When it comes to building a winning skin care routine, an important first step is to ask yourself one question: "Does my skin type match my skin care routine? Considering whether your skin is dry, oily, or a combination of both will help you determine the best rituals and products. After all, a rich cleanser that nourishes thirsty skin is not the same bottle you reach for to tone down your slimy T-zone.

To help you find your ideal routine, we asked a dermatologist and cosmetic chemist to tell us how to identify your skin type and share some key tips for caring for it.

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebum production, a naturally occurring waxy substance that coats and moisturizes the skin. New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. (opens in new tab), says, "It often feels itchy and flaky all over the face. Frequent blotches, redness, or irritation may also be seen throughout the year, as well as during seasonal and environmental changes.

Dry skin, as you might guess, needs more moisture. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D. (open in new tab) advises patients to moisturize several times a day and stick to non-foaming emulsions and oil-based cleansers.

"The right oil will easily remove all of the [natural] oils from the skin without stripping it," she says. Try Neutrogena Skin Balancing Milky Cleanser for Dry Skin (opens in new tab). It's based on nourishing sunflower oil but uses 2 percent polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to gently exfoliate. The end result: glowing skin that feels soft and balanced.

Along with a gentle cleanser, Chamban also recommends stocking your skin care cabinet with ceramide (an ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier and helps prevent moisture loss), hyaluronic acid (which attracts and holds moisture), and lanolin (a sealant that prevents skin moisture loss)

She also recommends stocking your skin care cabinet with hyaluronic acid (which attracts and holds moisture) and lanolin (a sealant that prevents skin from losing moisture).

Showering habits may also exacerbate dry skin. Chamban recommends avoiding steamy water temperatures, which can cause further dryness and irritation. Instead, aim for about lukewarm water to maintain natural oil levels. The relaxing effect may not be as relaxing, but it is worth the trade-off.

In addition to what you put on your face, how you spend time at home is also important. Says Zyckner, "Consider a humidifier for your bedroom to help restore moisture levels in the air so your skin doesn't dry out while you sleep." Turn it on and let your skin stay moisturized overnight."

If your skin texture is always shiny and oily, you likely have oily skin. Says Zeichner, "Genetically, some people have more active oil glands than others." The oily skin type is characterized by excessive shine and overproduction of sebum across the face (not just in certain zones).

With oil on the skin, one may feel the need to cleanse the skin. That is a no-no; Zeichner cautions against excessive scrubbing. Excessive scrubbing can destroy the skin's protective moisture barrier (which opens with a new tab), leading to irritation and possible breakouts.

Instead, choose cleansers wisely. For gentle and effective oil absorption, add Neutrogena Skin Balancing Clay Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin (open in new tab) to your morning and afternoon routine. The formula contains kaolin and bentonite clay, along with sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, to help absorb oil without stripping the skin." It's a mild [cleanser (open in new tab)], so it won't over-dry the skin," says cosmetic chemist Ginger King (open in new tab).

Another common temptation' to dry out your oily skin in the hopes that it will appear with a matte texture, Zeichner says the oil and moisture content of the skin are not the same and all skin types need hydration. If some skin care products leave you feeling greasy, look for oil-free, water-based formulas.

Regular exfoliation is key to prevent sebum from clogging pores. Chamban recommends a chemical exfoliant such as an acid that provides consistent results. Consider polyhydroxy acids like PHAs, which are found in Neutrogena's new cleanser. According to King, PHAs have a larger molecular structure than alpha hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) and are gentler on the skin.

Mixed skin is the most difficult to identify because, as the name implies, it is multifaceted. It is also the most common skin type. The majority of people have areas of the body that produce excessive amounts of sebum," Chamban says. These areas are the T-zone (forehead and nose) and the chin. If the rest of the face has a mixture of dry patches, whether mild or severe, it is mixed skin.

"I usually recommend a foaming cleanser for patients with combination skin," says Zyckner. 'They are powerful enough to partially remove oil without drying out the rest of the face.' Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser for Combination Skin (opens in new tab) is a sulfate-free formula, King says, with ingredients that "lather well" and also contains aloe to help retain moisture.

If your T-zone (but not the rest of your face) seems to be going into oil overdrive, focus there and spot treat. Says Shamban, "Use tea tree oil on this area, but not on the entire face."

"Try a bentonite clay mask, or use a primer during the day to prevent shine and absorb excess oil."

Like oily skin, combination skin also benefits from routine exfoliation. Use a mild retinol to manage oil," says Chamban. one note: stay away from facial zones prone to dryness and flaking.

Neutrogena Skin Balancing Micellar Cleansing Cloth (open in new tab) is gentle on all skin types. It uses micellar technology (open in new tab) (aka tiny oil molecules) to sweep away dirt, debris, and makeup from the skin. King also emphasizes the use of dimethicone. Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer (opens in new tab) that can be used for gentle cleansing of the skin. Use it as the first step in a cleansing routine or for a quick refresher.

As a bonus, the wipes are home compostable and made from 100% plant-based fiber.

Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of both, there are products designed to pamper and care for your complexion. Visit the Neutrogena website (opens in new tab) to learn more about the cleansing solutions formulated for you.