It is a misconception commonly held by many that women have a natural knowledge and understanding of skins types, facial treatments, and everything to do with personal cosmetics, whereas men on the other hand just about know where the soap is. In fact, this is not true, and there are just as many women who have very little idea of what they should be buying, what routines they should be carrying out and even what type of skin they have, as there are men who know exactly where their t-zone is and will offer helpful advice on exfoliaters and moisturisers.

If you are one of those people who aren't too sure, or plainly admit you haven't a clue, then here is a very quick idiot's guide to caring for your facial skin. The first thing we need to do is actually identify what type of skin you have. There are four main types, and these are oily, dry, sensitive and mature. Each of these types will be easily identifiable, and need specific treatment routines and products to help them look their best and be at their healthiest.

It is also important to be aware that your skin type will not stay constant. As you grow older your skin type will naturally change, becoming oilier during teens, sometimes more sensitive in your twenties and then drier and more mature. This is a generalisation, but is often a pattern that can be identified. Also, your skin type may well change during the different seasons, or if you move to a different climate, or your personal hormones altar if, say, you become pregnant.

Oily skin is easily noticed because the skin appears shiny. If you wash your face and dry it, then try to stick a small piece of paper to your skin, if it sticks you have oily skin, This needs to be looked after as it is far more prone to blackheads and spots - particularly during adolescence. A good cleanser which advertises itself as cleaning out deep pores and helping clean oily skin is important, then followed by an exfoliator. A moisturizer is good, but this needs to be chemically balanced and suitable for oily skin or you'll make the problem worse. This type of skin will need to be cleansed at least twice a day.

Dry skin on the other hand will need to be moisturised carefully and frequently. Cleanse thoroughly with a moisturising wash, then exfoliate with a thorough salt based mixture. Use a good quality moisturiser and rub well in. This same routine will be important for mature skin too.

There is another type of skin which is very common, and that's combination skin. This is generally where people have what is called a t-zone. This is an oily patch of skin in the shape of a letter -T' which extends along the forehead at the top, and then down the nose and just immediately on either side of the nose, with dry skin elsewhere. This can prove problematic because the products you would use for oily skin will not help the dry areas, whereas the products that will help moisturise the dry areas will only make the oily skin worse.

You can get products specifically for this type of skin, but basically it's about knowing you have different skin types on your face and treating them separately, so focussing on the products for oily skin just on your t-zone, with the dry skin receiving different treatment. If in doubt, ask one of the advisors at a pharmacy.