The clean skin guide

Turns out, the step in your beauty regimen you barely consider may just have the ability to transform your complexion and make all of those other skincare formulas work even harder.

- BROOKE LE POER TRENCH

Most of us approach cleansing like brushing our teeth or any other daily hygiene habit. We rarely give it a second thought. However, as dermatologists tell us that rates of extreme dryness and discomfort are sky-rocketing, it comes as no surprise that one takeaway is that we go back to basics. Turns out, our cleanser can make or break our routine. At its most basic, this step serves to sweep away all the dirt, make-up, and excess sebum, so skin can then absorb and benefit from the ingredients in the essences, toners, serums, moisturisers, and masks that follow. However, cleansers also play an important role in cleaning your face while ensuring the skin barrier remains intact. If a cleanser is too harsh (beware foaming formulas!), it will weaken skin and make it more susceptible to irritation and dryness. All of which means those formulas you layer on afterward are more likely to sensitize further rather than rejuvenate. Here's everything you need to know about cleansing skin.

Brighten up

The question of how many actives to have in your skincare routine comes up when tackling a dull complexion. Too little and skin cells won't turn over fast enough to reveal fresh skin beneath. Too much and you'll over-sensitise your skin. Generally, add a brightening cleanser if skin is tolerating other actives and you're not getting the desired results. Ease in by alternating between a brightening formula and a nourishing one. Brightening actives deliver a deeper cleanse so your other formulas can absorb more effectively. Some faves: 1. Goop Beauty Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser, $56, has fruit enzymes and bitter orange peel to polish away impurities. 2. Trinny London Better Off Cleanser, $56, combines AHAS and PHAS. 3. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel, $62, with hydroxy acids to exfoliate, remove impurities and wash away bacteria.

Wash right