HOW DO I KNOW MY SKIN TYPE?
How to Know Your Skin Type (Simple Tests & Care Tips)
Knowing your skin type is the foundation of effective skincare. This simple guide helps you identify whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive — and how to care for it properly.
Why knowing your skin type matters
Using products that don’t suit your skin can cause breakouts, dryness, irritation, and premature aging. When you understand your skin type, you can choose ingredients that work with your skin — not against it.
The 2-minute blotting test
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Wait 45–60 minutes without applying any products.
- Press a clean tissue on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Observe how much oil appears on the tissue.
Results
- Oil everywhere: Oily skin
- No oil: Dry skin
- Oil only on nose & forehead: Combination skin
- Very little oil, smooth feel: Normal skin
- Redness or irritation: Sensitive skin
Skin types explained
Oily skin
Characterized by excess shine, enlarged pores, and frequent breakouts. Benefits from gentle cleansing and lightweight, oil-free products.
Dry skin
Feels tight or rough and may flake. Requires hydration-focused skincare and richer moisturizers.
Combination skin
Oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks. Needs balanced care targeting different areas.
Normal skin
Well-balanced, smooth, and comfortable. Maintain with a simple, consistent routine.
Sensitive skin
Reacts easily to new products. Best supported by fragrance-free, calming ingredients and minimal routines.
Common skincare mistakes
- Using harsh cleansers that strip natural oils
- Skipping moisturizer because skin feels oily
- Overusing active ingredients
- Ignoring daily sunscreen