How to Identify Your Skin Type & Build a Routine That Works for You

Knowing your skin type is crucial for crafting an effective skincare routine. Your skin type determines how products feel on your skin, how often you should use them, and which ingredients will enhance—or hinder—your complexion.

In this guide, we will confidently lead you through the process of identifying your skin type and establishing a straightforward, balanced routine that works for all skin types.

1. How to Identify Your Skin Type

Oily Skin

Signs:

• Consistently shiny throughout the day.

• Enlarged pores

• Breakouts or congestion in the T-zone

  
  

Needs:

• Lightweight hydration

• Oil-regulating ingredients

• Gel-textured products

Dry Skin

Signs:

• Flaky or tight feeling

• Rough texture

• Dullness appearance

  
  

Needs:

• Deep hydration

• Emollient creams

• Barrier-repair ingredients such as ceramides and squalane.

Combination Skin

Signs:

• Oily forehead, nose, and chin

• Normal or dry cheeks

Needs:

• Balanced hydration

• Lightweight layers

• Non-greasy moisturizers

Sensitive Skin

Signs:

• Easily irritated

• Redness after using products

• Burning or stinging sensations

Needs:

• Fragrance-free products

• Gentle texture

• Soothing ingredients like centella and oat extract)

Acne-Prone Skin

Signs:

• Frequent breakouts

• Clogged pores

• Texture issues and inflammation

Needs:

• Pore-clearing ingredients such as BHA and niacinamide

• Lightweight hydration

• Oil-balancing formulas

Mature Skin

Signs:

• Visible fine lines

• Loss of elasticity

• Dryness

Needs:

• Hydration and nourishment

• Gentle exfoliation

• Antioxidants and peptides for rejuvenation

2. Quick Skin-Type Test (At Home)

Test 1: The Bare-Face Test

Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 1 hour.

Assess how your skin responds:

• Shiny everywhere → you're likely oily.

• Tight and dull → You have dry skin.

• Shiny T-zone only → That's combination skin

• Experiencing redness or reactivity → You have sensitive skin.

• Notice bumps or clogged pores → You're acne-prone

Test 2: Blotting Paper

Press blotting paper onto your forehead & cheeks.

• Full oil → You're Oily

• Oil only on the T-zone → You have combination skin.

• Little to no oil → You are dry.

3. Build a Routine Based on Your Skin Type

Oily Skin Routine

• Start with gel cleanser.

• Incorporate niacinamide

• Use a lightweight gel moisturizer.

• Apply sunscreen (gel or water-based)

Dry Skin Routine

• Begin with a cream cleanser.

• Add hyaluronic acid

• Use a ceramide-rich moisturizer.

• Finish with a nourishing sunscreen.

Combination Skin Routine

• Use a gentle gel or cream cleanser.

• Follow up with a hydrating serum.

• Apply a lightweight moisturizer.

• Don't forget sunscreen.

Sensitive Skin Routine

• Start with a gentle cleanser.

• Use a panthenol or centella serum.

• Simplify with a gentle moisturizer.

• Choose a mineral sunscreen.

Acne-Prone Skin Routine

• Choose a salicylic acid cleanser (a few times weekly)

• Incorporate niacinamide

• Use a lightweight moisturizer.

• Always apply SPF

Mature Skin Routine

• Begin with a hydrating cleanser.

• Use vitamin C in the morning.

• Follow with retinol or peptides at night.

• Finish with a rich moisturizer.

• Never skip sunscreen

Last part

Knowing your skin type allows you to select the best ingredients to support it effectively. By embracing a simple, well-balanced routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs, you will unlock the secret to achieving radiant, confident skin every day.