How to cleanse the skin?

As with most things in life, you need to make sure you cover the basics before you cover the advanced ones, and your skincare routine is no different. From double brushing to introducing acids, there's more to the perfect cleansing routine than 'wash and go'. You can see more details here.

While we're all quick to invest in the latest miracle serum, our complexion doesn't stand a chance if our two-day cleanse doesn't remove makeup and remaining impurities, or worse, damages our skin's barrier function.

Bazaar spoke to skincare expert Victoria Hiscock, a product and education specialist, to clear out the dossier and do-nots of cleansing so your routine works perfectly for you.

“Before you start cleaning, open the tap and make sure you always use warm water, never hot or cold. Hot water can disrupt the skin's barrier function, causing inflammation and irritation of the skin. Cold water, however, will not have the emollient effects needed to thoroughly remove makeup residue.”

“Whether you have sensitive, oily or dehydrated skin, your cleanser should be the first step in your routine to target your concerns. It's important to know the difference between a gel or cream cleanser. Cream cleansers are known for being gentler on the skin because they do not foam. They are made up of rich ingredients that can hydrate the skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive or dehydrated skin. Gel cleansers typically provide a much deeper clean because they can be formulated to include acids, which can effectively cut through dirt, oil, and makeup. These cleansers typically foam, which can dry out the skin, but work to reduce excess oil production.

Do: Double cleanse

- Some people worry that double cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils and as a result compromise its barrier function, but don't let that stop you from doing it. If you wear a full face of makeup every day, work in a contaminated area, or have oily/combination skin, double cleansing should be an integral part of your evening routine. The first cleanse removes makeup, pollutants and dirt from your face throughout the day. The second cleanse removes dead skin cells, meaning the products you apply afterwards can work even more effectively.”