Do you know the difference between deep cleansing and cleansing?

There's more to it than just massaging deeper into your skin as you cleanse...

We all cleanse daily (or should!), but the question is, are you doing it properly? Cleansing is arguably the most important step in your routine, because is you don't have a clean canvas, anything you put on top won’t penetrate your skin or sit properly. Patchy make-up anyone? But a quick once over with a wipe, or a single wash with cleanser just isn't enough.

You say double cleanse?

This is the best way to ensure that your skin is 100% clean at the end of day. The first cleanse takes care of makeup removal. This is where oil, Micellar water or a balm come into action. Don’t overlook a warm flannel too. They're your best friend for makeup removal and they're great at gently exfoliating your skin. Try The Body Shop's Luxury Facial Flannel, £4.50, The Body Shop. And never go too hot with your water. This will strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to an over production of sebum and unbalanced pH levels.

The second cleanse is where your skin is actually cleaned, which is why it's essential. Depending on your skin type, there’s a cleanser out there for you. But, a word of advice, spend more money and time on your routine here. This cleanser should be massaged on your skin for longer than the first. A luxurious second cleanser that really nourishes is the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, £38. Fabled.com

Spend time cleaning your face and keep your cleanser on your skin for at least one minute. If you have combination skin, focus on the problem areas with your hands or flannel. But be gentle and incorporate massage into this step to relax your muscles.

Morning is the only time you should cleanse your skin only once. In fact, a simple wipe with micellar water will get rid of any impurities that have been shed over night. Try the This Works InTransit No Traces Pads, £17, Fabled.com for a speedy cleanse.

Wondering which cleanser is best for your skin? This quiz magically matches your skin concerns to the perfect cleanser – try it out here!

What’s deep cleansing?

You’ll see this term on a lot of face masks - which are beneficial when used twice a week, or cleansers for oily skin. Deep cleansing = digging deep by drawing impurities out from your pores. A face mask that's like a hoover for dirt in your pores is Manuka Doctor Api Clear Purifying Face Mask, £29.99, Fabled.com

If you have sensitive skin hold back from doing this every day as it will only cause damage. A great sensitive skin alternative is the Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser, £18, Fabled.com. Instead, look at this as a spring clean every week to ensure blemishes are kept at bay. Deep cleansing may come in the form of exfoliating grains or skin-friendly acids like salicylic acid or lactic. Acid pads are brilliant for this, like the Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel, £49.50, Fabled.com

Congested skin can really benefit from this - but everything in moderation, people.