What's my skin type?

Skin can be classified into seven general types - combination/normal, dry, sensitive, oily, mature, couperose and acneic. Not sure which category your skin belongs?

Try a simple test at home to determine your skin type. After washing and drying your face, press a few pieces of thin rice paper or lens-cleaning tissue paper against different parts of your face. If the paper sticks and collects translucent oil spots, your skin is oily. If the paper doesn't stick, your skin is dry. If it sticks onto your forehead, nose or chin - the frustrating T-zone area - you have a combination skin type.

Every skin type will use one identical, effective and vital product - sunscreen! To prevent the onset of premature aging by protecting yourself from the sun - a major cause of those unwanted creases and lines (and of course, skin cancer) - seek out a sunscreen product with SPF of 15 or higher. Try Cellex-C Sunscreen SPF 30, which is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide - also ideal ingredients for sensitive skin. Athletes or anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors will appreciate the benefits of waterproof and oil-free SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45, which also contains zinc oxide. Aside from using sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and try not to expose yourself to sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Combination/Normal

Neither excessively dry nor greasy, combination/normal skin is typically clear with medium pores. Your skin may tend toward dryness on the cheeks and oiliness in your T-zone, though overall the texture is ideal - smooth and even.

In order to preserve your skin's health, upkeep is necessary. To maintain surface moisture, use a mild, oil-based moisturizer beneath your makeup during the day and make sure to moisturize each night. Try a product like Pevonia Combination Skin Lotion for during the day and Pevonia O2ptimal Combination Skin Care Cream for night-time. Opt for a mild, emollient cleanser, such as SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser that effectively removes makeup but also soothes and conditions skin.

Dry

Dry skin is characterized by fine wrinkles, flakiness, red patches, dullness and a papery texture. To quench your skin's thirst, use creamy cleansers and thick moisturizers to boost moisture content.

Cleanse your face with alcohol-free cleansers, toners or milks, which will remove makeup and impurities while infusing moisture into dry skin. La Roche Posay Hydraphase Toner is alcohol-free, eliminates dirt and oils and best of all restores the moisture balance of your skin for a smooth, supple surface. The brand also makes a two-in-one Hydraphase Milk, a hydrating cleanser and makeup remover that requires absolutely no rinsing. For a luxurious hydrating cream, try Pevonia O2ptimal Dry Skin Care Cream.

Because dry skin is easily irritated, reduce your time in the shower, and don't rub your face as you dry it. Instead, pat gently with a towel to avoid chafing.

Sensitive

If you've got sensitive skin, prone to irritation and broken capillaries, itching, flakiness and blemishes, you require particular care. Those with sensitive skin are unable to use certain cosmetics and shouldn't apply chemical-based products. Instead, go for hypoallergenic skincare lines free of alcohol, emulsifiers and fragrances. For spots with irritation and redness, use La Roche Rosaliac Anti-Redness Mositurizer.

Tempted to try out a new product? Don't buy it without taking the allergy patch test first! Dab a sample of the product on your inner arm. If your skin starts itching or burning, you'll know to steer clear.

As with all skin types, cleansing is an important part of your routine, but finding a suitable, gentle product can be difficult. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, SkinMedica Sensitive Skin Cleanser or SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser are great options.

For moisturizing products, choose href=http://securecart.skincare-news.com/pc-1998-428-md-formulations-facial-lotion-sensitive-skin-formula.aspx>MD Formulations Facial Lotion Sensitive Skin Formula or Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream.

Oily

If you have enlarged pores, blackheads and blemishes, an oily T-zone, and your makeup wears off within a few hours, you probably have oily skin.

You might be tempted to over-wash your face, thinking the more you cleanse the better for your skin. Dermatologists say that's a big mistake. As with any skin type, over-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils. So, wash your face twice a day tops. Try Neostrata Oil Skin Solution - AHA 8, designed to eliminate the excess oils and lipids that block pores and create aggravating blemishes or SkinCeuticals Simply Clean, a gel cleanser that doesn't over-dry your skin.

Another mistake many make is thinking a moisturizer will only add to their oily skin worries. Massage a light, oil-free moisturizer into your face, allow it to absorb, and then use a tissue to remove excess product and prevent shine. Oily skin types can apply vitamin-rich Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer, formulated with a calming chamomile derivative that leaves skin feeling hydrated without any greasy residue. Pevonia Mattifying Oily Skin Cream is also a great hydrating option for obtaining smoother skin.

Mature

Does withered, wrinkled skin sound familiar to you? With age, skin loses elasticity and firmness, appears looser and thinner and acquires a dry, wrinkled texture. But it's never too early to begin an anti-aging skincare routine with

SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45 "Its oil free formula is great for all skin types and you'll love its affordable price and long lasting formula." More » Cellex-C Sun Care SPF 30 Plus "If you usually begin to show a response to sun exposure in 30 minutes, SPF 30 will allow you to stay up to three and three quarter hours under normal sun conditions before seeing a response to sun exposure." More »