With all the external and internal conditions that your skin is vulnerable to, it is extremely important to give your skin the attention it needs to stay healthy. The first part of tending to your skin is finding out exactly what type of skin you have. This will help you better assess the type of skin treatments that you should be using. Skin types can be dry, oily, combination or sensitive and each type is marked by certain characteristics, which need to be addressed in different ways.

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Dry skin is flaky and may or may not feel tight, rough, or itchy. Oily skin, on the contrary, looks shiny or greasy and may be accompanied by large pores. Combination skin is made up of the not-so-best of both worlds and can be dry in some parts while oily in others. Then there is sensitive skin, which often experiences stinging, burning, or itching in reaction to some skincare products. Once you have established where you fall on the skin-type spectrum, you can make wiser decisions when sifting through the hundreds of skin creams, serums and balms that are offered.

In the mean time, there are certain lifestyle habits that everyone can adopt, regardless of skin type to contribute to healthier skin. They include the following:

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains
• Exercise regularly
• Learn stress-management

Once you incorporate these habits into your life, familiarize yourself with the needs of your skin, and choose the proper skin care products, you will be well on your way to giving your skin the TLC it deserves.

What are your favorite skin care routines that help provide flawless skin?