How to Choose the Right Face Cream for Your Skin Type

The best face cream is the one that suits your skin. Here's how to work out what that is.

Step 1: Find your skin type

Wash with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and wait an hour without applying anything.

• Oily: shiny all over, larger-looking pores.
• Dry: tight, possibly flaky.
• Combination: oily T-zone, normal or dry cheeks. Very common in India.
• Normal: comfortable, neither tight nor greasy.
• Sensitive: stings or reddens easily.

Step 2: Name one main concern

Breakouts, dark spots, dullness, dryness or sun care. One clear goal makes choosing easier.

Step 3: Ask before you buy

• Can I see the full ingredient list?
• Is it right for my skin type?
• Are the promised results realistic?
• Who do I contact if it doesn't suit me?

Step 4: Patch-test, then be consistent

Test on your inner arm for 24 hours. If all is calm, use the cream regularly for a few weeks before judging it.