Understanding Skin Types
Discover your skin type and learn how to care for it with the right products and routines.
🌊 Oily Skin
Characteristics:
- Shiny appearance, especially in T-zone
- Enlarged pores
- Prone to acne and blackheads
- Makeup may not last long
Best Ingredients:
Salicylic acid, niacinamide, clay, benzoyl peroxide
Routine Focus:
Oil control, gentle exfoliation, non-comedogenic products
🏜️ Dry Skin
Characteristics:
- Feels tight, especially after cleansing
- Flaky or rough texture
- Fine lines may be more visible
- Dull complexion
Best Ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, squalane
Routine Focus:
Deep hydration, gentle cleansing, barrier repair
🌓 Combination Skin
Characteristics:
- Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
- Dry or normal cheeks
- Variable pore size across face
- May have different concerns in different areas
Best Ingredients:
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, gentle AHAs/BHAs
Routine Focus:
Balanced care, zone-specific treatments, lightweight products
🌸 Sensitive Skin
Characteristics:
- Reacts easily to products or environment
- Redness or inflammation
- Stinging or burning sensations
- May have underlying conditions (rosacea, eczema)
Best Ingredients:
Centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, allantoin
Routine Focus:
Gentle, fragrance-free products, barrier protection, minimal ingredients
How to Determine Your Skin Type
1. The Bare-Faced Test
Cleanse your face and wait 30 minutes without applying products. Observe how your skin feels:
- Shiny all over? Likely oily
- Tight or flaky? Likely dry
- Shiny T-zone, normal elsewhere? Likely combination
- Comfortable? Likely normal
- Red or irritated? May be sensitive
2. The Blotting Sheet Test
Press blotting paper on different areas of your face:
- Oil everywhere? Oily skin
- Little to no oil? Dry skin
- Oil only in T-zone? Combination skin
Get Personalized Skin Type Analysis
Use Pimpl's AI-powered skin analysis to identify your skin type and get customized product and routine recommendations.
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