Double cleansing: should we really be cleaning ourselves twice in each shower?
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TL;DR
- Double cleansing, a trend from facial skincare, is now being adopted for body care, gaining popularity on social media.
- Social media advocates claim double cleansing improves hygiene and makes users feel cleaner.
- Dermatologists and skin experts generally believe double cleansing the body is unnecessary for most people.
- Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, damage the skin barrier, and lead to dryness, tightness, and irritation.
- While a second cleanse might be useful after heavy exercise or applying certain products, using two strong cleansers or combining it with other exfoliants is not recommended.
- Experts suggest that for most individuals, a single daily wash with a gentle cleanser is sufficient, and elaborate routines encouraged by social media may not be beneficial for skin health.
- Focusing on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and avoiding harsh or fragranced products is advised for maintaining healthy skin, especially for those prone to dryness or conditions like eczema.