Establishing a skin care routine that works for you can be a guessing game. With so many products and options available, it can be hard to know if you are making the right decision.

Another thing to consider? How to practice good hygiene. There are steps you can take in your beauty routine to help prevent skin damage and infection.

From routine to hygiene, here’s what you need to know.

Establish a proper skin care routine

When it comes to establishing a proper skin care routine, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start.

“Everyone should have a daily skin care regimen,” said Dr. Phillip Khan , plastic surgeon with Novant Health Coastal Plastic Surgery . “If nothing else, it should consist of a basic cleanser and moisturizer.”

Khan recommended using a cleanser in the morning and in the evening to remove any bacteria on the skin. A foaming face wash is best for those with oily skin, while a gel cleanser works better for those with dry skin, Khan said.

Moisturizer should be applied in the morning and in the evening when the face is damp.

“I can’t underscore moisturizer with sunscreen enough,” Khan said. “The moisturizer you apply in the morning should have an SPF of at least 30.”

Avoid infection

When sharing any type of makeup or beauty tool, there is a risk for infection.

Sharing lip products can spread the cold sore virus. Sharing eye products can pass around pink eye.

If you share tools like tweezers, even within a family, there can be a risk for spreading bacteria.

“Natural and pathologic skin bacteria and skin contaminates can be passed on those tools,” Khan said. “It could easily spread from one person to the next. Properly cleaning these tools before and after use should be routine.”

Even sharing a jar of moisturizer could lead to the spread of bacteria. “Jars of moisturizer leave more room for cross contamination if used by more than one person.” Khan said.

Makeup brushes and tools should also be considered. Since these tools are most likely used daily, they should be cleaned regularly.

And if you’re thinking about getting a manicure or pedicure at the salon, it may be wise to look up the standards for the sterility of their instruments. Most salons use an autoclave, which sterilizes by steam under pressure, or a disinfectant that is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Khan said it’s best to do your homework and make sure they are using proper sterilizing techniques. Some of the tools used can be invasive, raising the likelihood of spreading infection.

“Establishing a proper beauty routine shouldn’t be overwhelming,” Khan said. “It’s mostly proper skin care and doing your research to find something that works best for you.”