• NORMAL - The Rarest Skin Type

Starting off with the normal skin type, I think it is important to know that this is actually the rarest skin type - some would even argue it doesn't exist. Normal skin means that your skin is naturally balanced, blemish free and rarely reacts to products. You have a well balanced pH and oil production. (If this is you, consider yourself blessed!) 

HOW TO MAINTAIN
- Use sunscreen! A broad-spectrum organic and clean formula with a minimum SPF of 30 can get the job done.
- Moisturize your skin and stay hydrated regularly, regardless of your skin type. Hydrated skin is healthy skin!
-Remove your makeup before going to bed every night. Sleep is when our bodies do the most healing and cleansing, so a clean face is best to sleep in.
-Incorporate potent ingredients in your skincare routine - like vitamin C to keep your skin youthful.

• DRY SKIN

This skin type means your skin often feels tight, it may be flaky/feel rough, small pores, and your sebaceous (oil) production is low. This can happen because of genetics, aging, or simply seasonal changes.

HOW TO MAINTAIN
- It is very important to moisturize dry skin at least twice a day.
- Avoid taking long showers or hot showers, as it will strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness. Let your skin air dry and then moisturize with something that has no artificial fragrance.
- Use a humidifier in your house in order to seep hydration into your skin.
- Look for emollient ingredients in your products - such as: zinc oxide, mineral oil, squalene, glycerin, beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, and synthetic compounds like butyl stearate and diglycol laurate.

• OILY SKIN

With oily skin, this means your skin is often shiny and sometimes greasy, and you may have larger more noticeable pores. This contributes to have acne prone skin and clogged pores. The main reason contributing to oily skin is hormonal changes (puberty, menopause, pregnancy), genetics, and climates that are hot and humid. 

HOW TO MAINTAIN
- Wash your skin with oil-absorbing cleansers and always follow up with a moisturizer.
- Incorporate ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid to deal with acne caused by dirt and oil clogged pores.
- Use lightweight water-based/gel-based/silicone-based products that can help maintain oily skin.
- Do not indulge in over-washing or skipping moisturizer, as it will lead to more oil production. If you do feel like you need to wash your face more on a particular day, use plain water. Water is the best natural solvent.
- Keep blotting papers and rice papers on hand to soak up oils from your face instantly.

• COMBINATION - The Most Common Skin Type

Combination skin is the most common skin type, this means your skin can be oily/dry, oily/normal, or dry/normal. Most people have an area on their face that acts up more than other areas - commonly the T-zone with larger pores being present. Combination skin can be caused by genetics, seasonal changes, or using products too harsh for your skin - disturbing your natural pH.

HOW TO MAINTAIN
- Use a gentle cleanser to avoid over-stimulating any larger pores present in your T-zone.
- Adapt two different skincare routines for your face. For instance, you can use some mattifying cleansers and toners on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), just to treat the excessive oiliness. Similarly, reserve the use of heavy creams just for the dry areas on your face.
- Keep your overall skincare products relatively oil-free, as oil-infused products can be quite rich on the T-zone.

• SENSITIVE

With a sensitive skin type, this means your skin is easily irritated, often red, may flareup/breakout often, or be prone to being itching/burning. The leading cause behind this skin type is the over-sensitivity of nerve endings present under your skin. Any stimulus such as products, sun exposure or even eating spicy food can trigger this sensitivity. Leading to a reddish or pinkish appearance of skin, sometimes causing stubborn irritations.

HOW TO MAINTAIN
- Consult a dermatologist to help figure out the right products, with the right pH balance to use on your skin.
- Moisturizers should be very thin and lightweight.
- Avoid products with fragrances, dyes and parabens in them (or any harsh ingredients for that matter).
- Alcoholic toners and astringents are a big no-no for sensitive skin.
- Taking vitamin supplements can help strengthen your skin against irritants. Sometimes, using cooled lotions that have been kept in the refrigerator can help reduce inflammation caused by hot climates.