What is My Skin Type? A Simple Guide

Have you ever wondered what your skin type is? If still unsure, keep reading this article to find out how to determine your type by yourself through simple tests and by understanding the characteristics of each type. You’ll learn why it is important and how it can help achieve your goals.

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

You have probably heard that you should know your skin type, but do you know why? There are a few good reasons for that! If you check your current skincare products, you will notice that every little jar of cream has a line that says “for oily/dry/normal skin”. Being able to choose the correct skincare products is the simplest way to ensure the proper care.

You want your skincare routine to work towards achieving your goals, not against them. Not only do you not want to waste money on products that do not work, you also do not want to introduce unsuitable ingredients to avoid irritation and sensitivity.

Throughout life, our type and conditions can slightly change due to various factors such as age, hormones, climate, and lifestyle. That’s why regular reassessments are important.

The Different Skin Types Explained: 5 Main Categories

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) there are 4 main types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Sensitivity is recognized as a condition, though it’s sometimes mentioned as the fifth type. Every one of them has its own list of characteristics and needs. It is also possible and common to have more than one classification present (e.g. dry + sensitive).

Read about different characteristics below and see if you can guess yours!

Normal Skin: The Balanced Type

It is called normal because it produces a moderate amount of oil: enough to hydrate and protect the superficial layer, but not enough to cause any issues. It looks glowing and hydrated, but not greasy. The texture is smooth and the pores are small. Normal complexion usually has a minimal amount of breakouts.

The sebum production fluctuates and it is hard to keep stable oil-water balance at all times. So, this type is less common than the others.

One of the common misconceptions is that normal types don't need a lot of care. This is simply not true. It requires proper exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection.

Signs you have normal skin:

You don’t feel dry or itchy
Your face doesn’t look shiny during the day
You react well to most skincare products
You can hardly see your pores

Didn’t seem like your type? Let’s check the others!

Oily Skin: The Shine Factor

Oily skin is characterized by excessive production of sebum (natural oils found in the dermal layer). The amount of oil is severely influenced by genetics, meaning that even though it can be managed it cannot be completely altered.

The main concerns for oily type are enlarged pores (also genetically predetermined) and blackheads. Though oily complexion does not equal acne. The silver lining is that it may act like a natural protection and hydration layer helping reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss), which can help your skin look more glowing and plump.

How to recognize oily skin:

It feels oily shortly after washing, especially in T-zone
It shines naturally without any products on
Visible pores
Blackheads on the nose, forehead, chin, sometimes cheeks.

Can you relate to any of this? Yes? Great – you found your type. No? Keep reading

Dry Skin: Thirsty and Tight

Dry skin is the epidermis lacking oil. The sebum production is minimal. It often feels dry, tight, flaky. There is a reduced lipid content, leaving the protective barrier compromised. That can lead to redness, irritation, and rough patches. Common problem areas are cheeks (often red) and around the eyes (dry area prone to fine lines). The good news is that people with dry skin are typically less prone to acne.

Dry vs Dehydrated.

Dryness is underproduction of oil. Dehydrated means the epidermis is lacking water. Even though dry skin is often dehydrated, dehydration can happen to anyone. No matter what your type is, hydration is always important.

Telltale Signs of Dry Skin

Feels tight after washing
Appears dull and lackluster
Never shines without products on
Signs of premature aging (fine lines around the eyes early on)

Combination: The Mixed Bag

The most common of all - combination skin type. Typical patterns include - balanced oil throughout the face, but the T-zone area has enlarged pores and possible clogging. Could be the hardest to recognize and easily confused with oily.

Overproduction of oil in some parts of the face and underproduction in others make it the trickiest to treat, as the outer layer is prone to compromised barrier and dehydration. Because of this imbalance, building the right routine for combination skin is important.

This type is heavily affected by genetics, hormones, environmental, and climate changes. It gets drier in colder months and oilier in heat.

You Likely Have a Combination Type If…

You feel both: oily and dry at the same time
How your complexion looks varies by season
You have some clogging on your nose, chin and forehead, while your cheeks are dry.

Chances are by now you already guessed your category. Let’s check the last one and finally get to the testing.

Sensitive Skin: The Reactive Type

Sensitivity is not characterized by oil levels, and can occur in all of the above types. When you think of sensitive type, think about dry to the touch, reactive, prone to redness, and even itchy.

It can react to changes in diet, lifestyle, or a homecare routine. It is often associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Its inability to retain moisture and sustain a healthy microbiome might contribute to aging processes.

Common triggers include: harsh exfoliants, fragrances, alcohol-based products, heat, UV radiation, hormonal imbalance, stress, alcohol, sugar, and caffeine.

Sensitive Skin Warning Signs

A red, hot-to-the-touch surface that is itchy or stinging.
New products cause reactions.
Feels better with cool water and worse after a hot shower.
Doesn’t feel hydrated no matter what is done.

Does it sound like you? If so, we’d recommend seeing a dermatologist for a quick consultation to identify any underlying concerns.

Simple Tests to Determine Your Skin Type at Home

And now – the fun part. Let’s answer the question of “How to know my skin type” with one of the tests below. Knowing your type is important to be able to pick the best products, services, and routines to maintain a glowing, healthy, youthful appearance. Though the trained specialist can offer the most comprehensive results, these simple at-home tests are a great starting point.

The Bare Face Method (Watch & Wait)

Cleanse your face with a small amount of gentle cleanser.
Press a clean towel against your face to pat dry.
Don't apply any products
Wait 30 minutes.
Look at your skin in the mirror in natural light.
Note how it looks and feels. Touch different parts of your face with clean hands and note how it feels.

Results

Is your face shiny all over? Do your fingers feel oily when you touch it? You most likely have oily complexion.
Can’t wait to apply a moisturizer because your face is extremely tight? Nothing on your fingers when you touch it? Those are the signs of dryness.
Dry cheeks, but shiny T-zone? That sounds like a combination.
Do you like how your skin looks and feels? It looks glowing and feels smooth to the touch? Most likely - it is normal.
Is any part of your face dry, irritated, and itchy? A sensitive type.

There are three more tests below. You can do all of them to confirm your own diagnosis!

The Blotting Paper Test

Gently wash your face.
Pat dry. Avoid rubbing.
Wait 30-60 minutes.
Press a blotting paper against different parts of the face (chin, cheeks, nose, forehead) and carefully examine it.

Results:

The paper collected a noticeable amount of oil from most facial areas. Indicates a higher activity of sebaceous glands, thus, an oily type.
The paper collected hardly any oil. When you pressed it against your skin it didn’t stick for one second - it is likely dry.
There was no oil when you blot your cheeks, but there was a bit of oil when you blot your forehead, nose and/or chin. Higher oil production in a T-zone, while almost none in other parts - the combination type.
Small amount of oil on a paper, a bit of oil throughout the face. You have normal skin.

Please note that the amount of oil can fluctuate throughout the day and vary by season.

The Touch Test

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, avoiding harsh chemicals, scrubs, and oils.
Pat dry with a clean towel, paper towel, or tissues.
Wait 30-60 minutes.
Using your clean hands, touch different parts of your face, noting how it feels.

Results

It feels dry and flaky, no oil on your fingers - indicators of dry skin.
It feels slippery and slick, your fingers collect a good amount of oil - oily complexion.
Your cheeks felt dry, almost rubbery but your forehead and nose felt oily - combination type.
The surface feels soft, elastic, neither dry nor oily - normal.
In combination to one of the above, it also feels hot to the touch, itchy, irritated - sensitive type.

Visual Inspection in Natural Light

Gently cleanse with warm water.
Pat dry your face with a clean towel or tissues
Wait 30-60 minutes.
Look closely at your face in natural light.
Interpret the results.

Oil Production.

Note how shiny your face is. Everywhere - oily skin. Only T-zone - Combination. Some oil throughout - normal. No oil at all - dry.

Texture.

Do you see your pores? Enlarged pores on most parts of the face - oily skin, visible pores - on the T-zone - combination, some pores only on the nose - normal, no pores are visible - dry.

Color.

Is your facial complexion even in color? Do you see redness and rough patches? It could be a sign of sensitivity.

Skin Type Decision Quiz

Below you will find the quickest way to identify your type. Just answer 4 simple questions in a short quiz to get your result.

What's Your Skin Type?

Answer four quick questions to discover your skin type and get personalised care tips.

Common Skin Type Myths vs Facts

There is a lot of information and a lot of confusion about skin. Many skincare beliefs are passed down through social media, family, and friends. But the truth is what worked for one person may not work for you. Separating facts from misinformation can be challenging, so we gathered what we think is important:

Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer → MYTH

It can still get dehydrated. When it happens, the sebaceous glands start producing more oil to compensate for the lack of water.

You can change your type → MYTH

You are predisposed to the facial complexion that you have. You can’t change it, but you can manage it. The correct homecare routine can help manage oil, dehydration, sensitivity bringing it back to its best genetic potential.

Normal skin needs no special care → MYTH

Not true. Everyone needs daily cleansing, hydration, weekly exfoliation, and sun protection. Otherwise, you may see early signs of aging, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and so on.

Oily = acne → MYTH

The oil alone doesn’t cause acne. When the oil gets mixed with dead skin cells, and bacteria that’s when the person can develop acne. However, hormones and inflammation play a huge role.

If I have sensitive skin I should only use natural products → MYTH

Natural doesn’t mean suitable for your specific needs. What matters most is how the product was formulated and what the ingredients are.

Type does not equal condition → FACT

Dehydration, acne, reactivity, premature aging - are all conditions that can appear on any type. They can be triggered by improper homecare products, hormonal imbalance, environmental change and so on.

Conclusion

No matter what category you fall into, there is one good rule that applies to everyone - the importance of evidence-based skincare. Talk to your trusted esthetician to figure out what products/ingredients would benefit you most.

When and Why Your Skin Type Can Change

It is true that your skin type can change throughout life and even season to season. How our skin looks and feels is affected by climate, stress, hormones, our lifestyle, and so on. Below are the most common reasons why it can change its appearance.

Age and hormones

During puberty our body starts producing more androgens that stimulate the activity of sebaceous glands. As oil production increases, so are the chances for developing acne. It goes back to normal during adulthood. As we age, our production of collagen and elastin reduces and cell turnover slows. As a result, the outer layer can become drier.

Pregnancy and menopause

Hormonal shifts affect oil production and overall balance. Texture and breakout patterns could change due to fluctuation in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens.

Climate and seasons

In cold and dry climate, skin can become dry and more sensitive, making it more irritable. Heat, on the contrary, increases oil production and can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Stress and lifestyle

Stress causes cortisol levels to rise. Cortisol increases inflammation and can cause barrier disruption. This could lead to many skin problems, such as acne flare-ups, as well as worsening chronic inflammation conditions, such as rosacea or eczema.

Medication

Some medications (e.g. certain classes of antibiotics) increase photosensitivity, which increases the risk of sunburn and can worsen pigmentation. Systemic antibiotics can alter the microbiome and increase dryness and sensitivity in some people. Hormonal medications affect oil production and may either improve or worsen conditions. Steroids can temporarily reduce inflammation response, but weaken the barrier and increase sensitivity.

Note: It is important to reassess your skin every 6-12 months or when you notice significant changes.

Conclusion

Understanding your skin type is the foundation of effective skincare. There is no “good” or “bad” type. With correct care, most of the conditions can be improved significantly. Knowing your type will allow you to pick homecare products designed specifically for you.

Here, at Beauty Republic, we have a team of trained specialists who can help identify your skin type and any underlying conditions. While at-home tests are a great start, getting a consultation from a skincare professional can get you results faster and help avoid mistakes that could worsen your conditions. We also specialize in recommending a personalized skin care routine and facial treatments based on your unique goals.

Start by identifying your skin type at home, then book a consultation with our experts to unlock your healthiest, most radiant skin with a truly personalized approach!