If you’ve ever bought a skincare product that seemed perfect on the shelf but left your skin feeling greasy, irritated, or parched, chances are you didn’t choose it based on your skin type. Understanding how to identify your skin type is the foundation of any good skincare routine—because what works for one person might be completely wrong for another. The good news? It’s easier than you think to figure it out.

Why Your Skin Type Matters

Before you can build the perfect routine, you need to understand your skin’s needs. Your skin type affects everything—from how much hydration you require to which ingredients will work best for you and which to avoid. Many people assume they know their skin type but may actually be using the wrong products. If you’ve ever wondered how to identify your skin type correctly, you’re about to find out.

The Five Main Skin Types

Dermatologists generally categorise skin into five main types:

1. Oily Skin – Characterised by excess sebum, a shiny appearance, enlarged pores, and a tendency to break out.
2. Dry Skin – Feels tight, rough, or flaky and may be prone to irritation or redness.
3. Combination Skin – A mix of oily and dry, usually with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and drier cheeks.
4. Sensitive Skin – Reacts easily to products, weather, or certain ingredients, often showing redness, burning, or itching.
5. Normal Skin – Balanced, with minimal concerns—neither too oily nor too dry.

If you’re unsure where you fit, don’t worry. There’s a simple way to learn how to identify your skin type with a quick at-home test.

The Bare-Faced Test

One of the easiest ways to determine your skin type is the bare-faced test. Here’s how:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
2. Wait 30 minutes—don’t apply any skincare products.
3. Observe how your skin feels and looks.

• If your skin feels tight or rough, you likely have dry skin.
• If it’s shiny and feels greasy, you probably have oily skin.
• If your T-zone is oily but your cheeks feel normal or dry, you have combination skin.
• If you experience redness, tingling, or irritation, you likely have sensitive skin.
• If your skin looks balanced and feels comfortable, you have normal skin.

This test is one of the simplest ways to understand how to identify your skin type without any fancy tools.

What to Do Once You Know Your Skin Type

Now that you’ve identified your skin type, it’s time to refine your routine.

• Oily Skin? Opt for lightweight, oil-free products with ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid.
• Dry Skin? Focus on rich moisturisers, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to lock in hydration.
• Combination Skin? Use balancing products—perhaps a gel moisturiser and a gentle exfoliant.
• Sensitive Skin? Choose fragrance-free, soothing ingredients like aloe, oatmeal, and centella asiatica.
• Normal Skin? Lucky you! Maintain balance with a simple, hydrating routine.

If you’re still unsure how to identify your skin type or which products to use, don’t worry—skincare is a journey. The more you understand your skin, the better choices you can make. Ready to build your perfect routine? Start with the basics and let your skin guide you.