Skincare can be confusing sometimes. There are so many products to choose from and pretty much all the brands say that their products are the best. Which skincare products is right for you? What’s the best routine for your skin? You probably have a lot of questions, so let’s get talking.

Here are the most frequently asked skincare questions answered:

1. What is my skin type?

This is definitely one of the most important questions that you need to know. Skincare products are labeled depending on skin type, so it is ideal that you know what your type is to get the best product for you. There are 5 different types of skin: normal, dry, oil, combination and sensitive.

Here’s how to tell what yours is:

Normal - Your skin rarely breaks out, your pores are small and your skin texture is smooth. Normal skin is balanced, healthy and very easy to maintain.

Oily - Oily skin types feel greasy and look shiny because of excess sebum, which comes out on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Your skin is more likely to experience breakouts and your pores are enlarged.

Dry - Flakiness and dullness are some of the signs of dry skin. Your skin also often feels tight and easily gets irritated and itchy.

Combination - Combination skin is sometimes dry and sometimes oily. You can get breakouts and dry patches at the same time, or get oily only in certain parts of your face.

Sensitive - Sensitive skin can be dry or oily but prone to irritation and redness. Your skin may also be easily triggered by allergens.

2. How can I lighten acne scars?

Products that contain brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide. For a much gentler approach, you can also go for organic skincare products that contain turmeric and papaya. These natural ingredients have a brightening effect that can lighten hyperpigmentation and acne scars without drying the skin like chemical acids can.

3. How can I prevent skin aging?

We can’t stop skin from aging but the good news is — we can slow it down! Stick to an anti-aging routine that will make your skin youthful for longer. Look for skincare products that are high in antioxidants that combat aging. Another super important element that you should not forget is sunscreen. Being exposed to the sun’s harmful rays without protection can quickly make your skin look older. So, wear sunscreen every day!

4. How often should I exfoliate?

Exfoliation is essential to getting that healthy and youthful glow but doing it wrong can cause lasting damage to your skin! The general rule is to exfoliate your face twice a week. However, this will depend on your skin type. Those who have tougher skin can exfoliate more, while those who are more sensitive may need to do it less. Also, go for gentle cleansers. There are some physical scrubs that can be too rough for sensitive skin. Stay away from harsh exfoliants and stick to gentle cleansers.

5. How can I take care of sensitive skin?

It can be tricky to take care of sensitive skin because it gets irritated easily. One of the best ways is to go natural! Switching to a clean beauty routine will help keep you away from harsh chemicals in commercial skincare, which can trigger irritation. Stay away from ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates and microplastics. These are not only harsh on sensitive skin, they are also known to be cancer-causing ingredients. On the other hand, organic skincare products use plant-based ingredients that are gentle but effective.