Double Cleansing for Oily, Breakout-Prone Skin: My Go-To Ritual for a Balanced Glow
Let’s Talk About Double Cleansing—Because One Wash Wasn’t Cutting It for Me
As someone with oily, breakout-prone skin, I used to think I just needed a strong cleanser to keep everything under control. But over time, I realized that harsh stripping was doing more harm than good. That’s when I discovered the magic of double cleansing—and it completely changed my skin.
If you’re new to the concept: double cleansing means using an oil-based cleanser first to melt away makeup, SPF, and excess sebum, followed by a second cleanser tailored to your skin type for a deeper clean. It sounds like a lot, but it only takes a few minutes—and for me, it’s made all the difference in clarity, balance, and fewer breakouts.
Here are my ride-or-die favourites for oily and congestion-prone skin:
Step 1: Dermalogica PreCleanse. My Skin’s Reset Button
I start with Dermalogica’s PreCleanse, an oil-based cleanser that literally melts the day off my face. It’s packed with nourishing oils that lift away everything—makeup, SPF, pollution, and that slick layer of oil my skin builds up by 3 p.m.
What I love is that it doesn’t leave a greasy residue or clog pores (a big fear of mine with oils). It emulsifies into a milky wash once water hits, and leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and never tight.
Tip: Massage it into dry skin for at least 30 seconds before adding water. It helps break everything down without any scrubbing.
Step 2: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser. The Game-Changer
My second step is SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser, which is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever used for my breakouts. It’s formulated with lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid—so it exfoliates and decongests without being too harsh.
If your skin gets shiny, feels textured, or you deal with hormonal breakouts like me, this cleanser helps keep things in check. It also gives a satisfying deep clean that doesn’t feel like overkill.
Bonus Step (2–3x a Week): Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. That “Polished But Gentle” Finish
Some days my skin just needs a little extra love, and that’s when I reach for the Daily Microfoliant from Dermalogica. It’s a rice-based powder that turns creamy with water and gently buffs away dead skin.
It’s gentle enough to use often, and I’ve found it helps brighten my complexion and keep those post-breakout dark marks at bay. I don’t use it every day, but when I do, my skin feels buttery smooth.
But Here’s the Thing: Not Every Skin Type Needs What I Use
What works for my oily, breakout-prone skin might not work for yours—and that’s okay. If you’re more dry, sensitive, or mature, you might benefit from creamier or gentler alternatives. The key is tailoring your double cleanse to your skin’s needs.
If you're unsure, chat with a professional (hi! 👋🏼). We can walk through what your skin needs and help build a routine that works for you.
Double cleansing has become a non-negotiable in my routine, and not because it's trendy, but because it's truly made me feel more confident in my skin. It’s about starting (and ending) your day with intention, clarity, and care.
Let me know if you’ve tried it or if you’re thinking of giving it a go. I’d love to hear what your go-to products are.
With heart,
The Hearth Studios
