Before you do anything to or put anything on your skin it is important to know your skin type.  Once you do, you can then pick the proper products and design an effective skin care program based on your specific skin type.

Very Dry:  Rarely oily in the t-zone area; skin feels tight from dehydration; pores are not usually visible;  skin is fragile and thin; fine lines and wrinkles show premature aging. 

Dry:  Minimal t-zone oil;  skin sometimes feels tight and dry; some pores may be visible; skin texture is thin; some fine lines and wrinkles may be visible.

Combination:  A few hours after cleansing t-zone oil is moderate;  skin can feel dehydrated at times; pores are visible in the t-zone area; some blackheads are present; occasional breakouts not uncommon.

Oily:  Skin is oily in the t-zone within a couple of hours after cleansing; pores are visible in the t-zone and cheeks; skin rarely if ever feels tight and dry; several pores are clogged; breakouts are frequent; skin has a shiny finish.

Very Oily:  T-Zone is oily shortly after cleansing; large pores are visible in t-zone and on cheeks; many pores are clogged, breakouts are frequent; skin has slick, shiny finish.

Acne:  Skin is oily, multiple breakouts visible along with redness and inflammation.

Sensitive:  Common skin products cause stinging, burning, or itching;  your skin may flush easily;  skin is typically dry and can be flaky; red blotchiness on face and/or neck are not uncommon.

In the spa, this is the first classification we use for skin typing, the other two common ones are the Fitzpatric Chart, and the Glogau Chart.