Skin is commonly classified as dry, normal, combination or oily. More specific descriptions, such as sensitive or dehydrated skin, are also often used.

What is your skin type? Understanding it can make choosing skincare and cleansing products much easier.

Characteristics

Dry skin tends to lack both oil and moisture. It may flake, make makeup sit unevenly and accentuate fine lines.

Areas that dry easily, such as the eyes and lips, benefit from moisturizing care with products such as eye cream and lip balm.

Care

Excessive washing can irritate the skin. Use around twice a day as a guide; depending on your skin condition, a water-only wash may be enough in the morning.

Gently manage flaky skin around once or twice a week with a mild product containing very fine particles or no particles.

Choose products that replenish both moisture and oil. Applying hydrating products first and finishing with an oil-rich product can help form a moisture-retaining layer.

Characteristics

Normal skin has a relatively balanced level of oil and moisture, without prominent dryness or shine. Its condition can still change with the season and overall health.

Care

Maintain the existing balance. Avoid excessive cleansing and harsh exfoliation, and consistently provide hydration and sun protection.

Characteristics

Oily skin produces more sebum and can become shiny easily. Makeup may wear off readily, and debris may accumulate in pores.

Regularly managing sebum balance matters because acne and breakouts may worsen if left unaddressed.

Care

Cleanse thoroughly each day to prevent excessive buildup of oil and dead skin. Use a mildly acidic cleanser with gentle massaging motions following the skin's texture.

After cleansing, replenish moisture with a lightweight moisturizer to help balance oil and water.

Choose products suited to your skin type. Gentle exfoliation around once or twice a week may also help manage sebum and dead skin.

Characteristics

Combination skin has different characteristics in different areas. It often helps to treat an oily T-zone and a drier U-zone separately.

T-zone

For oilier areas such as the nose and forehead, refer to oily-skin care to manage sebum and shine.

U-zone

For less oily areas such as the cheeks and chin, refer to dry-skin care and provide sufficient hydration and moisturizing care.

Care

For an oily T-zone, double cleansing or lighter products may be useful.

Apply sufficient moisturizer to the dry U-zone after cleansing. Caring for each area differently is the key to combination-skin management.

Characteristics

Sensitive skin reacts readily to external stimuli and even small environmental changes. Breakouts, redness and stinging can make care challenging.

Care

Lather the cleanser well and wash with gentle massaging motions to minimize irritation.

Avoid potential irritants such as hot water, alkaline soap and scrubbing towels. Consider low-alcohol products focused on soothing and moisturizing.

Hydroxy acids, some plant extracts, vitamin C, lanolin, propylene glycol and retinoids may irritate some people. Check ingredients and monitor your skin's response.

With sensitive skin, take care with saunas that may remove moisture, excessive facial oil and harsh exfoliation.

If exfoliating, choose a gentle product designed for sensitive skin and monitor frequency and skin response.