In a world filled with an endless amount of skin care products, it can be hard to determine which ones are worth your time and money. However, by taking the time to consider your skin type and specific needs, you can narrow down the options and find products that will work for you. This guide will help you choose the right skin care products for your individualized routine. beauty  is one of the authority sites on this topic.

Determining Your Skin Type

The first step in creating an effective skin care routine is knowing your skin type. There are four main types of skin: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.

-Oily skin is shiny, thick, and often susceptible to blemishes.

-Dry skin is thin, flaky, and can feel tight or irritated.

-Combination skin is a mix of both oily and dry areas.

-Sensitive skin can be any type but is easily irritated.

You can determine your skin type by paying attention to how your skin feels throughout the day. Do you tend to have a greasy forehead and nose but dry cheeks? You likely have combination skin. Is your nose and chin covered in blemishes? Oily skin is usually the culprit. Experiencing burning or redness after using certain products? Sensitive skin may be to blame.    Once you’ve determined your skin type, you can begin looking for products that will address your specific needs.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, it’s important to control shine and prevent breakouts. A gentle cleanser will help remove excess oil without stripping away moisture (which could lead to even more oil production). A light lotion or gel moisturizer will hydrate without clogging pores. And don’t forget SPF! Oily skin is just as susceptible to sun damage as any other type. Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you’ll want to focus on replenishing lost moisture. A creamy cleanser will help remove dirt and makeup without drying out your face. Follow up with a hydrating serum or oil and then a rich cream moisturizer. You may also want to add a weekly hydrating mask to your routine for an extra dose of hydration. Be sure to avoid cleansers and moisturizers with harsh ingredients that could further irritate dry patches.

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, you likely deal with both dryness and oiliness in different areas of your face. The key is finding a balance between the two extremes. A gel cleanser will remove dirt and oil without stripping away moisture like some foaming cleansers can. Follow up with a light lotion or gel moisturizer on dry areas only—you don’t want to add extra oil where there’s already too much! Apply a mattifying primer before makeup to help control shine throughout the day without drying out your complexion.

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be careful when choosing new products as even gentle formulas can cause irritation. Look for “fragrance free” formulas—fragrances are common culprits when it comes to irritation—and patch test new products before using them all over your face. A creamy cleanser followed by a hydrating serum or lotion should cleanse and moisturize without causing irritation .