A thoroughly cleansed face is the hallmark of KBeauty (hello, double cleanse). While an aggressive cleanser can leave you feeling irritated, a too gentle of a wash might not be effectively removing daily grime and could lead to blemishes. You want to strike the right balance of completely removing debris but without overstripping skin. With double cleansing, you’re left picking out more cleansers so if you’re starting to feel a little confused, don’t worry. Here, we’ve decoded our favorite picks for every skin type.
Oily / Acne- prone
First Cleanse: We know you might be thinking that you can’t use an oil cleanser but stick with us. “Like attracts like” so an oil based cleanser can work in your favor. Try a lightweight oil-based gel version if the idea of a oil is intimidating. The Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Cleansing Gel Oil is a P&L staff favorite for its featherweight texture and it’s ability to remove makeup and dirt with ease. It contains evening primrose oil which known to help eliminate acne, as well as for brightening hyperpigmentation. Sweet almond oil and shea butter add some lightweight hydration (remember, it’s all about balance), while orange oil brightens. Massage 1-2 pumps gently onto the skin, emulsify with water, and pat your skin dry.
Second Cleanse: Look for a foam or gel that contains skin clearing ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil (like Aromatica Tea Tree Balancing Foaming Cleanser to gently rid your skin of blemishes and excess oil. While many cleansers aimed towards oily combo/acne prone skin tends to be drying and harsh, this one strikes a perfect balance between reducing blemishes while conditioning the skin. Tea tree is antibacterial; therefore it will help kill the bacteria that cause acne to appear on the skin. USDA organic aloe vera soothes sensitivity and hydrates. Burdock and comfrey root calm and add an extra boost of hydration. Massage a dime sized amount of product into the skin for about 1 minute, rinse, and pat your skin dry.
Combination
First Cleanse: This cleansing balm from Banila Co. has a sherbet like texture that transforms into a silky oil and helps dissolve makeup and grime. Papaya extracts help to exfoliate clog prone areas like your t-zone.
Second Cleanse: Try a gentle mousse to remove any lingering traces of buildup. We like Aromatica Sea Daffodil Cleansing Mousse which helps control excess oil with astringent lemon and bergamot oil. Papaya extract clears breakouts and mattifies the skin, leaving your skin clear and shines free all day.
Dry
First Cleanse: How do we love coconut oil? Let us count the ways. The popular nut is the base in this Aromatica Natural Coconut Cleansing Oil. The gentle formulation breaks down dirt, makeup, and oil. Lavender oil is soothing and balancing, which leaves the skin clean and calm. Sunflower oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil are packed with hydrating nutrients to improve the skin's tone and texture.
Second Cleanse: The low pH of Shangpree's S-Energy Facial Mousse Cleanser doesn't mess with the moisture levels in skin, so it doesn't feel tight or taught post-wash. Lavender extract helps soothe any irritation.
Mature
First Cleanse: The Lagom Cellus Gel to Water Cleanser provides a thorough yet non-stripping cleanse that is ideal for both morning and night. Cleansing agents like lavender oil, orange oil, and sandalwood oil are antiseptic, helping to treat and prevent breakouts, and brightening. Hydrating, antioxidant rich oils like myrrh and rose plump and protect the skin. You may apply this onto damp skin in the morning, or to dry skin to remove makeup at night.
Second Cleanse. Look for an antioxidant rich formula to help undo signs of sun damage and hydrators to help combat moisture loss (common in older skin). Composed of 70% hydrating maple water, May Coop Cleansing Mousse helps soften skin. Green tea and black currant help soothe redness and offers antioxidant protection while chestnut oil hydrates and brightens spots. Massage 1-2 pumps on damp skin for one minute and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Sensitive
First Cleanse: Remove makeup, SPF, and other built up impurities with the gentle Shangpree S-energy Cleansing Gel. This non-stripping oil based cleanser will effectively cleanse thanks to hydrating and nourishing ingredients like olive oil, panthenol, and sage extract. Lavender helps to calm the skin while balancing out excess oil. Oxygen is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and helps to alleviate redness and sensitivity while preventing and diminishing breakouts.
Second Cleanse: Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and bisabolol. We like the Atopalm Foaming Cleanser which contains the latter . It is a low pH cleanser, which is the gentlest option for your skin. Additions of hyaluronic acid hydrate while lactic acid gently resurfaces skin and reduces redness.
