dry skin. You should also find products that are specific to Black skin. Doing so will be helpful because studies show that Black American skin tends to dry out more quickly than other ethnicities.
If you have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it’s a good idea to talk to your dermatologist about your options. While double cleansing works for most people, it might irritate your skin if you’re having a flare or you’re introducing new skin products. The last thing you want to do is strip your skin of its well-needed protective layer and moisture when cleaning it.
However, some dermatologists suggest that an oil-based cleanser or micellar water is a good place to start when looking for your first-step cleanser. These cleansers are usually very effective for removing makeup, sunscreen, and other products. They note, though, that if you wear a lot of makeup, an oil-based cleanser will likely be better at removing it than micellar water. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from using a cleanser that contains oats as that ingredient is abrasive enough to remove skincare products while soothing your skin.
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For your second cleanser, you’re free to choose something gentler. While there may be several options, leading dermatologists recommend that you avoid products that contain active ingredients like exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide as they may dry your skin out too much.
Finally, double cleansing should always be followed by an intensive moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. The one you choose may depend on your skin type and whether you’re leaving the house but it’s good to look for one that contains ceramides. Ceramides are usually included in effective moisturizers because they are known to encourage moisture retention and protect your skin from irritants. Though your skin naturally contains ceramides, they can become depleted with regular washing and you may not produce enough to maintain your skin’s protective later with certain skin conditions.
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Why Black People Should Try it in the Fall
The dry air that comes with fall can be harsher on Black skin. Dermatologists generally advise that Black Americans should adjust their skincare routine during the fall for better skin health. That advice includes using heavier moisturizers at night, a gentler cleanser, cooler water to wash your face, and a daily Vitamin C serum.
While this is excellent advice, it might not account for what you can’t or don’t want to change about your skincare routine. For example, you’re likely still wearing the same amount of makeup as you would in the summer. You also shouldn’t stop wearing sunscreen because the threat of skin cancer from sun exposure still exists during the fall. It makes sense then to try double cleansing as a way to keep your face adequately clean while still making room for the adjustments the experts suggest.
Double cleansing has been an integral part of Asian skincare for a long time. However, more and more Americans have been adding it to their routine in the past few years. Based on how fall can dry out Black skin, it’s a good idea to try it out as well. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions, please talk to your doctor before changing your skincare routine. Even if they give the go-ahead, you must let them know if you see any signs of irritation or if you have a flare.
