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Before we get into the meat of the subject, let's review the different types of skin. There are three basic types of skin:

*dry skin

*combination skin

*oily skin

Determining your skin type isn't really that difficult. Simply cleanse your skin and wait for an hour to see what happens. Do not apply moisturizer because you want to see your actual skin type, unaltered by any type of product. Once an hour has passed, blot different parts of your skin with a tissue.

People with dry skin won't leave behind any traces of oil on the tissue. Oily skin will leave residue on all the tissues. If you have combination skin then there will be oily residue only on the tissues applied to the forehead, cheeks and chin.

Some people may be thinking: Wait! I've heard of a fourth skin type, sensitive skin. Well, in all honesty sensitive skin is not a skin type, per se. It's basically a condition that affects different skin types, just like aging skin.

Dealing with Aging Skin

Okay, now it gets tricky. As time goes by we begin to age and our skin becomes more sensitive regardless of our skin type. So, what we have to do is find products that are effective on our skin condition, but gentle on our skin.

This is when sensitive skin care comes in handy for every type of skin. Anti aging skin care products usually contain ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol and AHAs. All of these substances can lead to tingling and irritation.

You might want to use the trial and error approach to help you find the right product, however, if your skin is too sensitive, this can quickly lead to a cycle of irritation that can be hard to treat. So is there a solution? As a matter of fact, there is. Before purchasing any product you should take some time to read the labels and see if you can find any of the following ingredients:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the most soothing ingredients in any skin care product. It is useful for anti-aging because it can treat chronic redness and swelling.

Chamomile

The anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient have made it a part of skin care treatments for years. In fact, its gentle nature makes it perfect for helping soothe sensitive skin.

Licorice Root Extract

When looking for licorice root extract you may see it labeled as licochalcone in different skin care products. It is a soothing ingredient that helps alleviate irritation and redness.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is particular good for sensitive skin because it can help relieve inflammation and treat hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidants

Vitamin E, polyphenols and other antioxidants are essential for anti-aging skin care. They are less irritating than AHAs and retinol.

One Last Piece of Advise

If you want to get the most from your anti aging skin care routine, make sure that you don't skip the sunscreen. UV radiation is the main cause of premature skin wrinkles and age spots. In fact, by simply using sunscreen on a daily basis you can help keep your skin looking younger for longer.