A good skin care routine should be based upon the needs of the skin. Knowing and understanding your skin type will help you select the appropriate products. There are five major types of skin.

Normal skin - this is the ideal skin type that is even, smooth, firm and with small pores. This type is the not too oily, not too dry and the complexion simply glows. Lines and wrinkles on this skin type are age appropriate. This skin type only needs a standard cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine.

Dry Skin - this kind of skin feels dry to the touch and might feel fight after washing. This skin type is usually the one that tends to age first so special care is needed to protect this skin. Hot water tends to be drying so ideally the skin is washed with lukewarm mineral water because tap water is too harsh on this skin type. It is important to apply moisturizers and eye creams to avoid those signs of aging around the eyes.

Oily Skin - because of the hormonal changes, this skin type is usually associated with adolescents. Special care is needed for this skin type because since it produces excess sebum it needs to be cleaned out well. However the advantage of oily skin is that it tends to age less fast then other skin types.

Combination Skin - this kind of skin varies according to your skin type. This type is most commonly characterized as oily on the T-zone (area, while being normal to dry on the cheeks and around the eye area.

Sensitive Skin - people with sensitive skin are the most prone to allergies, rash, sting, and burns. This type of skin gets irritated very easily and can go very red and blotchy. People with sensitive skin should follow a basic skincare routine using hypoallergenic products to prevent irritations.

Taking care of your skin properly will ensure that it looks it best. Choosing products that are not appropriate for our skin type will tend to make pre existing conditions worse.