The dangers of double-cleansing

In double-cleansing, the first cleansing product removes most of the make-up and dirt from the face, before a second, deeper cleanser takes away any leftover make-up and oils. It has become popular over the past two years, but does it make it a difference?

Dr Yiasemides discourages double-cleansing because it can irritate the skin. “[It] really has no proven benefits, is not recommended by dermatologists and can cause numerous skin complaints,” she says. “Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural lipids and affect the barrier function of the skin, leading to transepidermal water loss [from inside the body and out through the skin] and dehydrated skin. It can also raise the skin’s pH and affect the natural balance of bacteria. All this can lead to skin which is irritated, red, itchy, stinging, swollen and blotchy. It can contribute to irritant contact dermatitis, flare-ups of rosacea and worsening eczema or atopic dermatitis.”