Generally speaking, there are 5 main skin types: sensitive, dry, oily, normal, and combination. Nevertheless, each individual’s skin balance varies according to age, hygiene and lifestyle, hormonal changes, stress levels, etc. The skin’s characteristics can therefore change at different stages in life.

All skin types can benefit from daily cleansing and moisturizing, but different skin types, which include oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin, have different needs — which is why understanding your skin type is the first step in caring for it. But how do you know what type of skin you have? The answer can be found through simple observation.

We break down the basic skin types to help you figure out yours.

5 Different Types of Skin

Oily Skin — Oily skin is used to describe a skin type with heightened sebum production. You have large pores that work overtime secreting excess oil.

Dry Skin — Dry skin is determined by flaky and rough texture. It can at times feel tight and cause irritation. Dry skin can be caused by over-washing, using the wrong products, or even the weather, when you travel to a colder or less-humid place.

Normal Skin — Normal skin is comfortable and easy to manage. Its neither too oily nor too dry. It has balanced sebum production and good blood circulation.

Sensitive Skin — If your skin flushes with spicy food and adversely reacts to new products, you may have sensitive skin. if you have sensitive skin, it may be red, feel like it’s burning, itching or dry.

Combination Skin — Combination skin includes areas that are dry as well as oily — with the T-Zone commonly being oily, and the cheeks being either dry or normal. Combination skin is, as the name suggests, skin that consists of a mix of skin types.

Best Food for Different Types of Skin

Oily Skin — Food that has anti-inflammatory oils can reduce the amount of oily skin. Avocado, Fish and Olive are foods that have anti-inflammatory oils. You may also eat Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Almonds, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Blueberries and Green tea.

Dry Skin — Drinking 2 liters of water each day can help. Through fatty acids you can also hydrate your skin in avocado , olive oil and salmon. You may also eat Trout, Sardines, Eggs, Almonds, Cashews, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Bananas, Broccoli and Spinach.

Normal Skin — this skin type can handle a little bit of everything. This food is good for a normal skin: Cabbage, Arugula, Spinach, Carrots, Salmon, Chicken Eggs, Olive Oil, Quinoa, Brown Rice Millet, Fermented Food.

Sensitive Skin — If you’re blessed with sensitive skin that reacts to everything, take heart to be gentle with yourself: Asparagus, Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Flaxseed, Oranges, Green Tea, Avocado, Apples, and Berries.

Combination Skin — Lean protein, fresh greens, cruciferous vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits should make up 95% of the diet. Here some foods that’s good for combination skin: Broccoli, Kale, Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Arugula, Spinach, Carrots, Chicken, Eggs and Sardines.