Spring clean your skin
Cleansing is the first and most important step in your skincare regime – there’s no use loading products onto an unclean complexion. Our pick of the best new launches will have you glowing in no time
TAKE CARE OF BLOCKED PORES
Heavy oils or balms aren’t ideal for oily or congested skin. Opt for a light, water-based cleanser that will clean skin without clogging pores. This one contains AHA to encourage cell turnover, keeping blemishes at bay. Soak a cotton pad then wipe away.
NO7 PROTECT & PERFECT INTENSE ADVANCED DUAL ACTION CLEANSING WATER, £12
CLEANSE & EXFOLIATE IN ONE!
Hot cloth cleansing uses a muslin to clear away a cream or oil cleanser. The texture of the muslin exfoliates skin without anything astringent, while creams are gentle. Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish is a classic. Try their new scent for an at-home spa experience – or nip to Superdrug for a bargain version!
SCRUB ONCE A WEEK
You shouldn’t use a scrub too often – once a week is plenty, but every now and then your complexion needs a good going over to buff away dead skin cells. This cleverly combines liquid exfoliants like AHAs, which gobble up dead skin, with fine-milled sugar, leaving skin super-smooth and glowing. OLE HENRIKSEN LEMONADE SMOOTHING SCRUB, £25
SWITCH TO ANTI-AGEING BALMS
Balms are ideal for those over 40 or if you have particularly dry skin. This e.l.f formulation includes hydrating hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides – all skin-loving ingredients that’ll clean skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry.
E.L.F HOLY HYDRATION MAKEUP MELTING CLEANSING BALM, £10
● Most of us aren’t cleansing for long enough. You should be massaging the product into skin for at least 60 seconds before washing away with warm water.
● Cleanse twice when you’ve worn makeup, or have been exposed to pollution and city grime. First, with a water or a balm, following on with a gel or cream.
● Water temperature is key – too cold and the cleanser won’t work properly, too hot and it’ll dry out skin. Aim for lukewarm water when cleansing.