“Normal” can sound misleading when applied to skin, but it just means skin that’s naturally well-balanced. Other types include oily, dry, sensitive and combination.

People with normal skin don’t have regular breakouts or flaky patches. If you have few or no problems with excess oil or dryness, you probably have normal skin.

Skin types are largely genetic, though other factors do have an impact on skin health. For example, people with normal skin may experience a period of dryness or oiliness based on their activities, diet or environment. However, people with the oily or dry skin type can’t use their habits to “become” normal, though they may be able to mitigate the problems that come with their natural disposition.

Even normal skin has areas that get oilier or drier than others. You should pay attention to your forehead and nose, often called the “T zone,” which tends to be oilier than other parts of the face. You may also want to use strips to address black or white heads that often appear on those nose.

Normal skin care is a little less demanding than routines for other types, but it’s just as important. First of all, you should be cleaning your face every day and following a regular care routine.

You may be wondering if there are special products you should be using for normal skin. The answer is: kind of. You should definitely stick to products designed for your skin type, but you don’t need to go out of your way to get the most expensive or complex items. Cleanser

You should wash your face twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed. If you exercise, wash after a workout as well. Only use gentle cleansers, as harsh soap can dry out skin and cause irritation or even breakouts. Washing removes dirt and excess oil that has built up during the night or over the course of the day. If you wear makeup, remove it with your preferred product, then cleanse again to get rid of any lingering residue.

Toner
Toner is your last step in cleansing and should be used twice a day, right after washing your face. It not only catches any tiny traces of dirt that cleansing might have missed, but also closes pores. As a result, it’s an integral part of preventing acne. When looking for a toner, keep an eye on the ingredients, as some can be overly drying. Stay away from formulas that use ethanol or alcohol.

Moisturizer
After thoroughly washing your face, it’s time to moisturize. The products that clear away dirt, bacteria, oil and other pore-clogging elements also strip your skin’s natural moisture, so it’s important to use a hydrating product every time you cleanse. Otherwise, you can end up with dry skin or an over production of oil as your skin tries to regain balance. For more information on selecting the best products read our blog, Best Moisturizer For Normal Skin.

Sunscreen
Before you leave the house, it’s crucial that you apply sunscreen to protect yourself from UV radiation. Exposure to UV rays increases your risk of cancer and the effect is cumulative. Additionally, UV rays can age you prematurely, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. If you’re going to spend an extended amount of time outdoors, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Serum
A staple of Korean beauty routines, serums have become increasingly popular in the West and for good reason. These products come in a variety of formulas that focus on a specific skin care concerns:

• Moisturizing
• Reducing fine lines
• Reducing discoloration
• Reducing redness
• Reducing pore appearance

You should apply a serum during your evening routine as the penultimate step.

Nighttime Moisturizer
Evening moisturizing is a chance to max out hydration with a night cream. This is a heavier product that works while you sleep, delivering moisture and repairing vitamins for dewy skin in the morning.

Exfoliant
Last, but not least, is exfoliant. Unlike the other products we’ve mentioned, you should only use exfoliants once or twice a week to prevent over-drying, irritating or damaging skin. This product not only scrubs away dirt, but actually removes dead cells that can clog pores. You should exfoliate after cleansing but before you apply toner. You can either use a scrub or chemical mask — both are highly effective. Which you choose is a matter of preference.

There are new types of makeup introduced every day, but which works for you has a lot to do with your skin type. Foundation is especially tricky since it’s the first major layer and therefore interacts with your skin the most. There are several popular foundation types, all of which have their own pros and cons. What you choose depends on the look you’re going for, how you like to apply your makeup and what’s available in your area.

BB Cream
BB cream is the lightest option. It’s a tinted moisturizer and can be used to replace the moisturizing product in your morning skin care regimen. This is perfect for light coverage days or if you’re going for a more natural look. Many BB creams also have a low SPF which you can either wear in addition to or in place of your favorite sunscreen. It’s also very easy to apply, as you can put it on with your fingers like any other moisturizer.

Cream Foundation
Many brands are coming out with cream stick foundations which can double as contour and highlight products. They’re heavier than some other foundations and are good for moisturizing. That being said, if you’re experiencing excess oil or a breakout, you may want to stay away from them.

Generally, however, cream foundations work fine with normal skin. They can be used with other cream products as well as powder and even some liquid formulas. To apply, swipe it on, then use fingers, a beauty blender or a brush to blend the product out.

Dewy Liquid Foundation
The dewy look is quite popular in Korea and Japan and is gaining a footing in the West. A liquid foundation with a dewy finish is an easy way to get this look and works well with normal skin. Like cream, the dewy foundation is more moisturizing than other options. However, you can find a lighter formula if you don’t want heavy makeup or you can get an option that builds for a variety of looks. Blending liquid foundation can take a while and requires a brush or beauty blender.

Matte Liquid Foundation
Some liquid foundations dry down matte. These are optimal for people with oily skin but also work fine for anyone with the normal skin type. Like dewy liquid foundation, it can be applied with a brush or beauty blender. For extra mattifying and longer-lasting makeup, you can set it with translucent powder.

Powder Foundation
Powder foundation can be difficult to use with dry or oily skin, but people with normal skin should have no problem. Lighter than other options, powder can be applied with a brush or powder puff. Since application doesn’t require as much precision as liquid or cream, it can easily be touched up on the go.

While normal skin has a natural balance of oil, that can be upset by the environment. Excessively dry, humid and cold climates can wreak havoc on your skin even if you have no pre-existing concerns. Fortunately, you can remedy these issues with adjustments to your skin care routine.

Dry Climates
Dry climates such as deserts can pull moisture from skin, leaving it flaky and rough. If your area is also hot, you may experience acne from sweating. To combat these dual issues, cleanse your face regularly and use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient.

Humid Climates
Humidity is another weather factor that can cause sweating, so don’t be surprised if you breakout when going from a relatively dry environment to a humid one. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about dryness as much — as long as you don’t go overboard with the acne treatments.

Cold Climates
Cold weather is generally rough on all skin types and can lead to dryness. You may need to temporarily step up the moisturizing until your skin has returned to its normal balance. Also keep in mind that even though it’s colder outside, the sun is still a concern. If you’re going outdoors, put on sunscreen, even if you think you don’t need it.

The weather isn’t the only thing that impacts your skin’s health — there are all sorts of habits or lifestyle choices that may be affecting its appearance. A few common causes of breakouts or premature aging are stress, over-cleansing and smoking.

Manage Stress
Stress can have a larger impact on your health than you think; it’s been shown to cause breakouts and contribute to wrinkles. It also affects your sleep, which is an essential time for healing and recovery. If you’ve been stressed lately, try a few strategies to reduce the pressure in your life:/p>

• Take time for yourself
• Divide large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones
• Exercise

Don’t Over-Cleanse
If you’re producing excess oil due to climate or hormones, you may be tempted to use stronger cleansers, but please resist the urge. Harsh soaps can irritate skin and cause more harm than good. Instead of using stronger products or washing more frequently, look for a cleanser that’s specifically designed to control oil or acne.

Don’t Smoke
Smoking causes a lot of issues and unhealthy skin is one of the more visible ones. Collagen and elastin are both affected by smoking, leading to sagging, less elastic skin. You may also see more fine lines and wrinkles.

Nutrition is another major factor in skin health. Unfortunately, there’s no secret super food that will instantly give you glowing skin; instead, the key is a balanced diet that’s high in vitamins and low in fats and sugars.

Eat Your Veggies
Your parents were giving great advice when they told you to eat your vegetables — green, yellow and red vegetables have antioxidants, which are necessary for fighting the free radicals that cause aging. Additionally, when you supply your body with foods rich in vitamins, it’s better able to produce the collagen that repairs everyday damage.

Stay Hydrated
Our cells are literally made of water so it’s essential that we stay hydrated. Moisture is especially important for skin, which can become cracked, raw, rough and painful when dehydrated. By consuming enough water, you’re providing your body with the necessary materials to create healthy new cells.

Watch Your Dairy
Not everyone breaks out when they consume diary, but some individuals may notice a pattern between their dairy intake and acne. If you’ve been breaking out a lot recently, try cutting down on milk products for a week or so and see if you notice a difference.

Stay Away From Sugar
Processed sugar generally isn’t great for your health and there’s some evidence that consuming it in large amounts may lead to breakouts. Try to limit your sugar intake to occasional indulgences and keep away from it during your period when hormone levels are in flux, making you more prone to acne.

Now we’ve covered the basics of normal skin, but understanding your type is just the first step. If you don’t already have a skin care regimen, start building one with products specifically designed for normal skin. A lot goes into skin health, but with thoughtful planning and small lifestyle adjustments, you can keep your skin radiant.

Learn more about the best foods for healthy skin from this article by the Mayo Clinic.