Cleansing tricks for younger skin

Expert facialist Nichola Joss gives her top cleansing tips for a radiant, glowing complexion

Posted: 3 August 2010
by Leyla Tabaksert

Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream, £16

Step 1: Match your skin type to your cleanser

'Choosing the right formula for your skin type is ultra important', says Nichola. 'If your skin is dry you'll be better suited to a creamy, soothing cleansing milk or balm that can be wiped off with cotton wool or a damp face cloth - I love Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream, £16 - as washing every day with water can dehydrate your skin even more.' If you do prefer a wash-off formula, try Lancôme Huile Eclat, £19.50; it removes make-up as well as cleansing, so it's perfect if you don't have time for multiple products. 'Oilier skins tend to suit gels and lighter lotions as they help to dissolve away excess sebum and won't feel cloying on your skin'. Try La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foam Gel £10, which gives a deep cleaning effect without irritating it.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foam Gel, £10

Step 2: Master a massage

'Massage isn't just for the body - your face holds tension too, so spending five minutes working (rather than rubbing) in, your cleanser will help to relax your facial muscles and improve circulation, resulting in a refreshed and glowing complexion. Simply use your fingertips in a circular motion to work your cleanser into your skin, concentrating on the areas at the sides of your nose, the top of your chin and your forehead to help loosen any blocked pores. Don't be afraid to apply pressure - the stimulation has an invigorating effect. I guarantee your skin will feel fresher and look more even-toned afterwards.'

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £24

Step 3: Use a muslin cloth

'Exfoliating as part your cleansing routine is fantastic for keeping dead skin cells at bay and regenerating skin cell renewal. It gives your complexion a radiance and lustre that not even the most expensive skin cream can create. Use a hot flannel or muslin cloth on your skin when you cleanse. They're a really effective way of removing grime and gently exfoliate the surface of the skin without irritating it. I love the ease of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - the 100ml starter kit is £12.75 - which comes complete with a creamy cleanser and two muslin cloths.'

Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil, £24

Step 4: Rinse and repeat

'If you live or work in the city, you need to put in a bit more effort when cleansing - your skin accumulates much more dirt from all the air pollution. I always recommend double cleansing to my clients. First, use a cleansing oil (they're great for removing stubborn dirt quickly), like Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil, £24, on dry skin. Then, cleanse again with a milk cleanser. It takes a little more time but gives a much deeper cleanse and preps your skin far more effectively for whatever you put on top of it.'

L'Occitane Face Water, £13

Step 5: The perfect finish

'Toners aren't so popular these days, but I always use one after rinsing with water to remove any remaining dirt. Toning re-balances your skin's pH level, and, if you opt for an alcohol-free one, it can be much kinder to your complexion than using just plain old water - great if your skin is dry or irritable. L'Occitane Face Water, £13, is one of my favourites - it's alcohol-free and contains cornflower, a great skin softener. Just apply onto cotton pads and gently wipe up and out across the face.'