Are you frustrated with using skincare products that work for others but not for you? Your friend and even your favorite influencer are raving about the exact same toner, so why does it give you breakouts? Well, one of the most common mistakes people make is to use the wrong products for their own skin type. Warning signs include ineffectiveness, general discomfort, and even acne.

So, it’s not your friend’s (or that influencer’s) fault! Some products simply won’t work for you because they aren’t made to address your skin’s specific needs. That being said, to properly care for your skin, you need to understand your skin type.

Oily Skin

Does your skin look too shiny? That’s because you may have oily skin, especially if you have the following characteristics:

• Shiny skin, especially in the T-zone, nose, and chin area
• Big pores
• Acne, blackheads, and whiteheads

Keep the oiliness and blemishes at bay by following a skincare routine for oily skin. Start your routine by washing your face with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which can combat excess oil. This ingredient goes deep into your pores, reducing blemishes. But be careful not to over-cleanse, as this may encourage your oil glands to produce more oil. After cleansing, use an oil-free moisturizer, so that you can hydrate your skin properly.

Dry Skin

Does your skin look dull? Your skin type could be too dry, especially if you have:

• Cracked and flaky skin
• Rough complexion
• Fine lines
• Red and itchy patches

Without the proper care, your skin can become irritated very quickly. The right skincare routine for dry skin needs to include hydrating products, so that you can fight uneven, dull, and rough skin. Use a light exfoliating cleanser to get rid of dirt, impurities, and roughness. More importantly, use a moisturizing treatment to give your skin all the hydration it needs. Healthy, hydrated skin is less prone to dullness and roughness.

Combination Skin

Are you unsure whether your skin is dry or oily? Then you might fall under the combination skin type, especially if you have:

• Big and open pores
• Oily T-zone area
• Dryness in your cheeks
• Blackheads

Combination skin can be tricky to care for because there is a lot to deal with. Care for your combination skin by using a foaming cleanser with hydrating ingredients, because it can combat grease without stripping your skin dry. Then you can use moisturizers with antioxidants or emollients which will help to hydrate and protect your skin.

Sensitive Skin

Does your skin get easily irritated? This may be because you have more reactive skin, which can manifest through the following:

• Redness
• Stinging or burning sensations
• General discomfort after contact with certain topical products or changes in temperature

If your skin is prone to any of the above, you need to soothe and protect it with gentle products. Look for cleansers and moisturizers that don’t have irritants, like sulfates, dyes, preservatives, alcohol, and fragrances. These will keep your skin clean and hydrated, without you having to worry about any adverse reactions.

Normal Skin

If you can’t relate to the skin concerns stated above, that’s great. If you have a normal skin type, you’ll probably have:

• Minimal blemishes
• Small pores
• Smooth and radiant skin

However, this isn’t an excuse to slack off when it comes to your skincare routine. Prevention is better than cure. Keep your skin healthy by using a gentle cleanser to avoid any unexpected irritation. Follow it up with a moisturizer that contains antioxidants, as they can boost your collagen production. Keep your skin amazing by protecting it properly!