Cleansing is one of the most important steps in my skincare routine and although I’ve been talking about the double cleanse for years, I’ve not explained it in detail before now. Let’s dive in…
This is a sponsored post in association with Pai. All words and opinions are my own.

SO WHAT ON EARTH IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?
The Double Cleanse is something women in Japan and South Korea have been doing for a long time, but it only recently caught on in the Western world. In its most simple terms, it’s washing your face twice!
Typically, it’s two different products: the first should be oil-based to remove the bulk of make up, and the second should be water-based. Double cleansing ensures that your skin is truly clean, which means that the rest of your skincare can penetrate and work to its fullest.
Imagine that you spilled a bowl of soup (stay with me…!): you’d probably mop up the bulk of the mess with some kitchen roll before going in with a cloth to properly clean up the residue, right? Double cleansing is exactly the same concept!

WHEN SHOULD I DO IT?
I only double cleanse if I’ve been wearing make up. If I’ve just been bumbling around the house, not wearing SPF, or when I’ve just woken up, a simple cleansing cream or gel is enough. However, if you’re acne-prone, wear SPF, have particularly oily skin, or wear make up, double cleansing in the evening is definitely a good idea.
IS IT SAFE FOR ROSACEA?
Depending on the products you use, yes. Obviously the usual disclaimers apply: you know your skin best and if something is irritating your skin, stop doing it!
Personally, oil cleansing is my preferred way to remove make up as it breaks everything down (even waterproof mascara) quickly and easily, with less rubbing, wiping, and time spent touching the skin which can be irritating. I also find that the oil forms a lovely barrier between my fingers and my face which means even less friction.

WHAT ARE MY CHOSEN PAI PRODUCTS?
I have been using the Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil for about a year and it is an absolute delight.
Rosehip is famous in rosacea communities as it’s anti-inflammatory, healing, and soothing. The cleansing oil contains no alcohol, SLS, or artificial fragrances but please note that it does contain essential oils (basil, orange, geranium, lime and jasmine) – I am usually quite sensitive to essential oils but have had no irritation with this product, but I did want to mention it.
I put 2-3 pumps of the oil into my palms and rub them together before massaging into my skin. It feels so silky on the skin – not sticky or heavy like some oils. After about 20 seconds of massaging, I add water to my hands and continue massaging my face. This will emulsify the oil, which basically means it changes into a lightweight, milky fluid that is effortlessly washed away (either with lukewarm water and your hands, or a damp flannel/muslin cloth). No greasy residue, no stinging eyes, and no make up left.
Once all my make up is removed, I follow it up with Pai Camellia & Rose Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. This is a lovely cream cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin and is kind to even the most sensitive of eyes. It’s alcohol and detergent-free, the camellia cleanses and conditions, and the rose extract helps to retain moisture. It’s a really lovely cleanser that leaves my skin calm, nourished, never tight or squeaky.
I filmed a video of my Pai double cleanse routine, which not only shows just how well the Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil deals with a full face of make up but also how calm my skin is after my routine.
Watch the how-to video HERE!
EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR TALONTED LEX READERS: If you’d like to try the Pai Double Cleanse duo, until the end of April there’s a 15% discount on the set HERE. PLUS if you use that link, you also get a 10ml bottle of the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil (their cult classic product) for free. Don’t say I never spoil you…

WHO ARE PAI?
I love knowing the back stories behind brands, and Pai’s story really resonates with me. Founder Sarah Brown suddenly developed intensely sensitive and problem skin almost overnight and found that many skincare products on the market used highly irritating ingredients that were unsuitable for her skin… and so Pai was born. All of their products are patch-tested on sensitive and eczema-prone skin so they are a dream come true for those of us with sensitive skin.
Pai are not only gamechangers in products and ingredients, but they look at skin from a more holistic point of view: understanding that good skin isn’t just about the products you put on it but your diet, lifestyle, and your mentality as well. If you’re interested in this approach, Pai offers free 30-minute phone consultations which can be booked online. They won’t push you to purchase anything, it’s there to help you learn more about the skin and how you can continue to care for it.
And if that wasn’t enough good stuff, Pai are also cruelty free, certified organic, vegan, and don’t ever use Parabens, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Petrochemicals, Detergents (SLS/SLES) or artificial fragrance in their products.
However, if you’re still nervous, Pai products have a 90-day guarantee, which means you can try them and if they don’t work for you, you can return them for free for a full refund or exchange. And don’t forget the special 15% discount for my readers HERE.
I hope you found this introduction to double cleansing helpful, if you have any other questions just let me know in the comments below.
Lex
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Double cleansing is a must for me!