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Skin care is not a one-size-fits-all procedure and it is important to tailor your skin care to your specific needs. There are five main skin types - dry, normal, oily, sensitive and combination - and here is the essential guide to the best skincare products for your skin type.

Oily skin

Oily skin is typified by having overactive sebaceous glands, which produce more oil than normal sebaceous glands. If you are not sure whether you have oily skin, blot some tissue on your forehead, nose or cheeks. If there is any facial oil on the tissue, you will know you have oily skin.

Oily skin is susceptible to spots and acne; however, there is some good news. Those with oily skin tend to develop wrinkles slower, as their skin stays naturally moisturised. The most important and best skin care products for oily skin are cleansers. Look out for cleansing balms, which are the best way to cleanse the skin despite feeling oily. Those with oily skin will also benefit from keeping blotting paper close by at all times and wearing a very light moisturiser.

Normal skin

Normal skin has an even tone and neither develops dry patches nor over-produces oil. Normal skin also tends to feel quite smooth. Despite its name, having 'normal skin' is actually far less likely than having one of the other types of skin. When you have normal skin, the priority is maintaining the pH level rather than battling a specific problem. Look for gentle cleansers and mid-duty moisturisers. Natural skin products are also ideal, as you do not require heavy-duty or prescriptive toiletries.

Dry skin

If you have dry skin, it is likely that you already know about it. Those with dry skin produce less sebum and will often have flaky skin, which will often feel tight after wiping. The important tips here are to invest in a really good moisturiser and to adjust your face cream according to the season. The trend for facial oils is also worth considering. Facial oils reach much deeper layers of the skin, moisturising it from the inside out rather than the other way around. The best cleansers for dry skin are gentle ones that do not strip the skin too much.

Combination skin

Combination skin is one of the most common types of skin and normally involves having oily patches on your T-zone with dry or normal skin on your cheeks. Those with combination skin will ideally treat different areas of their skin accordingly, which means using a heavier cleanser on the T-zone and a heavier face cream or facial oil on the cheeks.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is very common and means your skin is easily irritated by the elements and by chemicals. Those with sensitive skin may also have allergies, eczema or rosacea. Look out for skin care products that state they have been developed for sensitive skin and also avoid synthetic chemicals by buying natural-based or organic skin care products.