Can double cleansing cause purging?

Author: Lorenzo Vandervort MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Can double cleansing cause purging? Yes, for some people double cleansing – usually the first oil cleansing step – can cause some purging. However, this is only temporary and can be reduced by only double cleansing in the evenings, rather than twice daily. Stick to a single cleanse in the mornings.

Why did I break out after double cleansing?

Double cleansing is not known to cause purging, yet some people report experiencing a breakout-like reaction when double cleansing with pure oils. This isn't truly skin purging, but it's possible that pure oils could be to blame.

What are the negative effects of double cleansing?

Over stripping the skin can have long-term effects, drying out the skin and causing irritation. The skin on the body, in general, produces less oil compared to the face, and a double cleanse may strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

How to know if double cleansing is working?

You should notice improved clarity, tone, hydration, softness, and fewer breakouts by incorporating a double cleansing routine into your nighttime skincare routine.

Can cleansing cause purging?

You can skip the cleansing step in the morning. PURGE: If this is your first time using an oil cleansing system, it is very common to experience a purge. The skin regenerates itself every 28 days and this is often how long it takes to balance out with a new oil cleanse system (it can take up to 45 days).

Is Your Skin Purging or Just Breaking Out? Dermatologist Explains | Dr. Sam Ellis

Why am I suddenly purging?

Purging happens when certain acne treatments, like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, make your skin renew itself faster. The increased rate at which your skin sheds old cells pushes out clogged pores, dead skin, and debris faster than usual.

How often should you double cleanse?

An oil-based cleanser with ceramides will add moisture, while a pH-balanced water-based cleanser will help keep your skin's natural pH healthy and stabilized. For dry or sensitive skin: unless you wear heavy makeup, double cleansing once or twice a week in the evenings is probably sufficient.

Who should not double cleanse?

“For people who have certain skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin, double cleansing can be too drying and even cause skin irritation”, says Hogan. Double cleansing should also only be done at night—not in the morning—to get rid of the makeup and grime that's left on the skin throughout the day.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

Why is my face still dirty after double cleansing?

Why is my face still dirty after double cleansing? You must use an appropriate cleanser based on your skin type and concern for double cleansing to work properly. Check your skin type and use a cleanser that deeply removes impurities.

What do dermatologists say about double cleansing?

Dr. Lal recommends double cleansing for those who wear a lot of makeup or have very oily skin, in particular. “If you're wearing makeup every day, tinted sunscreen, or you're wearing things that are occlusive, then you should be double cleansing,” he says.

Does double cleansing destroy skin barrier?

Potential Downsides of Double Cleansing

This makes your skin dry, damages your protective barrier to leave you vulnerable to breakouts, and makes you more prone to inflammation and irritation.

Should I double cleanse if I have acne prone skin?

As its name suggests, the double cleansing method is a two-step cleansing process. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, like to layer on your sunscreen or wear heavy makeup, you'll find double the cleansing has double the benefits and offers the most thorough cleanse.

Am I breaking out or purging?

Appearance. The blemishes caused by purging are usually smaller, come to a head quicker and heal faster. Breakouts, however, can vary widely in appearance, including blackheads, whiteheads, deeper cystic spots or hormonal acne along the jawline. They might heal slowly and can range in size and severity.

Why am I getting pimples after cleansing?

When we see a breakout, our first instinct is to increase our cleansing efforts. More cleansing = cleaner skin = less acne, right? Wrong. Over-cleansing strips our skin of its natural oils, causing our already overactive glands to produce even more oil — setting up a negative cycle of oil production, worsening acne.

How long does skin purging last?

How long does purging skin last? It generally lasts around 4 weeks (an average skin cycle length) but it can last up to 8 weeks. If you're still breaking out more than usual after this period of time, consider what else you're using in your routine, as it may not be purging.

How to get Korean poreless skin?

9 Korean glass skin secrets to getting clear and porcelain skin
  1. Indulge in a steam session. ...
  2. Do facial exercises daily. ...
  3. Cleanse your face. ...
  4. Exfoliate with a damp washcloth. ...
  5. Go for toning & make fermented rice water your new best friend. ...
  6. Moisturize your face and body. ...
  7. Opt for Face masks. ...
  8. Tap!

How to get crystal clear skin?

Skin Care Routine to Get Clear Skin
  1. Cleanser. Your morning should not begin with you scrolling through Instagram. ...
  2. Face Wash. Using a face wash which contains glycolic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid, would be beneficial for you to get clean skin. ...
  3. Serum. ...
  4. Moisturiser. ...
  5. Sunscreen. ...
  6. Cleanser. ...
  7. Serum. ...
  8. Moisturiser.

Does micellar water count as double cleansing?

The process of double facial cleansing requires you to wash your face twice for an even deeper cleanse. The first step in double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser, cleansing balm, or micellar water. This removes oil-based residue from the skin, including makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.

Do you need a toner if you double cleanse?

Double cleansing is a popular Korean skincare technique that involves using two different cleansers to remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your face. By adding a toner to your double cleansing routine, you can take your skincare to the next level and get that enviable glowing and clear skin.

What are the cons of double cleansing?

Cons of double cleansing

Over stripping the skin can have long-term effects, drying out the skin and causing irritation. The skin on the body, in general, produces less oil compared to the face, and a double cleanse may strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

What is the Korean double cleanse method?

What is the double cleanse? The double cleanse is the cleansing method Korean women use for clear skin. It involves washing your face in two steps, first by using an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser.

What order to do skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

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