Cleansers

Oily or blemish-prone skin usually does well with a gel or foaming cleanser, ideally with salicylic acid. Dry skin prefers a cream, milk or balm that cleans without stripping. If your skin is sensitive, keep it simple and look for fragrance-free formulas. Still unsure? Our free online skin test will point you in the right direction.

Double cleansing means using two cleansers in a row, usually an oil or balm followed by a water-based cleanser. The first breaks down make-up and SPF. The second cleans the skin itself. It's most useful in the evening, especially if you wear make-up or sunscreen every day. In the morning one cleanse is enough.

Yes. Oil dissolves oil, so a balm can be a really effective first step for oily skin. Massage it in, emulsify with water and rinse well, then follow with a gel cleanser if your skin still feels like it needs it.

It's one of the best places to start. Salicylic acid works inside the pore to clear out excess oil and dead skin, which helps with blackheads and breakouts. Start once a day and build up. For leave-on treatments, have a look at our salicylic acid skincare.

The Hydrating Cleanser is a non-foaming cream for normal to dry skin, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help keep moisture in. The Foaming Cleanser is a gel that lathers up, made for normal to oily skin. If you're blemish-prone, the Blemish Control Cleanser adds salicylic acid. You'll find all of them in our CeraVe range.

Look for something gentle and fragrance-free, such as a cream or milk cleanser, and avoid scrubs or strong acids in your cleanse. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser and Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser are both popular choices. You can browse more in our sensitive skin edit.

Twice a day suits most skin types. If your skin is very dry or sensitive, you might find a splash of water in the morning and a proper cleanse at night works better. Over-cleansing can leave skin tight and irritated, so listen to how it feels.

Micellar water is great for removing make-up quickly, but it isn't a replacement for a proper cleanse. Think of it as a first step, then follow with your usual cleanser so nothing is left sitting on your skin.