What Skincare Do I Need?

Knowing whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive (which is actually a condition, not a type) or combination is essential to choosing the right skincare. A dermatologist or skincare specialist can help you determine your skin type, but it's also easy to discover at home.

Do this by washing your face with water and allowing it to air dry. If your skin feels tight and uncomfortable, you've probably got dry skin. Still a little slick? It's likely to be oily. Combination skin will feel somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. If you have increased redness, itchiness and discomfort after using certain products you could have sensitive skin. It's best to speak to a professional if your skin is regularly irritated.

Oily skin types often get a bad rep, being associated with teenage hormones or a poor diet. In truth, oily skin is impacted by your genetics and is more common in men than women. Skincare for oily skin focuses on maintaining good skin hydration while managing the production of oil from your sebaceous glands. It will often treat acne and blackheads, as these are common among those with oilier skin. Cleansing is particularly important for oily skin types (Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm with charcoal is a great choice).

Many people with oily skin fall into the trap of thinking they need to avoid anything moisturising, which can lead to the skin producing even more oil to combat dehydration. Moisturisers should be kept light and water-based such as Origin's A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer. It's important to not strip skin of oils: Murad's Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Mask is a great weekly treatment to support your natural skin barrier.

Combination skin is exactly that – a mix of dry and oily areas across your face. You'll most likely be oily through your T-zone (forehead, down the nose and a little on the chin), and drier on your cheeks, though this can vary. People with combination skin often need to change their skincare routine as the seasons change with a stronger focus on hydration in the winter and oil maintenance in the summer.

The key to skincare for combination skin is balance and you might need to experiment with different products before you achieve this. Try Origin's Checks & Balances frothy face wash to start your day on a blank canvas. Clinique's Dramatically Different moisturisers come in a range of formulas – from lotions and creams to gels and jellies – to suit your level of oil. Try REN's Ready, Steady Glow at night: it's a gentle exfoliator that brightens and balances your skin, without drying it out.