Cleansing. It’s probably one of the most confusing things there is in the beauty world. Bar how to do a fish tail plait (after four and a half years I STILL fail miserably). Some say to double cleanse, some say use an oil over a wash-off one. Others say only to cleanse with water in the mornings to save drying skin out too much. Honestly, it’s as much a mine field as Beyoncé’s ever-changing hair styles.
 
There are even conflicting views on the Never Underdressed beauty desk. Well and truly. So, we decided to call on the big guns – five of skincare world’s leading facialists (these guys have Kate Moss, Gwyneth and Daisy Lowe covered between them). So here, from the people that really, really know, is how you should be cleansing your face. Be warned, you’ve probably been doing it wrong all these years.

Amanda Lacey, facialist and founder of Amanda Lacey skincare
 
A morning cleanse is important to remove excess night-time oil; an evening cleanse will remove any dead cells and sebum build-up from the day. One cleanse should be enough unless you are wearing lots of make-up.

Cleansing balms tend to suit most skin types; rosewater is very gentle if you want something light.

Warm to hot water is good, as is a muslin or flannel face cloth (cotton only) which will increase circulation and slur away dead skin. 

"Cleansing balms tend to suit most skin types; rosewater is very gentle if you want something light." - Amanda Lacey

Nichola Joss, facialist and skin finishing expert
 
Wash skin with a gentle, creamy cleanser in the morning and massage well to de-puff and eradicate tiredness. Use cold water to awaken skin further.

Use an oil to cleanse at night and take more time to massage skin. Use warm water to open pores and dislodge dirt better.

Double cleanse in the evening a couple of times a week, especially if you are a city dweller or work in an air-con office.

"Double cleanse in the evening a couple of times a week, especially if you are a city dweller or work in an air-con office." - Nichola Joss

Debbie Thomas, facialist and ski care expert
 
Always clean your hands first to remove bacteria and use warm (not hot) water to dampen skin. Put a five pence piece sized blob of cleanser into hands and massage over face using circular motions before rinsing thoroughly.
 
Oily and congested skin types can be lightly rubbed with a clean towel afterwards to give a little extra exfoliation.

Finish your cleanse by splashing cold water on the face to close pores.

"Always clean your hands first to remove bacteria and use warm (not hot) water to dampen skin." - Debbie Thomas

Sarah Chapman, facial and founder of Skinesis skincare

Spend at least two minutes, twice a day, really massaging in your cleanser to help lymph drainage, clear deeper blockages and remove fluid retention.

Warm water is best but it’s nice to finish with a splash of cold – NEVER hot as this can burst capillaries.
 
I suggest a double cleanse at night (not needed in mornings) – once to remove surface build up and then a deep, second cleanse to thoroughly rejuvenate skin.

Opt for oil-based cleansers if you have dry skin, they're more nourishing. They are good for oily skin too, helping rebalance natural oil secretions. If you prefer a gel or foam, use once a day; they can strip your skin and make it produce more oil as a result.

"Warm water is best but it’s nice to finish with a splash of cold – NEVER hot as this can burst capillaries." - Sarah Chapman

Nigma Talib, facialist and naturopathic doctor

Use a Clarisonic with a bit of cleanser to really clean the face. Warm water is best, on the hotter side but end with cold water - hydrotherapy for the face increases micro-circulation and helps with puffiness.

Cleanse twice, both morning and evening. You need skin to be clean in the morning as it's been repairing and shedding during the night, while in the evening your face has been exposed to toxins, oils and environmental pollution, so removing all this is essential.  

Be careful of not over-cleansing, especially with products containing salicylic acid as they can dry out the skin and cause your glands to over-produce and create skin havoc.

"Be careful of not over-cleansing, especially with products containing salicylic acid as they can dry out the skin and cause your glands to over-produce and create skin havoc." - Nigma Talib

Click through the gallery above to say what cleaners each of our experts recommend.