Double cleansing is the secret to better skin. Here's how to do it properly

The only other thing to consider is your cleanser of choice; you'll want to choose a cleanser that suits your lifestyle and skin type. But essentially cleansing oils, balms and micellar water are deployed first as the oils in the formula attach themselves to even the most stubborn (read: waterproof) makeup, dirt and excess sebum that has accumulated on your skin over the course of the day, before rinsing them away.

“The general rule is that ‘oils dissolve oils’, meaning that oil-based cleansers will quickly and effectively melt away oil-based products from the skin during your first cleanse,” Dr Rattan explains. "Your oil melting cleanser should do all the hard work, so your make-up slides off easily with a face towel or cotton pads.” In fact, a flannel or muslin cloth soaked in warm water is also a sneaky way to add in a light exfoliating action.

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, £37, Cult Beauty

Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil, £45, Space NK

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £29, Look Fantastic

Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Makeup Removing Micelle Solution, £10.80, Lookfantastic

The second cleanse is all about cleaning the skin. During this step, instead of using heavy duty products, lean on nourishing cleansers. Dr Rattan isn't, however, a fan of adding in active ingredients such as AHAs into your cleansing routine. “Using active ingredients such as AHAs in your cleanser every day can over-strip the skin, damage the skin barrier and lead to sensitivity,” she says. "Instead, I would recommend using an exfoliator once a week to help control sebum, unclog pores and improve the appearance of acne, red marks and brown marks.”

Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £9.99, Cult Beauty

Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, £12.50, Lookfantastic

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Daily Foaming Cleanser, from £18, Cult Beauty

Liz Earle's Cream Cleanse and Polish, £16.50, Look Fantastic

Can all skin types benefit from a double cleanse?

All skin types can benefit from double cleansing but, if you're acne-prone, Dr Rattan recommends steering well clear of oil-based cleansers. “Use a salicylic acid face wash instead, and cleanse with it twice to remove any remaining bacteria,” says Dr Rattan.

“Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid,” she adds, "so your skin cells will thank you for exfoliating, as it keeps pores clear and dissolves the blockages of dead skin, oil and other debris that cause acne. It also works to reduce the amount of oil being produced by your oil glands, making it less likely that new acne-causing blockages will grow.”

What are the benefits of double cleansing for skin?

Whatever you do, resist the temptation to skip double cleansing after a long day or a night out. Yes, it involves more time and effort but double cleansing is like an insurance policy for skin that is properly clean, without feeling tight or uncomfortable.

It's also the only way to properly lift away foundation, which can cause congestion and, more importantly pollution particles, if you're a city dweller. “Pollution particles can seep into pores – once there, they are hard to get out and they trigger a cascade of free radicals, which can damage the skin barrier, destroy collagen, lead to inflammation and cause rashes,” says Dr Rattan. “Any chronic inflammatory condition that already exists, such as eczema or psoriasis, can also get worse with pollution.”

This evening ritual will also allow serums, moisturisers and ingredients such as niacinamide, which strengthens the skin barrier, to penetrate more easily into the skin. It really is that simple and can make such a difference.

Here are some of our favourite cleansers to wipe away the day...