/ Skin types

Know your skin
before you treat it.

Most "wrong product" stories begin with a misidentified skin type. Start here, get it right, and the rest of your routine falls into place.

Oily skin

Characteristics

  • ·Shiny across the T-zone or face
  • ·Enlarged pores
  • ·Prone to blackheads and acne
  • ·Makeup slides off by midday

Best ingredients

Salicylic acid · niacinamide · clay · benzoyl peroxide

Routine focus

Oil control, gentle exfoliation, non-comedogenic everything

Dry skin

Characteristics

  • ·Tight feeling, especially after cleansing
  • ·Flaky or rough patches
  • ·Fine lines 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
  • ·Different concerns by zone

Best ingredients

Niacinamide · hyaluronic acid · gentle AHAs/BHAs

Routine focus

Balanced care, zone-specific treatments, lightweight layers

Sensitive skin

Characteristics

  • ·Reacts easily to products
  • ·Redness or visible inflammation
  • ·Stinging or burning
  • ·May overlap with rosacea or eczema

Best ingredients

Centella · colloidal oatmeal · ceramides · allantoin

Routine focus

Gentle, fragrance-free, minimalist ingredient lists

/ Find yours

Two quick tests, no lab needed.

The bare-faced test

Cleanse, then wait 30 minutes without applying anything. Notice how your skin feels.

  • Shiny all over, likely oily
  • Tight or flaky, likely dry
  • Shiny T-zone, normal cheeks, likely combination
  • Comfortable, likely normal
  • Red or irritated, may be sensitive

The blotting paper test

Press blotting paper on different zones of your face.

  • Oil everywhere, oily skin
  • Little to no oil, dry skin
  • Oil only on T-zone, combination skin

/ Quick answers

Skin type FAQs.

How do I identify my skin type at home?

Use the bare-faced test: cleanse your skin and wait 30 minutes without applying any products. If your skin is shiny all over, you likely have oily skin. If it feels tight or flaky, you have dry skin. If your T-zone is shiny but cheeks feel normal, you have combination skin. If it feels comfortable, you have normal skin. If it is red or irritated, you may have sensitive skin.

What ingredients are best for oily skin?

For oily skin, the most effective ingredients are salicylic acid (BHA) for pore cleansing, niacinamide for oil control, clay masks for absorption, and benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone breakouts. Always pair these with non-comedogenic moisturizers — skipping moisturizer makes oily skin produce more oil.

What is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin lacks oil (it is a skin type and is genetic). Dehydrated skin lacks water (it is a temporary condition and can affect any skin type, even oily). Dry skin needs ceramides, squalane, and rich moisturizers. Dehydrated skin needs hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and humectants.

Can my skin type change?

Yes. Skin type can shift with age (most people get drier as they age), hormones (pregnancy, perimenopause), climate, medications, and skincare habits. Reassess your skin type annually or whenever your skin behaves differently than usual.

How do I care for combination skin?

Use zone-aware care: lightweight, oil-controlling products on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and richer hydrating products on the cheeks. A balanced gel cleanser, niacinamide serum across the face, and lightweight moisturizer with optional spot-richer cream on dry areas works for most combination skin.

/ Begin

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