By Ghada Abuhakmeh, Founder & CEO
What double cleansing is, why one cleanse often isn't enough, and how to do it at home with MYSKINBUDDY Boost and the cotton round step.
If your serums, your retinol or your device aren't giving you the results you expected, the problem may start before any of them touch your skin. It starts with how you cleanse.
One of our MYSKINBUDDY Experts and Partners-in-Beauty, Beauty Mark Skin Studio + Acne Clinic in Monterey, California, put it perfectly in a recent post. We loved it so much we wanted to unpack it here.
Beauty Mark Skin Studio + Acne Clinic
Key takeaways
- ✓Double cleansing means two cleansers with two jobs: the first dissolves makeup, SPF and oil, the second cleans the skin itself.
- ✓Do it at night, especially on days you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen. In the morning, one gentle cleanse is usually plenty.
- ✓MYSKINBUDDY Boost turns your second cleanse into your best cleanse, and the cotton round step adds one more gentle pass with your toner.
On this page
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing means washing your face twice, with two different cleansers, each doing a different job. Beauty Mark sums it up in four words: first cleanse dissolves, second cleanse cleanses.
1. The first cleanse (the dissolve). An oil cleanser or cleansing balm breaks down what water alone can't lift: makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and the buildup of the day. Oil dissolves oil.
2. The second cleanse (the cleanse). A gentle water-based cleanser then cleans the skin itself, removing sweat, debris and whatever the first step loosened.
Why isn't one cleanse enough?
Today's sunscreens and long-wear makeup are built to stay put. That's great at noon and a problem at night. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Jane Wu, MD, notes that an oil-based first cleanse helps remove waterproof makeup, sunscreen and excess oil that a regular wash can leave behind.
That leftover layer matters because everything you apply next has to get past it. Your serum, your night treatment and your device all work best on skin that's truly clean. As Beauty Mark puts it, a better cleanse sets up better results.
Double cleansing is also gentler than it sounds. Two soft cleansers are kinder to your skin barrier than scrubbing harder with one.
Is double cleansing for everyone?
Not every night. If you skipped makeup and sunscreen, one gentle cleanse may be enough. Dermatologists worry more about over-washing than under-washing, so if your skin is dry or sensitive, choose a gentle cream cleanser for step two and use lukewarm water.
How do you double cleanse at home?
Do it at night, when there's a full day of SPF and makeup to remove. In the morning, a single gentle cleanse is usually plenty.
- Start dry. Massage an oil cleanser or balm onto dry skin with dry hands for about 60 seconds. Take your time over sunscreen-heavy areas.
- Emulsify. Add a little lukewarm water. The oil turns milky as it lifts away what it dissolved. Rinse well.
- Second cleanse. Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser suited to your skin type. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Then everything else. Your skin is now ready for your device and your treatment products.
| Step | What to use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dissolve | Oil cleanser or cleansing balm, by hand | Breaks down makeup, SPF and excess oil |
| 2. Cleanse | Gentle water-based cleanser + Boost, Deep Cleanse setting | Lifts leftover makeup, debris and impurities |
| 3. Tone | Your favorite toner on the cotton round attachment | One more gentle pass, and preps skin |
| 4. Infuse | Your serum + Boost, an Infusion setting | Helps your serum work into clean skin |
Where does MYSKINBUDDY fit in your double cleanse?
MYSKINBUDDY Boost® turns your second cleanse into your best cleanse, and it plays well with all your skincare.
Step 1: Remove makeup by hand first
Wearing makeup? Massage in an emulsifying makeup balm or cleansing oil with your fingers, then rinse. Doing this step by hand keeps things from getting messy.
Step 2: Second cleanse with Boost
Apply your second cleanser and glide Boost over your skin on the Deep Cleanse + Gently Exfoliate setting (press once). It gently yet deeply cleans away leftover makeup and debris and helps draw impurities to the surface. Rinse.
Step 3: The bonus step, the cotton round
Click on the cotton round attachment (it's in the box) and sweep on your favorite toner. It tones, gives you one more gentle cleanse, and preps your skin to take in what comes next. Need a spare? Shop the Replacement Cotton Round Attachment.
Step 4: Infuse
Switch to an Infusion setting (press 2 to 6 times) with your serum. Each session completes on its own after 5 minutes. For consistent results, use Boost about 2 to 3 times a week.
The payoff: skin that feels truly clean, products that have a clear path to do their job, and a routine you'll actually look forward to. Fair warning: your skin will feel so good you'll have to stop yourself from touching it.
Prefer a different finish? Explore Boost Classic White or Boost Sleek Black.
Pro spotlight: Beauty Mark Skin Studio + Acne Clinic
MSB Expert Spotlight · Monterey, CA
Beauty Mark Skin Studio + Acne Clinic serves Monterey, Carmel and the surrounding Peninsula, specializing in corrective skincare and acne. What we love most is how they teach: their posts explain the why behind every step, so clients leave understanding their skin, not just feeling good about it.
Meet Julia Dominguez, Owner
Founder of The Beauty Mark Method
“Throughout my career, I've believed that beautiful skin is the result of more than great skincare. My approach has always been rooted in education, prevention, and corrective care, with a deeper understanding of the connection between the skin and the body as a whole.
The Beauty Mark Method was born from this philosophy, bringing together advanced, science-backed treatments, intentional touch, and holistic wellness to create meaningful, lasting results. Because when we look beyond the surface, we can support not only healthier skin, but overall well-being.”
Julia Dominguez
Meet Ellie, Master Aesthetician
Ellie brings The Beauty Mark Method to life in the treatment room with a healing, hands-on touch, including buccal massage. Her facials are a reminder that results come from both great skincare and intentional care.
If you're near Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina or Pebble Beach, book with Beauty Mark and ask about building a double cleanse routine for your skin.
The bottom line
Better results don't always come from adding something new. Sometimes they come from doing the first step better. Dissolve, cleanse, then treat.
Try it tonight: remove your makeup by hand, do your second cleanse with MYSKINBUDDY, then tone and infuse. Your skin, and everything you put on it, will thank you.
Double cleansing FAQs
What is double cleansing?
Washing your face twice with two different cleansers. The first, usually an oil or balm, dissolves makeup, sunscreen and oil. The second, a gentle water-based cleanser, cleans the skin itself.
Should I double cleanse in the morning and at night?
Usually just at night, when there's a full day of SPF, makeup and buildup to remove. In the morning, one gentle cleanse is plenty for most skin.
Do I need to double cleanse if I don't wear makeup?
Not always. If you skipped makeup and water-resistant sunscreen, one gentle cleanse may be enough. Double cleansing helps most on days you wear long-wear makeup or SPF.
Is double cleansing good for dry or sensitive skin?
It can be, if you keep it gentle. Use lukewarm water, skip scrubbing, and choose a gentle cream cleanser for the second step. If your skin feels tight or irritated, cut back.
Can I use MYSKINBUDDY Boost to remove my makeup?
We suggest removing makeup by hand first with an emulsifying balm or cleansing oil, since it can get messy on the device. Then use Boost for your second cleanse to deeply clean away whatever is left.
What does the cotton round attachment do?
It holds a cotton round on your Boost so you can sweep on your favorite toner. It tones, gives one more gentle cleanse, and preps your skin to take in your serum. One comes in the box.
How often should I use MYSKINBUDDY Boost?
About 2 to 3 times a week for consistent results. Each session completes on its own after 5 minutes.
Sources
- Double Cleansing Method Explained: Should You Try It? — Cleveland Clinic
- Face washing 101 — American Academy of Dermatology
- Why We Double Cleanse — Beauty Mark Skin Studio + Acne Clinic
- Why MYSKINBUDDY? — MYSKINBUDDY
Continue your research
This article is for educational purposes only and isn't medical advice. If you have a skin condition or concerns about a product or device, talk with your esthetician, dermatologist or healthcare provider.