Figuring out your skin type isn’t as complicated as it sounds—you can actually do it right at home with a simple little test.
Start with a clean face.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser—nothing fancy, just something basic that doesn't strip your skin. Then pat it dry and leave it alone—no moisturizers, serums, or toners. Just let your skin chill for about an hour.
Once that hour is up, take a look and feel.
If your skin feels... just right:
Not too oily, not too dry
Smooth, balanced, and you’re not noticing any tightness or shine
You’ve probably got normal skin.
Lucky you—it’s the easiest to care for!
If your face looks shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin):
You might feel a little greasy to the touch
Your pores probably look a bit larger That points to oily skin.
You may be more prone to breakouts or blackheads, but the upside? Oily skin tends to age more slowly.
If your skin feels tight or rough, and you notice flakes or dry patches:
It might even feel itchy or uncomfortable That's likely dry skin.
Hydration is key for you—think rich creams and gentle products.
If it’s oily in some spots (like the T-zone) but dry or normal elsewhere:
You've got combination skin.
This is super common, and it just means you might have to treat different areas a little differently.
If your skin easily reacts to products, gets red, itchy, or irritated:
That’s sensitive skin.
You’ll want to stick with super gentle, fragrance-free products and patch test anything new before using it.
Want to double check, try this
Grab a sheet of blotting paper or even a tissue. Gently press it on different areas of your face after that hour. If it picks up oil from everywhere, it’s oily. Just from the T-zone? Combo. Hardly any oil? Probably dry.
Identifying your skin type is important for choosing the right skincare products and routine. Here's a simple way to determine your skin type at home:
1. The Bare-Face Test
Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
Step 2: Leave your skin bare (no moisturizer, toner, or serum) for about an hour.
Step 3: Observe how your skin feels and looks.
Here’s what to look for:
Normal Skin
Feels comfortable—not oily or dry.
No noticeable flaking or shine.
Pores are not too visible.
Oily Skin
Skin looks shiny or greasy, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone).
Larger, more visible pores.
Prone to acne and blackheads.
Dry Skin
Feels tight, rough, or flaky.
May look dull or have dry patches.
Fine lines may be more noticeable.
Combination Skin
Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
Dry or normal on the cheeks.
May need targeted skincare for different areas.
Sensitive Skin
Reacts easily—may sting, burn, or itch.
Gets red or irritated from products or weather.
Often feels uncomfortable.
You can also blot your face with oil blotting paper after the 1-hour mark:
Oily: Paper picks up a lot of oil from most areas.
Dry: Little to no oil on the paper.
Combination: Oil from the T-zone but not the cheeks.
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