If you're still unsure how to start a skincare routine, the best way is to figure out your skin type. But how can you identify your skin's characteristics to achieve a beautiful, healthy complexion?

We've prepared this comprehensive guide to help you discover the key daily care tips for keeping your skin radiant. See below.

Determine your skin type

Normal skin : generally does not have excessive shine or dryness and produces the ideal amount of oil.

Dry skin: generally has little natural oil. It appears dry, rough, and lacks luminosity.

Oily skin: has enlarged pores, with a high risk of developing blackheads and pimples. Oiliness is usually concentrated in the "T-zone" of the face (forehead, nose, and chin).

Combination skin:  may present dryness in specific parts of the face and oiliness in other areas, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).

Sensitive skin: This is not a skin type. Sensitivity can occur in any of the skin types mentioned above. This condition can occur for a variety of reasons, including climate change, reactions to acne treatments, skin conditions, lack of hydration, and more. It usually leaves the area red, burning, and itchy.

Morning routine

For a basic morning skincare routine, follow these steps:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser that won't completely strip away natural oils.
2. Apply a serum, moisturizer, or oil.
3. Apply sunscreen.

The types of products you choose should be based on your skin type.

Normal skin

Cleansing: Choose something gentle, like micellar water, which contains molecules that remove dirt. Simply apply it to your skin without rinsing. You can also use a foaming cleanser.

Serum: Serums are available for various skin treatments. Choose one that suits your needs, whether anti-aging or moisturizing. Look for ingredients like antioxidants, nourishing oils, or retinol.

Moisturizer: Just like with your serum, choose a moisturizer that meets your needs and contains antioxidants.

Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen every day before leaving the house. Use a well-textured, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You can opt for a moisturizer containing sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine, before applying makeup, if applicable.

Dry skin

Cleansing: Choose a gentle, preferably fragrance-free cleanser and use just enough to create a light lather. Towel dry and immediately apply moisturizer.

Serum and moisturizer: The key to preventing dry skin is retaining moisture. Use a cream for dry skin. Ingredients to look for in these products include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and lanolin.

Sunscreen: Use a fragrance-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Oily skin

Cleansing: Use a foaming cleanser that's alcohol- and oil-free. You don't need harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oils. Choose products that remove dirt and oil while being gentle on your skin to avoid potential irritation.

Serum and moisturizer: Avoid any oil-based serums or moisturizers. Choose those labeled non-comedogenic—and fragrance-free for less irritation.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen can aggravate acne-prone skin and cause breakouts, but it's essential to protect your skin. Choosing barrier sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can help. Be sure to choose a product labeled oil-free.

Combination skin

For combination skin, you may need to treat specific dry or oily areas with different products. Otherwise, use a gentle foaming cleanser and apply moisturizer and sunscreen daily. Avoid any products that cause breakouts or dryness.

Sensitive skin

Cleansing: Using an oil to cleanse sensitive skin can help. A pure oil, such as argan, coconut, or jojoba, can dissolve dirt and grime without additives that can aggravate the skin. You can also use a very gentle liquid cleanser without added fragrance.

Serum and moisturizer: The fewer products you use if you have sensitive skin, the easier it will be to identify what might cause irritation. Choose a single product that has few ingredients and is fragrance-free. If your skin burns after using the product, discontinue use immediately.

Sunscreen: A barrier-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is a great option. Avoid products with fragrances.

Adverse effects

Stop using any skin product that results in burning, itching, redness, swelling, or pain.

Night Routine

For a basic evening skincare routine, follow these steps:

Cleanse your skin, using a makeup remover if necessary.

Apply a facial toner, spreading it all over your face.

Apply a night serum or moisturizer, or both, if desired.

Click on your skin type to see recommended products.

Normal skin

Toner: Choose a toner suitable for normal skin. Toners containing hydroxy acids help with UV damage, while those with antioxidants—like vitamins C and E—can treat free radical damage and scarring.

Serum or moisturizer: Choose a serum or moisturizer for nighttime use. A vitamin A cream, for example, can help with collagen production, while retinol helps combat signs of aging.

Dry Skin

Toner: Skip this step or use a toner that offers hydrating benefits. Avoid alcohol-based toners.

Serum or moisturizer: Oil-in-water formulations, such as lightweight gels, lotions, and serums, are ideal for normal to dry skin.

Oily Skin

Toner: Use a gentle, balancing toner, avoiding alcohol- or oil-based toners. Look for non-comedogenic brands.

Serum or moisturizer: Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Choose products with antioxidants like resveratrol, quercetin, and cinnamic acid, which help reduce inflammation.

Combination Skin

For nighttime care for combination skin, choose products that won't aggravate or irritate the skin condition. Salicylic acid is a great active ingredient for cleansing combination skin. Always apply thin layers of products.

Sensitive Skin

Toners: Skip this step or use a very gentle natural toner.

Serum or moisturizer: Moisturizers containing humectants—such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid—work well for sensitive skin. Preventing moisture loss with creams containing barrier molecules, such as petrolatum and dimethicone, can also help.