Originally a treatment attached to Japan, double cleansing has entered the broader world of skin care with its solid scientific foundation. The skin contains both water moisture and oil, and stripping one creates an imbalance that can make it harder to wash other types of particles away. A good example is oil-based makeup, which might leave an impermeable residue if washed with a solvent or with soap.

It is important to wash with both oils and soaps in order to fully remove the wide range of substances that make skin soil. A careful use of oils also preserves the balance of the skin, so it does not become dry and therefore prone to other skin conditions. Healthy oil should replace sebum, and a topical application of oil contributes many essential fatty acids.

Alcohol pads can dissolve the natural oils of the skin, which are unfortunately responsible for blackheads, but alcohol also leave the skin dry. This is unnatural and does not replace sebum with other oils or moisture. Alcohol pads also do not defoliate tougher skin cells. Dessicated proteins might be left on the skin surface as hardened knots that craves moisture. Skin must be flexible to avoid cracking.

The success of double cleansing is that it saturates the skin surface with oil before stripping oil away. Lipids can penetrate the skin in ways that water cannot, because the skin is designed to repel moisture. The oil penetrates the skin without being invasive, because organic oils are used by the body and because dead skin cells are designed to loosen in the presence of oil.

Washing with a cleanser is more effective when the skin is prepared this way, because the oil loosens the skin. The result is soft skin that is cleansed of excess sebum while remaining moist and supple through the benefits of botanical oils. Since youth and softness are desired by women of many cultures, double cleansing is increasing in popularity.

A less effective alternative is to soak the skin in water or a hot shower and then scrub the waterlogged skin surface. While this quickly strips skin cells, it often removes too many. It is possible to excessively defoliate, and skin affected this way becomes dry, red, and tender. The response of aggravated skin is to build thicker skin. This is highly undesirable on the face, and many women prefer softer hands.

Double cleansing is a natural and gentle method that maintains skin rather than scouring it. It is a better alternative for those who are prone to dry skin. It is an especially good friend to thin skin. Remember to always test out new products first before committing, or just stick to the proven skincare brands you already know.