Skin Types Explained – Which One Are You?
Ever wonder why some products make your face shine while others leave it feeling tight? The answer is usually your skin type. Knowing whether you’re oily, dry, combo or something else lets you pick the right cleanser, moisturizer and treatment without guessing.
Common Skin Types
Oily skin: Your pores look larger, you get that midday shine, and breakouts love to pop up. Look for a light gel cleanser and oil‑free moisturizers. Clay masks once a week can keep the excess sebum in check.
Dry skin: It feels tight after washing, looks flaky, and may show fine lines early. Rich creams with ceramides or hyaluronic acid work best. Skip harsh scrubs – they’ll just irritate.
Combination skin: The T‑zone (forehead, nose, chin) gets greasy while cheeks stay dry. Use a balanced foaming wash and keep the moisturizer light on oily spots but richer on the drier areas.
Sensitive skin: It reacts to fragrance, alcohol or new ingredients with redness or itching. Stick to hypo‑allergenic formulas and patch‑test anything new before slathering it on.
How to Identify Your Skin Type
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait an hour without applying anything.
2. Grab a clean tissue and press it on different parts of your face. If the tissue picks up oil in the T‑zone, you’re likely oily or combo. No oil at all? You’re probably dry.
3. Notice how your skin feels. Tightness = dry, slickness = oily, mixed sensations = combination. Red patches after touching products point to sensitivity.
4. If you’re still unsure, take a quick selfie in natural light and look for shine on the forehead and nose versus matte cheeks.
Once you’ve nailed down your type, match it with simple routine steps: cleanse twice daily, moisturize right after washing, and add sunscreen every morning. Swap products only when you see clear signs they’re not working – like extra breakouts or persistent dryness.
Remember, skin can change with seasons, diet or stress, so re‑check your type every few months. Adjusting a single product can make a big difference without overhauling everything.
