One of the keys to successfully caring for your skin is to correctly determine your skin type. There are four basic skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Normal skin has even color, small pores, little visible skin oil, and infrequent blemishes. Following a daily skin care regimen for normal skin is the best course of action for caring for normal skin. Dry skin can seem tight after washing and can have red or blotchy areas. It may also have dry patches and feel itchy on occasion. There are special moisturizing cleansers, toners, masques, and moisturizers for dry skin. It is very important to choose skin care products according to your skin type. For example, oily skin is often shiny and is more susceptible to breakouts due to the overproduction of sebum, or oil, by the sebaceous (sih-BAY-shus) glands. Using cleansers, toners, masques, and moisturizers that help rid the skin of excess oil can improve the appearance of oily skin. It is also essential to wear oil-free, water-based makeup when you have oily skin. Another skin type is combination skin. This refers to people who have breakouts and oil in the forehead, nose, and chin area, but less oil across the cheeks. There are also specific products made especially for combination skin. To determine your skin type, examine your skin in its natural state, without harsh cleansers, moisturizers, or makeup.
