Our skin is the largest organ in our body and serves as a protective barrier against external elements. However, skin types vary from person to person which means that not all skin types can be treated the same way.

Understanding your skin type is the first step to proper skin care. Here are the 5 skin types and how to care for them:.

1. Normal Skin

Normal skin type is the most balanced type of skin. This means that there is a good balance between the amount of oil and moisture in the skin. Normal skin is characterized as having a smooth texture, small pores, and no visible blemishes.

If you’re lucky enough to have normal skin, it’s important to keep it that way.

Caring for normal skin is quite easy. Simply cleanse your skin with a mild, non-soap cleanser once or twice a day. Use a moisturizer with SPF to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun.

Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of oil and moisture in the skin. This type of skin can be flaky, itchy, and prone to wrinkles and fine lines. Dry skin can be caused by genetics, weather, and certain skincare products.

It’s important to take care of dry skin to prevent it from becoming worse.

Cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils. Apply a moisturizer generously after cleansing and throughout the day to keep skin hydrated.

Using a humidifier in your bedroom at night can also help add moisture to the air. Avoid long hot showers, they can strip the skin of natural oils. And exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells.

3. Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by excess oil production in the skin. This can result in enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. Oily skin can be caused by genetics, hormones, and even stress.

While oily skin can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that oil is actually good for the skin and helps keep it hydrated. The goal with oily skin is not to remove all the oil, but to balance it out.

Cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser once or twice a day. It’s important to avoid harsh scrubs or toners that can strip the skin of oil. After cleansing, use a lightweight moisturizer that won’t clog pores.

Be sure to use a sunscreen with an oil-free formula to protect your skin from the sun.

4. Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by having oily skin in some areas and dry skin in others. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily while the cheeks are dry.

Combination skin can be tricky to take care of as you have to treat each area differently.

Cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser once or twice a day. Apply a lightweight moisturizer to dry areas and an oil-free moisturizer to oily areas. Use a sunscreen with an oil-free formula to protect your skin from the sun.

Exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is characterized by a tendency to get easily irritated and red. Sensitive skin can be caused by genetics, rosacea, and the use of harsh skincare products. It’s important to take care of sensitive skin to prevent it from getting worse.

Cleanse your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser once a day. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Use a sunscreen with a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect your skin from the sun.

Avoid using products with fragrances and harsh chemicals. Test new products on a small patch of skin before applying them to your face.