Skin Type Guide: How to Identify & Care for Your Skin
Ever wonder why a product that works for your friend makes your face break out? It usually comes down to skin type. Knowing whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between helps you pick the right cleanser, moisturizer and treatment. Below you’ll find a fast way to figure out your skin type and match products that actually work.
Identify Your Skin Type in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Cleanse. Use a gentle face wash and pat dry. Skip the toner for now. Let your skin sit for an hour without any products. This gives your natural oil level a chance to show.
Step 2: Blot. Press a clean paper towel or blotting sheet on different parts of your face—forehead, nose, cheeks, chin. If the paper picks up a lot of oil, especially on the T‑zone, you’re likely oily. If there’s barely any oil, you’re probably dry.
Step 3: Feel. Run your fingertips over your skin. Does it feel tight or flaky? That points to dry skin. Does it feel smooth but a bit shiny? That’s typical of normal or combination skin. If it feels greasy all over, you have oily skin.
Most people fall into the combination category—oil in the T‑zone and dry patches on the cheeks. Knowing this split lets you treat each area with the right product.
Match Products to Your Skin Type
Oily skin needs a cleanser that removes excess sebum without stripping. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or gentle surfactants. Skip heavy creams; instead, choose a lightweight, oil‑free moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid to lock in water.
Dry skin craves hydration. A cream‑based cleanser with soothing oils works best. After washing, use a richer moisturizer with ceramides, glycerin or shea butter. You can add a facial oil at night to seal in moisture.
Combination skin calls for a balanced approach. Use a mild, gel‑type cleanser that cleans without over‑drying. Apply a light lotion on oily zones and a richer cream on dry patches. You can also use a targeted serum—like niacinamide—for the T‑zone and a soothing serum for the cheeks.
Regardless of type, sunscreen is non‑negotiable. Pick a broad‑spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it every morning. Sunscreen prevents premature aging and keeps your skin barrier strong.
Exfoliation is another key step. For oily skin, a chemical exfoliant with BHA (salicylic acid) two to three times a week clears pores. Dry skin benefits from a gentle AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) once a week to remove dead cells. Combination skin can alternate between BHA and AHA depending on the area.
Finally, listen to your skin. If a product causes irritation, stop using it and reassess. Your skin can change with seasons, hormones or stress, so repeat the test every few months.
Putting these steps together gives you a routine that feels right and actually improves your skin. No more guessing, no more wasted money. Just clear, comfortable skin that looks its best.
Beginner Skin Care Routine: Simple AM/PM Steps, Products, and Tips
A simple, science-backed beginner skin care routine with AM/PM steps, ingredient picks by skin type, a shopping checklist, timelines, and fixes when things go wrong.
Read More
13 Sep 2025
Hair Care