The Secret to Beautiful Skin
Our skin has plenty to deal with. Exposure to the sun, exposure to the elements and the effects of the aging process can take its toll, leaving our complexions looking less than their best. The good news is that your skin doesn't have to fight the good fight alone. There are plenty of great skin care products on the market that will keep your epidermis looking smoother, younger and more radiant, no matter what your age. The key is in knowing how to match skin care products to your skin type for maximum benefit.

What's your Type?
There are four types of skin that women deal with; dry, oily, combination and normal. The best way to determine your skin type is to wash your face and then leave it for an hour. Next, dab your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose with a tissue and see what you've got. An oily residue from all of the areas probably signifies an oily skin type. Residue from the forehead and nose only indicates that you have combination skin. Dry skin flakes will signal a dry skin type, and a clean tissue usually means normal skin. Once you have identified your skin type, you can find products that will address your individual needs to keep your skin looking its best.

Some women also have sensitive skin, and while this is most common with dry skin, any skin type can have this issue. Sensitive skin will react to temperature changes, detergents and cosmetics easily, resulting in redness or irritation. If you have sensitive skin, it is important to use products that say "hypoallergenic" or "fragrance-free" to avoid any unnecessary reactions to skin care substances.

There are plenty of good skin care lines on the market today, that offer everything from total cleansing to anti-aging formulas. Two of the most popular lines are Clinique, which offers a full spectrum to women of all ages and skin types, to Clarins, which has been a leading manufacturer of women's skin care products for more than 40 years. Once you have found a name in skin care that you like, select your product based on your skin type and your personal goals in skin care.

Two products that every woman should add to her skin care regimen include a moisturizer and a sunscreen. Exposure to the sun's UV rays can be very damaging to the skin, causing premature aging and a higher risk of skin cancer, so sunscreen needs to become a daily habit for all of us. Moisturizers today can work overtime, providing other benefits besides hydration of the skin, like anti-aging properties and sun protection. Oily skin should use a moisturizer that is water-based to avoid adding extra pore-clogging oil to the complexion. Moisturizers that contain nutrients like vitamins A and E will help to strengthen skin as they hydrate.

Your skin is your outer layer against the elements of the world. Take good care of it, and it will take care of you. Beautiful skin never goes out of style.