Why Double Washing Isn’t Always the Best for Your Skin

In my last blog, I mentioned a girl who was doing double washing. Her skin showed signs of redness, breakouts, and sensitivity — partly due to sun exposure, but also from her cleansing routine. That made me want to discuss the practice of double washing further.

What Happens with Double Washing

We all know that proper cleansing is vital for healthy skin. But with double washing, the second cleanse often strips away too much of your skin’s natural hydration and oil — what we call the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor).

It can also damage the acid mantle, which acts as your skin’s barrier against bacteria, viruses, and environmental contaminants. Without that protection, skin becomes more prone to irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity.

Now you can see why my friend experienced both sensitivity and acne at the same time.

A Better Approach

I usually recommend a milky cleanser. It’s gentle, easy to massage into the skin for about one minute (yes, one full minute!), and effective at removing dirt and most makeup without stripping the skin.

For heavier eye makeup, point cleansing is key. Always be gentle — avoid rubbing, because stretching the delicate eye area can cause wrinkles over time. Personally, I use organic olive oil on a cotton pad to remove waterproof mascara, followed by a gentle cleanser.

I’ll admit it: I used to double-wash before becoming an esthetician. Now I want to tell you, with love: please stop torturing your skin!

Don’t Forget Your Skin is Already Working Hard

With face masks still part of daily life, our skin is already under stress. Masks can cause sweating and even micro-abrasions, which makes your skin work extra hard to stay healthy. This is why gentle cleansing is more important than ever.

Your skin deserves kindness. 💚

Stay safe and healthy!

Nurture Your Skin, and Nurture Your Soul

Love and Light,

Coco – Aromatic Rituals