We are terribly influenced by those around us regarding the use of products. It's important to be aware of your skin type before you set out to take care of it.

A perfectly good product doing wonders for a friend may not be the right one for you. There is no dearth of cleansers, moisturisers, face washes, serums, packs available in the market today. Not to mention the attractive advertisement that makes us want to try it as soon as possible.

Step one is to know and understand your skin well enough to be able to take the right decisions for it. For instance, Derma Abrasion treatments have awesome results for some, as it removes the dead skin from the surface of the skin to reveal fresher, younger looking skin from underneath.

Great if you have oily skin with pores and slightly sturdy skin, but if you have thin skin, your goose is cooked. You will end up with more pigmentation than ever before.

The moral of the story is to know your skin and how to look after it. Following in another's footsteps may lead you astray. Create for yourself a routine that suits you. Include natural organically farmed fruits and vegetables into your beauty regimen. Fresh cream, yoghurt, turmeric, aloe vera, the list is endless. And the results are excellent with regular use.

No matter your skin type, cleansing is always step one.

DRY SKIN

Winter will dry it more and you do not need to strip it off of moisture by using a harsh cleanser. Cream based cleansing creams can be used followed by a mild face wash, followed by immediately applying a rich cream to restore moisture levels.

Massage baby oil on your body and face before bathing or stepping into the shower. If it still feels dry and you crave more suppleness, then finish the bath and on wet skin, massage baby oil. Pat dry with towel. Moisture is locked in, and I guarantee smooth supple skin to battle the winter.

Drier skin tends to be a little sensitive, so proceed with skin treatments using lasers, ozone's, abrasions with caution. Be delicate and gentle with it at all times.

Facials are like food for skin, be generous with hydrating facials, specially those using herbal and fresh ingredients and products.

Moisturise at any given opportunity. It is the key to good skin.

Use bleach or lightening chemicals sparingly, and for shorter periods of time compared to other skin types. It strips precious moisture from the skin that you can't afford to lose.

OILY/COMBINATION-SKIN TYPE

Usually sturdier than dry skin, but requires even more attention because it can react to misuse very aggressively by presenting you with acne, pimples, pores, pigmentations etc.

Cleansing oily skin correctly is extremely important, the over production of sebum blocks the pores in the skin, not allowing it to breathe. Unclogging them is a must. However, aggressive and rough cleansing routines can aggravate skin and have the opposite result.

Gel cleansers and face washes are very effective. Lather in small circular motions all over the face and neck. Wash off with cool water. Use astringent or toner on the cotton swab to remove additional oiliness from the T Zone if needed and close pores. Avoid warm or hot water always as the warmth will dilate the pores even more, eventually making them bigger. Cool water helps to close pores.

Moisturise with ultra-light moisturiser if you feel a tightness in the skin. If it feels too oily, splash a bit of water on the face and pat dry.

Facials can be done with products specifically designed for oily skin. The massage should not be too long as you do not want to overstimulate the glands and steam should be used sparingly.

Use ozone therapy during facials as it kills germs and bacteria, and takes away redness from the skin.

Face masks are excellent for oily and combination skin types. Clay is great for skin tightening. Infused with products such as turmeric (natural antiseptic) aloe vera (healing), clove, neem, lemon, yoghurt (bleaching) in various combinations is fantastic. Fresh fruits and veggies, such as cucumber, orange, tomato, potato, and papaya can be used.

Egg white is a great skin tightener, mix in with glycerine to create moisture without the oil element. Oily skin needs some hydration too. The best way to use glycerine is to apply it on damp skin whilst in the shower and let water run over you after application, and pat dry.

Aloe vera is a gift from God for all skin types, but especially oily or combo skin. It's healing medicinal, antibacterial properties are a boon for skin. Apply in gel form for oily skin. It will heal pimples, rashes, acne, sunburn and just about any irritant, ailment of skin.

Combine with cucumber juice or baby lotion for combination skin and cream for drier skin, lemon, or yoghurt for oily skin for great results. 

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed