While some people have normal, easy to care for skin, many have more problematic dry or oily skin. They may have a combination of the two on different areas of the face. To look your best you need to know the best way to care for your skin type.

With dry skin it is best to clean it just once a day to avoid drying it out even more. You do not want to strip away too many of its natural oils. Most brands of skin care products have cleanser, toner and moisturiser specially formulated for dry skin but you may need to try several different brands before settling on one which really works for you. Dry skin can be quite sensitive and may not react well to certain formulations, even if it does state 'suitable for dry skin' on the bottle.

Toner is considered unnecessary by many people, but others swear by it for keeping skin in top condition. Because of the sensitivity of dry skin it can be best not to use it as it can cause the skin to flare up and become sore and red. But if you feel toner is essential to your beauty routine, opt for one with no alcohol in it.

For people suffering from oily skin, a skin care routine should focus on removing excess sebum. Paradoxically, over cleansing can stimulate sebum production and make the problem worse, so it is best to cleanse the face just once a day before bedtime. Cleansing cloths are often more effective for those with oilier skin as they have a gentle exfoliating effect and you do not need to follow up with a toner. If you do want to invest in a separate toner opt for a no alcohol formulation. Alcohol can strip too much sebum and the skin may over react by producing more to replenish it.

Do not be tempted to skip a moisturiser, thinking it will make oily skin worse. It is still essential for good skin care. One with salicyclic acid can help balance the skin.