The best way to cleanse your face, according to a dermatologist

What should you be using and how often should you be doing it?

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A dermatologist has revealed the best way to cleanse your face and all the mistakes you could be making.

The cornerstone of every good skincare routine, cleansing is essential to removing every last trace of make-up, pollutant or toxic chemicals that prevent skin from regenerating.

But it you thought simply reaching for a face wipe or a splash of water would suffice then you’re wrong, because according to one dermatologist doing so could leave your skin looking tired, dull and even more prone to breakouts.

So, what should you be using and how often should you be doing it?

A common misconception is that you only need to wash your face at night in order to remove make-up and any residing grime leftover from the day. But, according to Dr Natasha Cook, cleansing in the morning is just as important.

Speaking to Femail, she says that cleansing twice a day is the key to a clear complexion and that taking care of your face when you wake up helps prepare your skin for the subsequent application of daily serums and moisturisers.

When it comes to what type of cleanser you should use, there are a myriad of options available including wipes, gels, oils, creams and balms.

A fan of cleansers that are non-foaming and include ingredients which plump and hydrate the skin, Cook says you should avoid those that are made using harsh chemicals.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the wrong formula, she says, as certain foams or scrubs can strip the barrier away from the epidermis leaving your skin dry, inflamed and prone to breakouts.

Instead, she says to use products that contain moisturising ingredients like glycerine, and anti-inflammatories like Niacinimide or Vitamin B3.

Broaching the topic of double cleansing - a method which involves cleaning your skin twice in one sitting to tackle different types of impurities – Cook says in some instances it can be useful, particularly if you’re wearing a lot of make-up or sunscreen.

However, she adds you should beware of over-cleansing as doing so can in fact make skin problems like acne much worse.

The solution here is to use a micellar water first to “pre cleanse” and then carry out your routine as normal using a gentle formula.