By contributor Allie White.

I want to introduce you to a cute lil’ concept called “situational skincare.” Coined by skincare brand HoliFrog, situational skincare is all about caring for your skin based on -- you guessed it! the situation. Of course you should be listening to your skin before applying products on top of it, but what makes this approach different is that it also takes your cleanser into account. Cleansing is not — and should not be — a “one size fits all” thing. Not only are everyone’s skin needs individual, your own skin changes on a daily basis and so should be afforded the luxury of variety based on what it’s craving. Just like you’d use a different serum when your skin feels dull than when it feels congested, a different oil when things feel dry than when they feel hydrated, a different mask when things are irritated than when they’re flakey, you should be using different cleansers based on what your skin needs in that moment.

When night time rolls around and you’re ready to wash the day off your face, things get a little more fun thanks to:

The Double Cleanse.

You’ve spent the day living in your skin, bringing it into contact with dirt, sweat, oil, makeup, pollution, etc. So before you get to lathering, you'll need to remove all that stuff first so your cleanser can get in there and do its job.

As the name implies, double cleansing means washing your face twice: once with an oil-based cleanser to remove that top layer of grime, then again with a more “traditional” cleanser. (Yes, you need both to achieve peak clean: the oil removes oil-based dirt and other stubborn stuff, and the second takes care of everything else.)

And even though there’s an added step here, the ethos of situational skincare still applies. Listen to your skin, and give it what it needs.

The first step in double cleansing is oil-based. You'll massage a small amount of oil cleanser or cleansing balm into your skin, then gently remove it (and a day's-worth of grime) with a clean, damp cloth. If your skin is particularly dry and in need of kid gloves, Holifrog's Kissimee Vitamin F Therapy Balmy Wash will dissolve makeup while hydrating skin thanks to oils like sunflower, jojoba and papaya, and butters.

Step two is a more “traditional” cleanse, but don’t let that fool you. Yes, you’ll be pumping some cleanser onto your palms and massaging it around your face, but remember, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation. Once you’ve removed the day’s dirt/grime/makeup/pollution, what does your skin tell you?

“Major reset needed!”

When skin is congested, dull or uneven, what you’re likely in need of is a deep clean and reset. If that’s the case, acids — used carefully — are your best bet. Specifically, AHAs are ideal for dissolving and clearing pore-clogging dirt and debris, while also promoting cell turnover and evening out skin tone. The Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash is a super-effective (but gentle!) cleanser that also exfoliates thanks to its mix of glycolic, mandelic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids. And to balance out the deep exfoliation it provides, the Refining Acid Wash also features rich oils like tamanu and rosehip. (If you have extreme sensitivity or rosacea, it’s best to avoid an AHA wash — it may be too harsh for your skin.)

“Feeling normal!”

Reach for your tried-and-true cleanser, one that will cut through any oil or makeup the first cleanse might have missed but won't strip your skin or leave it feeling tight. The Omega Nutritive Gel Wash from HoliFrog is a great option here thanks to its omega fatty acids and probiotics — two ingredients that strengthen skin while they nourish.

“So dry! So thirsty!”

Steer clear of acids or other powerful ingredients, instead opting for a non-foaming balm. You may already have used this as the first step in your double cleanse, but for days when your skin really needs some extra TLC and gentle hydration, the Kissimee Vitamin F Therapy Balmy Wash truly can’t be beat. Not only is it going to deposit uber-hydrating oils and butters while you cleanse, it’ll also help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier with sunflower and papaya seed oils.

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Situational cleansing may not be for everyone — or every budget. If you’re often on the go or can’t afford an entire arsenal of products or just don’t want to deal with juggling different products from day to day, stick with what you’re doing. But even adding a couple of new products to your routine here and there can make a big difference in the overall health and well-being of your face. After all, everyone likes to be heard.

Editor’s note: Remember that it takes about a month to notice the effect of products that contain active ingredients (vitamin C, AHAs, retinols, etc.). If you’re switching things up every few days based on your skin’s situation, it may take longer. But stick with it; it’ll all be worth it. You may also want to pace yourself when adding new products to your skincare routine. Too many new ingredients at once may lead to irritation, so start slow and make sure your skin plays nice with whatever you’re adding, then cleanse on.