Look for a cleanser that suits your skin type. Check a product's label for descriptive terms: Words such as "strong" and "potent" indicate a high-powered formula good for oilier skins, while words such as "gentle" and "mild" hint at products suitable for drier complexions.

Looking at soaps

Many skin-care experts claim you must never use soap on your face, while many dermatologists routinely tell their patients that soap is fine. I'm caught in the middle here. I personally think soap is a great, inexpensive option for blemished or oily skin, and I know more than one dermatologist who has prescribed antibacterial soap such as Dial to their acne-ravaged patients. However, soap is drying; if you have a normal or a dry complexion you're better off with something else.

Complexion bars look like soap, but they are actually mild cleansers in bar form. Look for individual formulas targeting oily, normal, or dry complexions.

Liquid and cream cleansers

Liquid cleansers - sometimes called cleansing milks, cleansing lotions, or cleansing gels - have the consistency of thick to moderately thick body lotion. To use, spread a quarter-­sized amount over dry or damp skin, then wipe off with a damp washcloth or rinse off with lukewarm water.

Depending on your age, you probably remember seeing your mother or grandmother use cold cream. This thick, luxurious cream is rubbed into the skin, where it melts makeup, excess sebum, and dirt. It is then wiped off with dry tissues or a slightly damp washcloth. Because of its heavy, oily nature, cold cream is always best-suited to dry skin.

Sebum production speeds up in the summer, which contributes to grimy "summer skin." You may want to sneak in an extra daily cleansing during warm weather.

Makeup remover

This creamy product is designed to break down makeup for easy removal. It is not a substitute for a regular facial cleanser, which is specially formulated to sweep away excess sebum and impurities from the skin.

Not everyone needs makeup remover, nor does everyone need it all the time. Personally, the only time I use it is when I want to remove a thick layer of makeup. Eye makeup remover is a special type of makeup remover made to melt budge-proof eye cosmetics such as waterproof mascara and false eyelash glue.