There are countless ways to approach a skincare routine. Some build an entire regimen around one concern—say acne or wrinkles. Others set a goal, such as brightening or smoothing, and stick with it. All are great options, but there’s one critical piece to have in place before getting started: understanding your skin type and how it can evolve.
Think of it as your skin’s very own hierarchy of needs. Your skin type should serve as the baseline for every product and technique you choose. Then, once you’ve identified your skin type, you can add on other priorities or goals. But meeting the basic needs of combination, oily, sensitive, normal, or dry skin must come first for a truly healthy, balanced complexion.
Ahead, we’ll share expert advice from dermatologist Dr. Andrea Combalia to help you quickly determine your current skin type, decide exactly what it needs now, and explain the science behind it all. Ready to get started?
What are the different skin types?
They probably sound familiar. The five widely accepted skin types are combination, oily, sensitive, normal, and dry. Each is defined by a set of shared attributes, much like personality traits for your complexion. These characteristics determine how your skin reacts to products, tools, and the world around you.
Here’s a general overview of how skin typing works:
- It’s largely based on how much oil (sebum) your skin naturally produces and how reactive your protective barrier is.
- Your skin type can change over time. Stress, hormones, and different climates may drive these shifts.
- Each skin type responds best to tailored skincare routines, ingredients, and especially, textures.
- All types can also be dehydrated (a temporary state rather than a defining status) and have sensitive tendencies.
- You can most likely figure out your type through a few easy steps at home (we’ll get there shortly!).
How can I identify my skin type?
While you might already have an idea of what your skin type is, there are a few things that can mask its true nature (think certain skincare products, stressful times, etc.). Using a controlled approach and tried-and-tested techniques can help correctly determine your baseline.
Before getting started, hit pause for a week or two on potent ingredients such as retinal or glycolic acid and physical exfoliants. Then, decide if your current daily routine reflects your usual lifestyle. If you’re especially busy, visiting another climate, or just changed skincare brands, it might not be the moment. The best time to assess is when your skin is in its most “natural” state.
Let’s take a closer look.
Wash, wait, and watch
It’s one of the easiest ways to get a good idea of your skin type, and even better, there’s only one product and 30 minutes involved. Here’s how:
- First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser designed to respect the skin. Lightly pat dry with a cotton towel.
- Skip any other skincare products and try not to touch your skin—you’ll need to be working with a clean, bare, dry face.
- Let 30 minutes pass by and then observe your skin in the mirror, guiding yourself with the information below.
What does oily skin look and feel like?
After just 30 minutes, oily skin will likely start to show some shine. You’ll note that your skin’s oil production is evenly distributed over the face, although there could be a few spots where it’s more concentrated.
There are also a few characteristics of oily skin that you may notice from day to day. We asked dermatologist Andrea Combalia to weigh in, “Oily skin produces too much oil. This can cause shine and clog pores… sometimes causing blackheads or acne.” You might also have noticeable pores, with a larger or more open appearance.
What does combination skin look and feel like?
With this skin type, you’ll still notice shine quickly after cleansing, but only in a few areas. Combination skin produces too much oil in the T-zone—that means the central forehead, nose, and chin. However, the other areas of your face may look more matte and even experience tightness, dryness, or sensitivity.
What does dry skin look and feel like?
Overall, dry skin is one of the easiest types to identify. Aside from a lack of oil or shine, Dr. Combalia explains, “Many times, people with dry skin note a pulling or tight feeling and are prone to peeling or flaking skin.” She also shares that you could identify dry skin through its tone, characterized by a matte or even grayish appearance.
On a positive note: If this is your skin type, your pores are likely barely visible and you may go ages without a single blackhead or blemish.
What does sensitive skin look and feel like?
Sensitive skin, on the other hand, isn’t always so easy to spot. After cleansing, it may feel completely fine or tight and reactive depending on the day.
Dr. Combalia recommends using daily experiences to help identify this skin type. “Sensitive skin means it overreacts to internal or external stimuli,” she explains. The factors at play? “Changes in temperature, pollution, sun exposure, and even hormone fluctuations.” She shares that frequent irritation and redness are other telltale signs.
What about normal skin?
After cleansing, normal skin should feel comfortable and hydrated, with a healthy glow rather than noticeable dullness or shine. Typically, pores are only slightly visible in most areas and there’s no excessive redness or grayness.
Normal skin can be considered the standard. However, many people’s skin types fluctuate throughout their lives—meaning “normal” is different for all of us depending on the day. And that’s more than OK!
How to choose the best products for your skin type
As we’ve seen, not all skin types are the same, and neither are their needs. But there are certain products that every type of skin will find essential: a gentle cleanser, targeted moisturizer, and broad spectrum sunscreen.
Let’s look at a few expert tips on how you can tailor your routine to best fit your skin.
Discover your personalized ISDIN skincare routine based on your skin type with just a few questions.
Skincare tips for combination to oily skin
Dr. Combalia says it’s straightforward, “People with either combination or oily skin will do best with a routine that helps combat excess oil and avoids blocking pores.” But, as she explains, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cleanse morning and night: Turn to “non-comedogenic and mineral oil-free products”—meaning they won’t congest pores.
- Hydrate daily: “Yes, combination and oily skin types also need hydration!” insists Dr. Combalia. One way to approach things? Use a moisturizer built for combination skin and oily skin. Opt for a lightweight, mattifying formula that can offer much-needed hydration without overdoing it, even on the T-zone.
- Protect always: Sunscreen is still the most important skincare product no matter your skin type. Dr. Combalia mentions that lightweight sunscreens including antioxidants can especially benefit oily skin.
Skincare tips for normal to dry skin
It’s time to turn our focus to the skin barrier, as Dr. Combalia shares that this natural protective function is actually the main driver behind dry skin. “Dry skin is characterized by an alteration in the skin barrier, due to an overall lack of moisture or the fact that the skin loses moisture too quickly.” So, what can you do to help?
- Use a gentle cleanser: “Look for alcohol-free formulas with a soft texture, ones that don’t harm the skin’s barrier function,” Dr. Combalia advises.
- Opt for warm water: She shares that it’s easier on dry skin than hot or even cold water. “And make sure to dry the skin using gentle pats to avoid friction.”
- Turn to hydrating serums and creams: What ingredient to look for on the label? “Hyaluronic acid,” says the doctor. This hydration hero also boosts elasticity and helps smooth the signs of skin aging.
Here’s how to build a skincare routine for dry skin.
Skincare tips for sensitive skin
Much like dry skin, sensitive skin also experiences an alteration in its barrier function. This is one of the main reasons it reacts so unpredictably to changes in temperature, humidity, and even new skincare products. However, Dr. Combalia says there’s plenty you can do to help soothe and calm your skin.
- Boost your barrier: “Look for cleansers and moisturizers that respect, or even better reinforce, the skin’s natural protective layer,” she shares. Try out products that include nourishing ingredients such as sunflower oil or niacinamide.
- Use nutrition as an ally: She shares that a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and oils such as omega-7 may also help support overall skin health.
- Avoid stress when possible: Dr. Combalia recommends that it’s important to get enough rest and try your best to manage stress levels, as the contrary can worsen skin’s reactivity.
One of a kind
Your skin is unique—and so are its needs. Understanding it can help you build a routine that truly supports your complexion, helping it look and feel its best. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive skin, the right products and habits can make all the difference.
Remember, skin types can evolve over time due to factors like climate, lifestyle, and age. Checking in with your skin regularly can help you meet it where it’s at. And above all, do your best to love your skin, care for it, and protect it, always.