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You skipped the makeup today. Maybe just a bit of tinted lip balm, a flick of brow gel—but that's it. Sunscreen? Of course, always. But at the end of the day, when it's time to wash your face, you might be tempted to grab your regular oily skin face wash, splash some water, and call it a night.
Not so fast.
Sunscreen is stealthy. It's designed to stay put. That's exactly why it doesn't come off easily with just a basic cleanser. If you're not double cleansing using the best skincare products, you're likely leaving behind more residue than you think, and that build-up can quietly compromise your skin over time.
Sunscreen is stubborn
Even if it feels light or invisible on your skin, most sunscreen formulations—especially mineral or water-resistant ones from top cosmetic brands—are designed to stick around. They form a film that's meant to resist sweat, water, and friction. That same durability is what makes them tough to remove with just a quick face wash.
And it's not just the sunscreen itself. Many of the best skincare products from professional cosmetic brands contain silicones or oils like dimethicone or octinoxate that need something stronger than water to budge. That's where double cleansing can make a difference.
The first cleanse—typically with a cleansing balm or oil—dissolves oil-based impurities like sunscreen, sebum, and pollution. The second, usually a gentle water-based cleanser, rinses away the remaining grime, sweat, and debris.
The right way to double cleanse
No need for an elaborate 10-step routine. Here's how to double cleanse without overdoing it:
(1) Start with an oil-based cleanser. Apply it to dry skin. Massage gently for about 30 seconds. If you're wearing eye makeup, a targeted eye makeup remover gel can help.
(2) Follow with a water-based cleanser or oily skin face wash. Choose one that fits your skin type—hydrating for dry skin, balancing for oily, calming for sensitive.
(3) Keep it short. Two minutes max. Overwashing does more harm than good.
(4) At night only. You don't need to double cleanse in the morning. Your usual cleanser will do.