If you need assistance in determining these factors, here are some pointers.  The American Academy of Dermatologists has come to the rescue. This year, at their annual meeting in California, they issued some truths they advise consumers to follow when buying skin care products. These guidelines cover everything from anti-aging creams to cleansers, moisturizers, and masks.

The first step is determining your skin type and buy skin care products best suited for you. For example, people with dry skin should avoid astringents and any product with alcohol because they easily strip away moisture from the skin. People with oily skin do not need the heavy oils found in some moisturizers and should use moisturizers specially designed for oily skin. People with sensitive skin should purchase products designed for sensitive skin, as they tend to be less abrasive, containing gentler ingredients.  If you do not know what skin type you are, a visit to the dermatologist, aesthetician or spa professional. They will be able to help, especially if you have problem areas or are allergic to certain ingredients.

There are five basic types: oily, normal, dry, combination and sensitive. If you have oily or dry skin, you probably know it; oily skin shines, often within minutes of washing it, and is prone to blackheads, pimples, and other break-outs. If you have dry skin, your skin will feel tight and even uncomfortable after washing it, and may have areas of flakiness. With luck you will also have almost invisible pores. Normal skin, obviously, falls in between the two extremes: breakouts are rare, your skin feels neither tight nor greasy, and your skin usually has an even tone with no blotchiness. If you're still not sure, take a piece of blotting paper for skin, and touch it to your nose and cheek. If the paper is saturated, your skin is oily. If there are only scattered spots, your skin is normal. If there are no spots or only a couple of tiny dots, then more than likely you have dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, you probably don't need anyone to tell you, because you've already figured it out. Your skin will be easily irritated by environmental factors like sun, wind, and pollution; some make-up or cleansing products may cause a rash; you will be prone to blotches, and even rosacea and/or eczema. But fear not, there are products for all skin types, and in all price ranges, these days.

In a good skin care regimen, there are four steps to follow morning and evening. The first step is cleansing; we've all gone to bed once or twice wearing make-up.  However, cleaning your skin, removing the make-up, oil, environmental debris, and dirt, is essential to healthy skin; without cleansing, your skin will be much more likely to break out or to develop sensitivity. Keeping your face clean and hydrated is a must, no matter what your skin type may be. After you've cleaned your skin, the next step is to treat your skin.A skin treatment with anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E, green tea extract, or grape leaf/seed extract will help to reduce the signs of aging like fine lines and those horrid age spots, and help your skin stay firm