How to Identify Your Type of Skin

Understanding your skin type is essential for choosing the right skincare products and maintaining healthy skin. Using products that don’t match your skin type can lead to dryness, irritation, breakouts, or excess oil. Fortunately, identifying your skin type is simple and can easily be done at home.

Why knowing your skin type matters

Your skin type determines:

• Which cleansers and soaps are best for you

• How often you should moisturize your skin

• Which ingredients your skin tolerates or reacts to

Once you know your skin type, you can adopt a routine that supports your skin instead of weakening it.

The bare-face test (at home)

This is the simplest and most reliable method.

Step 1: Cleanse your face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.

Step 2: Dry and wait
Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Do not apply any products.
Wait 30–60 minutes.

Step 3: Observe your skin
Notice how your skin feels and how it looks.

Identify your skin type

1. Normal skin

• Feels comfortable and balanced

• Neither too oily nor too dry

• Fine, barely visible pores

👉 You generally tolerate most products well.

2. Dry skin

• Feels tight or rough

• Dull appearance or possible flaking

• Fine lines may be more visible

👉 Your skin lacks natural lipids and needs extra hydration.

3. Oily skin

• Shiny appearance, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin

• Enlarged pores

• Prone to blackheads or breakouts

👉 Your skin produces excess sebum.

4. Combination skin

• Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)

• Cheeks that are dry or normal

👉 You may need different care for different areas of your face.

5. Sensitive skin

• Reacts easily

• May sting, burn, itch, or become red with certain products

• Often reacts to fragrances or harsh ingredients

👉 Sensitive skin can be associated with any other skin type.

Optional: the blotting paper test

Gently press blotting paper on different areas of your face.

• Little or no oil → dry or normal skin

• Oil only in the T-zone → combination skin

• Oil on most areas → oily skin

Final tip

Your skin type can change over time due to:

• Climate

• Age

• Hormonal changes

• Stress

• Skincare habits

Reassess your skin type regularly so you can adjust your routine to meet its needs.