WHAT DOES DOUBLE CLEANSING DO?

Have you ever finished a cleansing step, only to notice traces of makeup or excess sebum still lingering on your client's skin? Or perhaps a treatment didn't deliver the results you expected because the skin wasn't prepped enough? There's one simple solution!

Double cleansing is the best way to create a clean, clear surface for the rest of a regimen. The first cleanse tackles most of the surface impurities, while the second cleanse sweeps away anything left behind and addresses your client's specific skin concerns. Let's take a closer look at how each step works.

THE FIRST CLEANSE

Long-wear makeup, water-resistant sunscreens and accumulated sebum can be stubborn, especially when a single cleanser isn't formulated for emulsification. If that residue stays on the skin, it interferes with the even absorption of serums, moisturizers and corrective home care products.

The goal of the first cleanse is effective removal without disrupting the skin barrier. It doesn't have to be harsh to be effective! Oil-based, balm, cream or gentle emulsifying formulas tend to work best here because they bind to lipid-based debris and lift it away without stripping.

THE SECOND CLEANSE

The second cleanser is your opportunity to target your client's current skin concerns. Often, these cleansers will have more active ingredients and nourishing elements that work to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. A well-chosen second cleanse can support:

• Removal of any remaining residue from the first step
• More thorough, condition-specific cleansing
• Preparation of the skin for corrective home care products
• A balanced, comfortable feel without tightness or excessive dryness

WHEN SHOULD YOU RECOMMEND DOUBLE CLEANSING?

Double cleansing is most beneficial when a single cleanse consistently falls short of keeping the skin clean, balanced and prepped for the rest of the routine. Once you identify the right clients, it's a simple and effective addition to recommend! Consider suggesting it for:

• Clients who wear makeup regularly
• Clients who use water-resistant or mineral sunscreen
• Clients with excess oil, sweat or environmental buildup
• Clients following corrective home care programs
• Clients with congestion-prone skin

WHEN TO USE CAUTION

Not every client benefits from double cleansing every day. For some, a second daily cleanse increases the risk of over-processing the skin. Use caution with:

• Compromised or reactive skin barriers
• Very dry or lipid-deficient skin that doesn't tolerate multiple cleansing steps
• Clients already using multiple actives who may experience sensitization with an added cleansing step

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT FIRST CLEANSER

The first cleanser should prioritize emulsification over active correction. Our recommendations include:

• Illuminating Cleansing Oil: An oil-based cleanser that gently emulsifies, which is perfect for heavy makeup and water-resistant sunscreen as well as sensitive or reactive skin types
• Vitamin C Cleanser: A cream cleanser for clients who need thorough but gentle emulsification

When deciding which formula to recommend, think about what your client is actually putting on their skin each day. Are they wearing water-resistant SPF? Do they consistently use full-coverage foundation? What's their skin type? Do they have naturally oily skin? If you can evaluate all those little details, you'll make the right choice for their first cleanser.

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT SECOND CLEANSER

The second cleanse is where you really get to tailor your recommendations to each individual client! Taking the time to match the right formula to their specific skin presentation can make a huge difference. Here's how to approach product selection with confidence.

OILY OR CONGESTION-PRONE SKIN

These clients benefit from a second cleanse that manages oil production and supports pore clarity (without triggering rebound sebum). Look for formulas with Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate and reduce congestion.

GLYMED+ RECOMMENDATIONS

• Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid is specifically recommended in GlyMed+ regimens as a second cleanse for oily and acne-prone skin
• Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid promotes desquamation (the natural shedding of dead skin cells) and supports pore clarity for clients with congestion and early signs of aging

DRY OR LIPID-DEFICIENT SKIN

Clients with dry skin need a second cleanse that removes residue without compromising the moisture barrier. Look for cream or lightweight gel formulas. They cleanse thoroughly while keeping your client's moisture barrier happy and intact.

GLYMED+ RECOMMENDATIONS

• Mega Cream Cleanser deeply cleanses while supporting the skin's natural moisture balance
• Gentle Gel Cleanser is a non-stripping option for clients who prefer a lighter texture

SENSITIVE OR COMPROMISED SKIN

For sensitive or compromised skin, the second cleanse should feel like a sigh of relief! Steer clear of active exfoliants and instead reach for gentle, botanically-based formulas that calm and comfort the skin.

GLYMED+ RECOMMENDATIONS

• Mega Cream Cleanser is a very reliable choice for reactive skin
• Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid and Chamomile offers a gentler approach to clarification, especially for clients with mild sensitivity or acne-prone tendencies

MATURE SKIN

For clients with mature skin, a second cleanse is a wonderful opportunity to support cell turnover and boost their skin’s natural vitality. Look for formulas enriched with alpha hydroxy acids and peptides.

GLYMED+ RECOMMENDATIONS

• Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid gently promotes desquamation to support a brighter, smoother surface

• Peptide Firming Cleanser adds anti-aging benefits directly into the cleansing step for clients focused on firming and structural support

CLIENTS USING CORRECTIVE INGREDIENTS

Clients on active programs, including those using Retinol, Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid, need a second cleanse that won't compound the skin's active load.

GLYMED+ RECOMMENDATIONS

• Foaming Cleanser with Amino Acids is ideal here; it cleanses effectively and supports cellular renewal without introducing additional exfoliating pressure on already-active skin

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SHOULD EVERY CLIENT DOUBLE CLEANSE?

No, double cleansing is not a universal recommendation. It's most appropriate for clients who regularly wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, have oily or congestion-prone skin, or are following a corrective home care program. Clients with dry, sensitive or compromised skin could experience increased reactivity with daily double cleansing.

CAN CLIENTS DOUBLE CLEANSE WITH THE SAME CLEANSER TWICE?

Using the same cleanser twice is generally not recommended. The first cleanse targets surface-level emulsification, while the second should address the client's specific skin condition. Using an active, condition-specific cleanser for both steps risks over-processing the skin or leaving behind surface debris.

CAN DOUBLE CLEANSING CAUSE DRYNESS?

Yes, if the wrong cleansers are selected or the method is recommended for clients who don't need it. Over-cleansing strips the skin's natural lipid barrier, which can lead to tightness, increased sensitivity and reactivity.

SHOULD CLIENTS DOUBLE CLEANSE AFTER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE?

No, double cleansing is not appropriate immediately following a professional service. Post-treatment skin is often sensitized and should be supported with minimal, soothing products only. Resume the second cleanse once the skin has fully stabilized, in alignment with your recommended post-care protocol.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A CLIENT IS OVER-CLEANSING?

Over-cleansing typically presents as persistent tightness, increased sensitivity, visible flaking or a sudden increase in breakouts. These signs suggest the skin's barrier has been compromised by excessive cleansing frequency or formula mismatch.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD CLIENTS DOUBLE CLEANSE?

Most clients should double cleanse in the evening only, when makeup, sunscreen and daily buildup are at their peak. A single gentle cleanse is typically sufficient in the morning, since overnight skin exposure doesn't involve the same level of product or environmental accumulation.

ELEVATE YOUR PROTOCOLS AS A GLYMED+ PRO

Double cleansing is one piece of a larger, well-designed home care strategy, and the more you understand the "why" behind each step, the more effectively you can guide your clients. GlyMed's professional education system, including in-person classes, GAAIN certifications and free onboarding sessions, is built to help you develop that kind of clinical depth. Become a GlyMed+ Pro and put your expertise to work!