Everyone enjoys having a clean, clear complexion. It might be surprising, but not everyone knows how to care for his or her face properly. Just a few things can start virtually anyone off on the right foot when it comes to a healthy skin care routine.

Cleansing
Harsh soaps and detergents are not needed to clean the face. Facial skin is sensitive. All that is needed is clean, warm water and a soft cloth. Using both hands beneath the cloth, begin with the neck and use a gentle circular motion to work upward, toward the forehead. This method cleans from the least dirty parts of the face to what are typically the oiliest areas. If makeup is involved, a cold cream or mild foaming cleanser can be used to remove it. However, never scrub.

Toner
Toners are designed to remove oil from the skin and reduce the size of pores. There are a few different varieties which are appropriate for different skin types. Skin fresheners or bracers are the mildest. They contain from 0% to 10% alcohol and are best for dry and sensitive skin. Skin tonics contain up to 20% alcohol and are slightly harsher, better for use on oily or combination skin. Astringents are the strongest form of toner, containing up to 60% alcohol, and are recommended for the oiliest skin because they are quite drying.

A toner can be applied in a few different ways – by using the toner on a cotton ball or cotton facial pad, spraying directly onto the face with a vaporizer, or by moistening a large square of gauze and leaving the gauze on the face for a few moments. After toner has been allowed to dry, a moisturizer should be applied.

Lotion or moisturizer
There are many moisturizers out there. These also come in many varieties for all skin types. When choosing a facial lotion or moisturizer, pay attention to the label. Moisturizers are available not only for dry or oily skin, but for other features, as well. They can be found to specialize in very sensitive skin, aging skin, eczema, rosacea, and many other problems.

Topical Acne Treatment
The active ingredients in most topical acne treatments contain one of four chemicals: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or sulfur. These can irritate the facial skin if it is too sensitive or if too much of the product is used, so they should never be applied to the entire face. Topical acne treatments should be applied to individual breakout spots only once or twice per day.