The start of spring is the perfect excuse to strive for a fresh-faced glow.

But don’t even think about picking up that ancient bar of soap if a radiant complexion is on your agenda.

“Using a soapless cleanser is considered to be a better alternative to soap, which can dry out the skin,” says Dr Sue Mayou, consultant dermatologist and Neutrogena advisor.

“Cleansers help to remove make-up, dead skin cells, oil, dirt and bacteria, leaving the skin soft and smooth.”

You may also need to increase your cleansing commitment to twice daily, suggest experts. So swap your mop and broom for a facial mitt, and follow their squeaky clean advice.

Know your skin

Just as you need detergents and cleaning cupboard essentials for a spring tidy, your face needs the right tools of the trade.

“There are many cleansers to choose from on the market and the right one for your skin doesn’t have to be expensive – just aimed at a particular skin type – normal, combination, dry, oily, acne-prone or sensitive,” Mayou advises.

“Selecting the wrong one may lead to problems with your skin.”

Many women misdiagnose their own skin type, so taking professional advice from the beauty counter of your favourite skincare brand may prove enlightening.

Never mind the persuasive beauty ads, with so many varieties on the shelves it’s important that your cleanser isn’t too light or harsh for your face.

Stick to a routine

Gorgeous glowing skin beats any make-up technique hands down. You can disguise imperfections, but a first-class skincare regime can be the difference between a make-up masterpiece or a disaster because it’s the very base of your look.

“I’m a huge fan of cleansing – it’s key to having bright, fresh, healthy-looking skin,” says Anastasia Achilleos, celebrity facialist and Olay ambassador.

But if you’re short on pamper time, focus on your pre-bed routine.

“It’s particularly important to cleanse the skin effectively at night to remove make-up and ensure that pores don’t become clogged and debris isn’t left on the skin that can cause bacteria, which is how spots can develop,” Achilleos warns.

In the morning, skin then just needs a quick sweep with cleanser to freshen it for the day ahead. Use cleansing wipes if you’re racing out of the door.

Follow the mantra

Not sure how to kick-start your cleansing regime? Sk:n’s nursing director Ruth Breeden reveals the steps to the ultimate cleanse:

• Be bespoke – a blanket approach to cleansing just won’t do. The skin around your eyes is thinner and therefore much more delicate, so you need to use a specific eye make-up remover that will be both gentle and effective.
• Be targeted – use a cleanser that is specific to your skin type. Any old cleanser isn’t going to cut it.
• Be kind – always use lukewarm water when cleansing. Not too hot, as this will dry out your skin, and not too cold as you don’t want any broken capillaries.
• Be thorough – massage the cleanser in for one to two minutes, ensuring your face is evenly covered. I would recommend a double cleanse if you’ve worn heavy make-up that day.
• Be gentle – rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and don’t be rough. The best thing to do at the end is to pat dry.
• Be professional – for an even more radiant complexion after cleansing, lift off any build-up of cells by exfoliating two or three times per week to reveal new skin beneath. Look for products containing glycolic acid.
• Be diligent – finish your perfect cleanse with a moisturiser for a final dose of skin goodness but go lightly as it’s common for women to put on too much and undo the benefits of that great cleanse.

Tried & tested

Sam Wylie-Harris waves goodbye to her winter skin with a speedy CACI Hydratone Facial.

With the harsh weather taking its toll and my sensitive skin feeling tight and flaky, it was time for a facial to quench my thirsty skin. The CACI Hydratone treatment is like a mini facelift with electrically conductive face firming rollers to stimulate the facial muscles.

First, my therapist at the Daniel Hersheson salon in Harvey Nichols removes my make-up, but not my eye make-up. She cleanses, tones and exfoliates my skin and then applies the Hydro Mask, a translucent gel face mask infused with intensive moisturising properties.

It feels cold but calming, and psychologically I already feel it’s reducing the frost-induced redness on my cheeks. She turns on the CACI machine and starts rolling the electrical wands across my cheeks, forehead and chin. It feels a bit strange and sensitises the fillings in my teeth, but otherwise I’m totally relaxed.

The treatment lasts just 15 minutes. Afterwards any excess gel is tissued off, my therapist massages my skin, and applies an eye gel and moisturiser. My face feels incredibly clean and fresh, soft to the touch, and ready to glow for spring.

Totally calming and with no irritation, it’s little wonder the quick-fix CACI is so popular with brides-to-be.

• CACI Hydratone Facial, from £20 for a 15-minute express facial. Available in more than 500 destinations nationwide. For your nearest salon/spa call 020 8731 5678 or visit www.caci-international.co.uk

Buy it now

With Fashion Week in full swing, designer collaborations are hitting the shelves. Shu Uemura has teamed up with designer Markus Lupfer to create a limited edition leopard print collection. Available in pink, blue or mint, the make-up palette is the star buy, £10, sold empty for you to fill up with your favourite shades. Available online from February 19 at www.shuuemura.co.uk

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