How to Find Out Your Skin Type in 5 minutes

Understanding the different skin types is essential for choosing the right skincare products and routines. Here’s a deeper look at each of the five basic skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal.

1. Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce an excess amount of sebum (oil). Sebum is essential for keeping skin moisturised and protected, but too much of it can result in a greasy appearance, particularly in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. Large, visible pores can accompany oily skin and is often prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne due to clogged pores.

Genetics, hormones, diet, and environmental conditions can influence this skin type. For instance, teenagers and young adults may experience oilier skin due to hormonal fluctuations, while people living in hot, humid climates may find their skin produces more oil. Regular cleansing and lightweight, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturisers are crucial for oily skin to prevent excess sebum buildup.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin, on the other hand, results from the skin not producing enough natural oils, leading to a tight, flaky, or rough texture. The lack of moisture can cause the skin to appear dull and feel uncomfortable, especially after washing. Dry skin can crack, peel, or become irritated in more severe cases. People with dry skin often experience itchiness, especially in cold or dry climates with little humidity to help retain moisture.

A weakened skin barrier in dry skin makes it more vulnerable to environmental factors such as UV rays and pollutants. This can accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to early signs of ageing. Hydration is key for dry skin, so nourishing creams, moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and barrier-strengthening oils such as squalane are highly recommended.

3. Combination Skin

Combination skin refers to a mix of skin types across different areas of the face. The T-zone typically exhibits oiliness, while the cheeks and outer areas of the face may be normal or dry. This combination of characteristics can make it difficult to find skincare products that address both oil production and dryness without aggravating one issue or the other.

People with combination skin need to manage both the excess oil in some areas and the lack of moisture in others. Balancing these needs usually requires using different products on different face areas, such as lighter moisturisers in the oily areas and richer creams in the dry zones. Gentle exfoliation and hydration with oil-free products can help achieve balance.

4. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is easily irritated and may react strongly to various triggers, including skincare products, environmental changes, and stress. Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, and dryness. People with sensitive skin often struggle to find products that don't cause reactions, and sensitivity can sometimes be invisible, manifesting as discomfort rather than visible irritation.

Common causes of sensitive skin include a weak skin barrier, which can allow irritants to penetrate more easily, and conditions like eczema or rosacea. Sensitive skin requires extra care with gentle, fragrance-free products that focus on soothing and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and ceramides can be beneficial for calming and protecting sensitive skin.

5. Normal Skin

Normal skin is considered well-balanced, with neither excessive oil nor dryness. This skin type generally has a smooth texture, small pores, and an even tone. While normal skin doesn’t have significant concerns like oiliness or sensitivity, it still requires regular care to maintain its balance and prevent future issues.

For people with normal skin, the focus should be on maintaining hydration, protecting the skin from environmental damage, and preventing the early signs of ageing. Regular cleansing, lightweight moisturisers, and the daily use of sunscreen are recommended for normal skin to keep it healthy and radiant.

One of the easiest ways to determine your skin type is by using the bare-faced method. Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. After patting your skin dry, avoid applying any moisturiser or other products. Allow your skin to sit for 25 to 30 minutes and observe how it feels and looks.

If your skin feels tight or uncomfortable, you most likely have dry skin. Shiny or greasy skin, particularly in the T-zone, indicates oily skin. If your skin is oily in some areas but dry in others, such as your cheeks, you likely have combination skin. If you experience redness or itching, this could be a sign of sensitive skin. Finally, if your skin feels comfortable and balanced without any excessive oiliness or dryness, you probably have normal skin.

Another quick and effective method to determine your skin type is the blotting paper test. Gently press a clean blotting paper on different parts of your face, focusing on areas like the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. After a few seconds, examine how much oil is on the paper.

If the blotting paper picks up oil from most areas, especially the T-zone, you likely have oily skin. Minimal oil on the paper indicates dry skin, while oil mainly from the T-zone with little to no oil elsewhere points to combination or normal skin. This test is best done later in the day, when your skin’s natural oil production has had time to show, giving you a more accurate result.

Once you’ve identified your skin type, tailoring your skincare routine becomes much easier. For oily skin, use lightweight, oil-free moisturisers and regular exfoliation to help manage excess oil and prevent clogged pores. Dry skin benefits from rich moisturisers and hydrating serums that help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, preventing further water loss.

For those with combination skin, balance is key. Use lightweight products in the oily areas and more hydrating formulas in the drier sections of your face. Sensitive skin requires extra care with fragrance-free and gentle products to prevent irritation. Lastly, normal skin is relatively low maintenance. However, it should still be cleansed and moisturised daily, along with the regular application of SPF to maintain its balance and protect against environmental damage.

In conclusion, knowing your skin type allows you to choose products and treatments specifically suited to your skin's unique needs, resulting in healthier and more radiant skin.