Remember when you would wash your face and it would feel terribly tight afterwards? It gave us all a bit of the fear when it came to skincare, and rightfully so. Why engage with something as stripping and unpleasant?

Cleansers, we assure you, deserve a solid second chance. Now available in so many formats you’re not sure which one your face needs (don’t worry, it’s all explained below), cleansers have been reformulated, reenergised and deliver some very real results. As the most important part of any grooming routine, a good cleanser should remove all impurities and pollution you might pick up during the day, impurities that can cause ageing, pigmentation, congestion and dehydration if they were left in your pores.

While there are simple methods of cleansing, there are also ones that require a little more… commitment. Coined by the Koreans, double cleansing has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the rise in pollution and the noticeable benefits it reaps. “Double cleansing is so important, especially in the evenings or if you live in the city,” explains celebrity facialist Ms Nichola Joss. “Office environments are also huge culprits when it comes to damaging your skin, as pollution, grime and artificial temperatures all disrupt your barrier.”

Still, with so much cleansing to learn about, knowing where to start can be tough. Don’t fret; we’ve categorised cleansers into this handy little guide to help you achieve a beatifically clean complexion.

Tiny balls of oil suspended in soft water, micellar waters are the only cleansing products that effectively remove all oil and water-soluble pollution and bacteria. They are ideal for sensitive, dry skin and can be used anywhere with cotton pads if you want to wipe the day away by your desk or when you travel.

Best For: Dry skin

You’ve Got To Try: La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water

Yes, there is such a thing as a powder-based cleanser. It’s damn good too, able to keep high-level actives (like vitamin C) stable in a way that a liquid can’t. These are water activated, disintegrating into a liquid to deliver the ideal blend of physical and chemical exfoliation (meaning you get rid of dead, dry skin that builds up too). If you want something to cleanse, exfoliate and not bother stuffing into a liquids bag at customs, powder is the perfect choice.

Best For: Dull skin

You’ve Got To Try: Clinique Super Energizer Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Powder Cleanser

Just as the name suggests, gel cleansers have a translucent, gel-like viscosity that does a decent job at displacing dirt without disturbing your natural barrier. Gentle and easy, they can hydrate your skin and won’t remove the good stuff along with the bad.

Best For: Dehydrated, irritated skin

You’ve Got To Try: Sisley – Paris Gentle Cleansing Gel With Tropical Resins

Foam cleansers have had a bad rep in the last few years, but all you have to do is turn to the latest generation to recognise the resurrection in the category. Once filled with sulphates (which gave the product the lathering quality) that made your face feel tight, modern foaming washes are formulated to be clean, effective and easy to use.

Best For: All skin

You’ve Got To Try: Doers of London Facial Cleanser

Oil cleansers are surprisingly great for oily skin. If you find your face gets a bit shiny by midday, this type of cleanser is a great option as oil is a brilliant way to dissolve the dirt on your skin without drying it out (and thereby making it produce even more oil). Try it for the clarifying abilities, stay for the nourishing properties.

Best For: Oily skin

You’ve Got To Try: Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil

Clay, alongside charcoal, is famous for its ability to absorb every nasty little impurity your skin might supply; sebum, oil, you name it, clay will clear it out. Whether it’s pink, bentonite or kaolin, mineral-rich clay cleansers detoxify without drying out your face in the way their mask counterparts might. Got a spot? Treat the cleanser like a mask and leave it on for a few minutes, which will help absorb excess sebum and show any unwanted visitors the door.

Best For: Congested skin

You’ve Got To Try: Lab Series Oil Control Clay Cleanser And Mask

You’ve chosen your cleanser based on your skin – now what? By integrating a quick facial massage you can really get the most out of the product.

“Incorporating a massage element is really the best way to awaken the skin, muscles and energy system of the face while ensuring all the cleanser’s actives are properly absorbed,” says Ms Joss. “Start at the centre of the face and work outwards and upwards, focusing on natural contours. If you have facial hair then concentrate on this area, too.”

A facial massage also works well on tired-looking eyes. “Eyes are a particular cause of concern, especially in men. They tend to wake up puffy or dehydrated, so the area requires special treatment,” explains Ms Joss. “Place your index fingers on your temple and take your middle finger under the eye area towards the bridge of the nose in gentle sweeps. Using pressure, slowly work along the eyebrow. I’d say a quick six times will do the trick.”