Were you lucky enough to be in the sun a lot over the Summer?  I know I was, and now that the weather is cooling off, we all need to start adding more moisture into our skincare routines.  Before we know it, the air will be cold and dry, and we will all be parched – and that is when the signs of aging really become apparent.

I’ve written about double-cleansing several times before, mostly because I am a big believer that it is a superior way to remove any impurities and cleanse the skin, no matter your skin type.  Whether you are dry or oily, double-cleansing removes all traces of makeup and leaves skin beautifully balanced.

So, why is double-cleansing so effective?  There are two types of dirt: oil-based dirt (like oil in make-up) and oxidized sebum and water-based dirt (like dust and sweat).  Remember Chemistry 101?  “Like dissolves like”.  It’s best to use an oil first because it will loosen your makeup and protect your skin from drying out.  Your favorite Clean cleanser will finish the job by washing away bacteria and remaining residue.  Your skin will feel clean, but supple, not tight or dry.  This new, balanced complexion will more effectively drink in your other products, like serums and moisturizers.  Also, because it is such a thorough routine, it will help you avoid clogged pores and inflamed skin.  You MAY get a few whiteheads for the first few days, but this is a good sign – the junk under your skin is being brought to the surface.  They subside in less than a week and you are left with a dewy visage.

Step 1: Choose your Oil Cleanser.  These are my three favorites.

RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream is very affordable, it has a million uses and almost no one is sensitive to it.  It is perfect for removing makeup, cleansing and moisturizing.  Remember, not all coconut oils are created equal: this one is organic, cold-pressed and unrefined – it’s basically alive.  The last thing you want to do is massage pesticides into your beautiful skin!

One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil is hands down, my favorite cleansing oil of all time. I massage it onto my dry skin in a circular, downward motion.  Then I start rinsing with warm water, which creates a magical, milky lather.  If you have oily skin like me, this is what you need.  Makeup easily rinses away, and skin is left feeling clean, not oily.  Then, I cleanse, tone and moisturize as usual.

Suti Organic Facial Cleansing Balm is wonderful, especially if you have dry skin.  While this balm appears grainy and thick, it totally melts into the skin.  This cleanser is seriously hydrating, but it is also effective at drawing out pollutants and impurities.  My favorite way to use it is to apply it to dry skin, and then apply a wet, hot – but not scalding – muslin cloth (which is included!) on top.  Let it cool for a few minutes, then wipe the face clean with the cloth and wash and moisturize as usual.  It’s the perfect at-home facial.  (Wash the muslin cloth after each use.)

Step 2: Personally, I like to cleanse as usual after using an oil-based cleanser (hence the term “double-cleansing”).  I recently wrote a post on my favorite foaming cleansers for all you lather-junkies; take a look, and don’t forget to tone and moisturize, too!

Wasn’t that easy?  Stay tuned for more tips on transitioning your skincare routine along with the seasons.

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