All skin types can benefit from daily cleansing and moisturising, but different skin types—which include oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive skin—have different needs. That’s why understanding your skin type is the first step in properly caring for it. But how do you know what type of skin you have? The answer can be found through simple observation.
Finding your skin type
- Your skin type is based on the amount of sebum (oil) your skin produces. Skin’s oiliness can change over time and may also be influenced by factors such as stress, genetics, hormones, humidity, and the natural aging process.
- Once you know what to look for—using the common characteristics listed below—pinpointing your skin type can usually be determined through simple observation.
- There are two tests you can perform at home to help you understand what kind of skin you have in just 30 minutes: the blotting sheet method and the “watch and wait” method.
The blotting sheet method
When pressed to the skin, blotting sheets absorb oil—and you can use them to help you understand what type of skin you have.
- After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry and wait for 30 minutes.
- Press blotting sheets to various areas of your face, then hold the sheets up to the light to see the oil markings.
- If the sheets soaked up an abundance of oil from all areas of the face, you have OILY skin.
- If they absorb little to no oil, then you probably have DRY skin.
- If the sheets show only a small amount of oil from your T-zone, you have COMBINATION skin.
- If you only see minimal oil from every area of your face, you most likely have NORMAL skin.
It’s important to remember that any skin type can also be sensitive or prone to acne breakouts, though those with normal skin may be less likely to experience either. However, with the right products, you can care for your skin while addressing concerns like sensitivity and acne blemishes.
The "watch and wait" method
This test allows you to understand your skin type by observing how your skin behaves after cleansing.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser and face wash. Pat it dry and leave it bare for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, observe your skin.
- If your skin feels tight, it means you have DRY skin.
- If you notice a slight shine on your nose and forehead, your skin is NORMAL.
- If there’s a lot of shine on your nose, forehead and cheeks, then you have OILY skin.
- If only your T zone feels oily, then you have COMBINATION skin.
- If your skin feels itchy or becomes red, then you have SENSITIVE skin.