Double Cleansing method and Oil Cleansing Method. What's better for you?

The foundation of effective daily skin care is proper cleansing.

I’ve used primary Oil Cleansing Method before. 

The core philosophy behind that is “oil dissolves oil” (remember from chemistry - “like dissolves like”). Beneficial oils cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, without stripping the skin. You need to massage your face with proper amount of oil. After this you use hot water and a cloth to remove the “dirty” oil and open your pores. 

Two reasons why I don’t follow Oil Cleansing Method along now:

1. Using hot (at least warm enough) water can cause capillary damage of your skin.  The Rosacea Clinic Treatment investigated that water temperature is very important for people, who has visible capillaries. Hot water is drying and irritating, aim to rinse with tepid to warm water.

 2. Because residuals from cleansing oils can block the absorption of serums and other active ingredients (applied later in your regimen) that are designed to penetrate deep into the skin.

About 3 years ago I’ve found other approach – Double Cleansing method, which combines advantageous of OCM, and adds beneficial second, water-based, mild cleanser. The Double Cleansing Method is not something new; it’s been around for centuries, primarily in Japan and Korea.

There are two types of dirt that accumulate on your skin: oil based dirt (such as oxidized sebum and make-up) and water-based dirt (like dust and sweat). Therefore, the Double Cleanse is a two-step cleansing process that utilizes 2 cleansers: an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based cleanser. The Double Cleansing Method will help promote healthy, balanced and moisturized skin.

Step 1: Wash by Oil-based Facial Cleanser.

Cleansing Oils (water-soluble oils) work better than just oils, because they're an ingenious combination of water solubility and oil. So, an oil-based cleanser will remove oil-based dirt– sebum, dirt, pollution, water-resistant makeup, and sunscreen.

A cleansing solid bar or balm does the same thing; it just comes in a solid form.

Cleansing oil or balm bar is an excellent way to cleanse oily skin and control blackheads, breakouts, and other congestion. This is because oil attracts oil.

The cleansing oil does not leave an oily residue on skin. Unlike regular oil, it rinses off completely with water, leaving no greasy residue, only a clean, soft and pampered face.

TO USE: 1) Warm up a small amount of cleansing oil with dry hands, 2) then gently massage onto dry face in a circular motion, 3) carefully rinse your face after cleansing.
TIPS: 1) Remember to massage gently. Pressing or rubbing too hard may irritate the skin or cause roughness. 2) Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries).

Step 2: Wash by Water-based Cleanser.

 Using the second mild facial cleanser, you will remove water-based substances such as old skin cells, dust, bacteria, and sweat and also any traces of oil, makeup, or dirt not removed in Step 1. So, your skin will be ready to absorb any active ingredients of your serum and cream applied after washing.  

 Actually, you can use any cleanser on this step, even soap or soap-like cleansers. I’m personally afraid to use any soap on my face (even facial bars) because it change pH dramatically. Any soap has pH more then 8-9. Sometimes what’s good for hand’s and body’s skin it’s not useful for sensitive face’s skin. 

You don’t need a strong cleanser to clean your face skin because they content harsh surfactants (like sulfates) which may damage of barrier function of your skin. And you don’t need to use a large amount of this second cleanser because the first oil-based cleanser did most of the hard work.

I’ve done a lot of investigations and searches about surfactants and found very mild, plant-based ECOSEPT surfactants which suitable for face.

I will post about them later. 

TO USE: 1) Apply the mild facial cleanser on your hand, add a bit of water, then work up a rich lather in your palm, 2) put  this lather on the face and massage in small circles. Remember to massage gently. 3) Rinse your face.

Do you have your preferable mild cleanser? Do you have your choice daily cleansing routine?