Determine Your Skin Type

Skin comes in 4 basic types: dry, oily, normal and combination.

Knowing what type of skin you have will help you customize a daily skin care routine that's right for your particular complexion.

Dry skin is delicate and thin with a fine texture and no visible pores. Tight and dry, especially after washing, dry skin can become flaky and more susceptible to wrinkles. Fair complexions often tend to be dry.

Normal skin contains just the right balance of oil. Smooth and supple, normal skin is not prone to blemishes. If you have normal skin, count your blessings.

Oily skin tends to be shiny and has larger pores thanks to overactive oil glands. Without proper maintenance, this abundance of oil can result in eruptions. The good news is that oily skin is more resistant to sun damage, harsh treatment and wrinkles than dry skin.

Combination skin is just that — a combination of skin types: Your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) may be oily while your cheeks are tight and dry.

Unless your T-zone is excessively oily, most dermatologists recommend following a skin care routine designed for normal complexions.