Keisha Brown, Gleaner Writer

What you should know

There are five basic skin types. However, a person's facial skin can vary at different times throughout life due to conditions such as illness or other stressors.

Dry skin

Dry skin is caused by underactive or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive.

The dry skin beauty fix

Hydrate regularly from the inside (drink lots of water) and outside with rich hydrating creams and lotions.

The dry skin beauty fix

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion

Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30. With this product, you get not only a great moisturiser, but you get SPF protection too.

Dove Sensitive Essentials Day Lotion.

Oily skin

Oily skin is caused by glands that produce too much sebum, resulting in skin that has a greasy, slippery texture, appears shiny and frequently has large, clogged pores. Oily skin types are prone to develop acne. Despite all of this, oily skin generally remains younger-looking over time than any of the other skin types.

The oily skin beauty fix

Periodic herbal steam treatments and clay masks.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser SPF 15

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion UV Defense Combination/Oily

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be dry, normal or oily and is characterised by delicacy, which is why it is felt by dermatologists that it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. It frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition.

The sensitive skin beauty fix

Light steaming and essential oils

Dove Sensitive Essentials Day Lotion

Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30.

Normal skin

In normal skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state, i.e. not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks plump, moist and vibrant.

The normal skin way of life

Regular cleansing, toning and moisturising

Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturiser

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturiser SPF 30.

Combination skin

Most people have at least two different types of facial skin at any given time. The combination of skin is frequently characterised by an oily 'T-Zone' area, which covers the forehead, nose and chin. The skin around the cheeks, eyes and mouth is normal or dry.

The combination skin beauty fix

These different types of skin require different treatments, so people with combination skin need to assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.

Clarins Hydration - Plus Moisture Lotion

Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturiser.

If you don't already know what your skin type is, see a dermatologist or aesthetician and have your skin analysed.