Double Cleansing at Night – Is It for Everyone?

These days, “double cleansing” is one of the most talked-about skincare steps online.

But at our clinic, many patients ask:

“Doctor, do I also need to do this? My skin is not that oily.”

“Raat ko face wash do baar karna zaroori hai kya?”

“Yeh normal face wash se ho jaata hai ya kuch aur lagana padta hai?”

Let’s clear the confusion.

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💧 What Exactly Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing means cleaning your face twice at night:

1. Step 1: First cleanse with an oil-based product (like micellar water, cleansing balm, or cleansing oil) to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities.

2. Step 2: Second cleanse with a regular face wash (gel, foam, or cream-based) to remove dirt, sweat, and leftover product.

Simple idea: First remove the layer of stuff sitting on your skin, then clean what’s in the pores.

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🤔 Who Actually Needs It?

Double cleansing is not for everyone. It’s mainly helpful for:

✅ People who wear makeup daily

✅ People who use heavy sunscreen or water-resistant sunscreen

✅ People who are outdoors most of the day (pollution, dust)

✅ Oily or acne-prone skin types who feel clogged by end of the day

If your skin feels “chip-chip” at night even after washing once, you might benefit from this method.

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❌ Who Can Skip Double Cleansing?

You don’t need to double cleanse if:

❌ You stay mostly indoors and don’t wear makeup

❌ You already use a good cleanser that removes sunscreen in one go

❌ You have very dry, sensitive, or irritated skin — double cleansing may dry it out more

Also, children, teenagers, or elderly with simple routines usually don’t need it.

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🧴 What to Use in Double Cleansing?

Here’s a quick idea of what to use (and not to use):

Step	Product Options	Avoid
1st Cleanse	Micellar water, cleansing balm, oil-based cleanser	Harsh alcohol-based removers
2nd Cleanse	Gentle face wash (based on your skin type)	Over-drying face washes, scrubs

Important: No need to scrub or rub hard. Use lukewarm water and pat dry gently.

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🧑‍⚕️ Real Case We See:

A working woman came to our clinic with bumpy skin and tiny pimples.

She said:

“I use good sunscreen, do my skincare, still my skin feels dull.”

Turns out, she used only one face wash at night, even after long days in the sun with makeup.

We suggested a simple cleansing balm + gentle face wash.

Within 10 days, her skin felt clearer and smoother.

Sometimes, it’s not about adding more creams — just cleaning correctly.

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⚠️ But Don’t Overdo It

Double cleansing does not mean washing your face multiple times a day.

It’s only done once — at night — when your skin has collected dirt, oil, and product.

And please don’t use dish soap, coconut oil, or baby oil as first cleansers. Those can clog pores or irritate skin.

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✅ Dr. Rizwan’s Advice:

If your nighttime routine feels too heavy, or if you wear makeup/sunscreen daily — try double cleansing for a week.

If your skin feels clean but not dry afterward, you’re doing it right.

But if your skin is happy with one gentle wash and doesn’t feel heavy or clogged — no need to change what’s working.

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🧼 Final Thought:

Double cleansing is a useful step — for the right person.

It’s not a trend to follow blindly.

Your skin doesn’t need a “fancy” routine. It needs a smart one.

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📍Need help building a skincare routine based on your daily habits?

Visit Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic and Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur —

We’ll tell you exactly what your skin needs. No guesswork.

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💬 Ever tried double cleansing? Did it help your skin or make it dry? Tell us below!