Oily skin Dirt clings easily to oily skin, and pore have a tendency to become blocked, so this type needs very thorough cleansing.

Dry skin Use the mildest products you can find. Try a cream cleanser to remove make-up, and if you feel you must wash, use a soapless corn plexion bar. Exfoliate only when you really feel the need, using gentle washing grains. Finish with an alcohol-free skin freshener, such as three part rosewater to one part witch-hazel.

Combination skin Treat as oily down the centre and dry at the sides. Start with a milky cleanser all over, then wash with a mild soap, concentrating massage down the centre only. Exfoliate centre panel twice a week. Use astringent on centre of forehead, nose and chin, and a light freshener on rest of face, such as two parts rosewater to one part witch-hazel.

Sensitive skin Treat as dry skin, or ask your chemist for hypo-allergenic products as they have been carefully tested to ensure there are no irritating additives. Instead of skin freshener splash your face with cold water to which you have added a squeeze of lemon juice to restore the skin's natural acid balance.