FAQ: How Do I Know My Skin Type?

One of the most common skincare questions is: “How do I know my skin type?” It sounds simple, but the answer isn’t always obvious. Your skin type determines which products will make your skin glow—and which ones might cause irritation, dryness, or breakouts.

The good news? You don’t need fancy tools to figure it out. With a little observation and a few easy at-home tests, you can identify your skin type and choose products that truly work for you.

👉 For a deep dive into the characteristics of each type, head over to Skin Types 101. But first, let’s answer the big question: how do you figure it out for yourself?

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Your skin type influences:

• The kind of cleanser and moisturizer you should use.
• How much hydration your skin needs.
• Whether you should focus on oil control, barrier repair, or calming irritation.

Without knowing your type, it’s easy to spend money on the wrong products or overcomplicate your routine.

And remember—skin is a living organ that changes over time. Hormones, age, stress, and even the seasons can shift your skin type. (Curious about the science behind this? What Is Skin Really? explains how layers, functions, and the microbiome work together to influence what you see on the surface.)

The Bare-Face Test

One of the simplest ways to identify your skin type is the bare-face test. Here’s how it works:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser.
2. Pat dry and leave your skin bare—no moisturizer, toner, or serum.
3. Wait about 30 minutes.
4. Check how your skin feels and looks.

• Shiny all over → You likely have oily skin.
• Tight, flaky, or rough → You likely have dry skin.
• Shiny in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but dry on cheeks → You likely have combination skin.
• Red, itchy, or stings easily → You likely have sensitive skin.

This quick test gives you a baseline. But remember: your skin might not fit neatly into one category. Some people have oily-sensitive skin, while others may be dry and reactive.

The Blotting Sheet Test

If you want something a little more visual, try the blotting sheet method:

1. Take a clean blotting paper (or tissue if you don’t have one).
2. Gently press it on different areas of your face.
3. Hold it up to the light.

• Lots of oil all over → Oily skin.
• Little to no oil → Dry skin.
• Oil in the T-zone only → Combination skin.
• Minimal oil but redness/irritation → Sensitive skin.

This test is helpful for confirming what you noticed in the bare-face test.

Signs of Each Skin Type

Here’s a quick reference guide:

Want to explore these types in depth? Skin Types 101 breaks down how to care for each one and which ingredients work best.

Common Mistakes People Make

When identifying skin type, here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

1. Judging right after cleansing

Freshly washed skin can feel tight, even if you’re oily. Always wait at least 30 minutes before deciding.

2. Not considering the environment

Humidity, winter air, or heaters can temporarily shift your skin’s behavior.

3. Confusing skin conditions with skin type

Acne, eczema, or rosacea don’t define your type—they’re conditions that can appear on any skin type.

Can Your Skin Type Change?

Absolutely! Skin type isn’t permanent.

• Teenagers often deal with excess oil and acne.
• Adults may see their skin shift toward combination or dryness.
• Aging skin tends to get drier as collagen, elastin, and natural oils decline.

Lifestyle, hormones, climate, and even stress can cause shifts, so it’s worth re-checking your type every few years—or whenever your skin starts behaving differently.

The Takeaway

Knowing your skin type is the first step to creating a routine that feels effortless instead of frustrating. Whether you’re oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, identifying your type helps you:

• Pick products that support your skin’s natural needs.
• Avoid irritation or unnecessary breakouts.
• Adapt your routine as your skin changes over time.

Start with the bare-face test, confirm with the blotting sheet, and use your observations to guide your skincare. And if you’re ready to explore your type in detail, Skin Types 101 is the perfect next step.

Remember: your skin is unique, and that’s a beautiful thing.

FAQ: Your Skin Questions, Answered