Must-Haves

Indicators:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness
• Often prone to acne or other skin irritations.
• Broken capillaries at the cheeks and flaking or scaling skin

Sensitive skin is prone to damage from environmental factors (wind, sun and cold weather). Your skin is often red and blotchy and allergy to cosmetics is common. Use fragrance-free facial washes and moisturisers and it's best to avoid skin exfoliants.

If your skin is sensitive, try to find out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. There are many possible reasons, but often it's in response to particular skin care products.

Indicators:

• Enlarged pores
• Dull or shiny, thick complexion
• Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
• A sheen that develops quickly after cleansing

Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather.

Things that can cause or worsen it include:

• Puberty or other hormonal imbalances
• Stress
• Heat or too much humidity

To take care of oily skin:

• Wash it no more than twice a day and after you sweat a lot.
• Use a gentle cleanser and don't scrub.
• Don't pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. They'll take longer to heal.
• Look for the word 'noncomedogenic' on skin care products and cosmetics. This means it won’t clog pores.

Indicators:

• None or few imperfections
• No severe sensitivity
• Barely visible pores
• A radiant complexion
• An even skin tone with no flaking or sheen
• Not too dry and not too oily

Your skin is smooth and radiant because it reflects light evenly. Your complexion is balanced (not too oily or too dry), and you rarely have breakouts. You don't notice any changes in your skin throughout the day and can try many kinds of products without having a reaction. With no signs of oily or dry areas, the skin is soft and smooth with good elasticity and firmness. Your skin's pores are small to medium sized. It is best to use products that maintain hydration and water-based moisturisers.

No apparent oily or dry areas and skin appears balanced. It is the least problematic of all skin types. Your complexion is supple, healthy and clear with good circulation.

Normal skin can fluctuate between all the skin types, but won't do so radically or for an extended period of time. While it’s the ideal skin type, it still requires regular care to keep skin and oil production in healthy unity.

Indicators:

Acne-prone skin can tend toward the oily side, but is often a combination of all skin types. Sometimes referred to as combination skin, acne-prone skin can also be dry, sensitive or mature. The obvious factor of acne-prone skin is raised lesions appearing on or under the skin.

Though spots can be painful and irritating, it is important to be gentle with skin. Try not to pick or squeeze spots and let them heal on their own. A natural spot treatment and a selection of natural and organic products formulated with spot treating remedies will help. Be sure to pay close attention to your diet and any external factors that may trigger spots to appear.

Indicators:

• Almost invisible pores
• Dull, rough complexion
• Red patches
• Your skin is less elastic
• More visible lines

Your skin can crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If it’s very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.

Dry skin may be caused or made worse by:

• Your genes
• Aging or hormonal changes
• Weather such as wind, sun, or cold
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds
• Indoor heating
• Long, hot baths and showers
• Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers
• Medications

Indicators:

• Blackheads and acne at the T-zone with large pores.
• Dry skin around the eyes and cheek.
• Oily skin at forehead, nose and chin.
• Oily areas are generally yellowish while the dry areas are sensitive and reddish.
• Uneven skin tone and appearance of freckle and spot-prone.
• Skin around the edges of the face can be flakey and dehydrated

Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. Slightly different care in different areas maybe needed.

With a little tender loving care, it is possible to tame combination skin. The key to balancing oiliness and dryness is with gentle cleansers and regular exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and combat acne. Regular exfoliating could mean anywhere from daily to weekly, and it's best to let your skin decide. Water-based products are ideal.