Asking yourself, ‘What is my skin type?’ is the first step to building a routine tailored to your needs.
We’ve all tried a highly recommended product and wondered why it didn’t deliver. More often than not, it comes down to the category your complexion falls into.
We’ll guide you through each one, so you can start choosing the right formulas for you.
How to Know Your Skin Type
So, how do you know your skin type?
Most people fall into one of five main categories: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and what’s often called normal (a well-balanced base that isn’t overly shiny or lacking moisture).
How to Tell if You Have Oily Skin?
Some of the most common signs include:
Excessive shine Visibly enlarged pores Frequent blemishes
How to Tell if You Have Dry Skin
If you’re wondering how to tell if you have dry skin, look out for these symptoms:
Rough or uneven patches A tight or uncomfortable feeling Flaking or peeling
How to Tell if You Have Combination Skin
You might also notice breakouts in some areas and clarity in others.
Common signs include:
A mix of oily and dry areas A tight feeling in some places Affected by seasonal changes
How to Tell if You Have Sensitive Skin
There are some signs that you might be struggling with this type, such as:
Irritation Burning Tingling Dryness
How to Tell if You Have Normal Skin
A ‘normal’ skin type usually looks balanced and clear, without being too oily or too dry. It rarely shows signs of irritation or sensitivity.
If you fit this description, you might find that simple, gentle products work best.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
Once you’re familiar with the key characteristics, there are a couple of easy at-home tests that may help you work out what category you’re in.
Here’s how to tell what skin type you have:
Observe Your Skin After Cleansing
After around thirty minutes, take a closer look at how your complexion looks and feels. Dryness or oiliness across the whole surface usually indicates one of those skin types.
A mix of rough areas and a noticeable sheen elsewhere could be a sign of combination. Meanwhile, a calm, clarified appearance indicates a balanced, normal base.
The Blot Test
Take a tissue or blotting paper and gently press it onto areas like your forehead, nose, and cheeks.
If you notice oil across most of the sheet, that points to an oily complexion. If it stays mostly clean, you’re likely on the drier side. A mix of oil in some areas but not others suggests combination.
If there’s only a slight trace of oil and everything feels balanced, you may have a normal skin type.
