If you are like many men, you likely have skin issues. You might have a lot of chafing from shaving or from keeping a beard. Sometimes it seems like you just cannot win. Or, maybe you are plagued with embarrassing adult acne that you probably thought you long ago outgrew. To properly care for your skin, you first need to know your skin type.

Skin analysis allows you to purchase the proper types of products that will support your skin instead of making you break out like you are 13 all over again.

How To Determine Your Skin Type

Fortunately, there are some simple steps to take to identify the type of skin that you have. Start by simply washing and drying your face before you go to bed.

In the morning, before you do anything else, reach for a tissue, and blot your skin with the whole tissue. If it is oily, you have oily skin. If your skin is pretty tight with small pores, and the tissue stays mostly dry, then you have normal skin. For dry skin, there will be tightness and flaking of the skin, particularly on the forehead.

Another option is what is known as combination skin. This is where part of the tissue is greasy, and other parts are not. The skin might even have some other areas that are dry and flaky.

Caring For Your Skin Type

Not surprisingly, there are different ways to care for your skin, regardless of whether it is dry, normal, oily, or combination. If you have normal skin, you need to continue to wash your face as usual, making sure to cleanse with a product specifically designed for normal skin.

In addition, find a toner that is alcohol-free to prevent drying out your skin. A good lotion will properly moisturize to keep your face supple. A water-based lotion will likely work best for you. The base makes a difference, so be sure to read the labels. Beyond this, incorporate a twice-weekly salt or facial scrub into your routine. It will help agitate to remove dead skin and impurities from your face. It may sound silly to a guy, but those masks that you see women wearing in the movies are something you will want to add to your routine, as well. They are actually refreshing, and will make you feel like a million bucks.

The good news for those with oily skin is that it will tend to stay looking younger, longer. The drawback is that you will have a sheen of oil during hot weather, and it can spell disaster with your skin breaking out like a teen during their worst acne years. Using salicylic acid will eliminate oily skin that allows pimples to form. Use toners that contain alcohol or an astringent. This will help remove more of the unwanted oils. While it may sound like a self-defeating move, do not forget the moisturizer. Just be sure it is made to control oil and use it daily, but not at night. To give your face the Cadillac treatment – scrub it three times weekly and try to use a clay mask daily.

Guys, if you have dry skin be sure to give it a hydrating scrub three times each week. Use only mild soap-free washes. Skip shaving cream and toner. Instead, rely on a gel and aftershave balm. Guys with combination skin need to use proper washes and lotion, as specified on the bottle.