What's Your Skin Type? A Guide to Understanding Your Skin

There are five main skin types — oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive. Each has unique needs that influence the appearance and texture of your skin. Understanding your type is essential for choosing the correct products, creating an effective skincare routine and achieving radiant skin.

Read on to discover how to determine your skin type, skincare tips and the best treatments by skin type at SkinSpirit.

Understanding Skin Types

Skin type refers to common traits that reflect how your skin looks and feels. It's mainly determined by your skin's sebum production, an oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin.

This substance is vital to your skin's health — however, producing too little or too much can result in various concerns. Your sebum production is usually the result of genetics but can also be impacted by stress, hormones, humidity and aging. Your skin can change as time passes, either as you get older or are exposed to different environments.

Here are the main characteristics of each skin type:

• Oily: With oily skin, overactive sebaceous glands cause the face to look shiny and feel greasy. Those with oily skin can also be more prone to acne because too much sebum may clog the pores.
• Dry: Dry skin occurs when the skin loses too much water too quickly, causing tightness, a rough texture and a dull appearance. It is typically linked to an underproduction of sebum, which helps shield the skin from moisture loss.
• Combination: As the name suggests, combination skin means that some areas of the face are normal or dry, whereas others are oily. The T-zone is often oily, and the cheeks and jawline are often dry.
• Normal: Unlike oily or dry types, normal skin is a happy medium — the skin feels comfortable and well-hydrated.
• Sensitive: This skin type is reactive, but the reactiveness is not caused by sebum. Sensitive skin tends to be easily irritated.

How Do You Know What Skin Type You Have?

Is your skin constantly shiny, tight, parched, or a mixture of all of the above? Perhaps you struggle to find skincare products that don't cause irritation. Or, maybe you've been blessed with a well-balanced complexion. Here's how to figure out your skin type.

1. Take a Closer Look at Your Skin

Analyze your skin's appearance and texture and how it responds to products, activities and the weather. Look for signs like:

• Shine and oiliness levels: If your face looks glossy and feels greasy, you likely have oily skin. This oiliness can worsen in hot and humid weather or as you go through hormonal changes. You may also have large, visible pores and may experience pimples, blackheads or other blemishes.
• Dryness and flakiness: If your face looks visibly dehydrated and feels taut, you may have dry skin. This dryness may worsen during cold winters or after spending time in a tanning bed, taking hot showers, being exposed to indoor heating or using certain skincare products. Your pores might also be very small, and you may have noticeable fine lines and less elasticity. Dry skin can also lead to itchiness, irritation, red patches, and a scaly or flaky texture.
• Oiliness and dryness: If you notice dry and oily areas, you may have combination skin. This skin type is more likely to fluctuate throughout the year due to the different seasons, hormone changes or stress.
• Sensitivity and redness: You probably have sensitive skin if your skin often looks red and inflamed and you experience a stinging or burning sensation after applying products that contain common irritants, such as fragrances. Your skin may also flare up when exposed to environmental conditions like pollution. Although sensitive skin is a distinct skin type, you can also be prone to sensitivity if you have oily, dry or combination skin.

If your skin exhibits none of these signs, you most likely have normal skin. Your skin may have little to no blemishes or sensitivity, barely visible pores and an overall healthy-looking appearance.

2. Try the Bare-Faced Method

This method involves monitoring how your skin behaves after you wash it. Start by washing your face with a mild cleanser, gently patting it dry with a towel and avoiding applying a moisturizer. Then, wait 30 minutes before examining your skin in the mirror.

If your entire face is shiny, you may have oily skin. A sheen on specific areas, such as your forehead, nose and chin, may indicate that you have combination skin. If your skin feels rough and tight, you likely have dry skin. Skin that isn't dry or oily but feels hydrated can mean that you have normal skin.

3. Perform the Blotting Paper Test

For this method, you'll need a sheet of blotting paper — this paper absorbs oil, so it's a handy tool to understand your skin. Begin the test by washing your face, patting it dry, avoiding using a moisturizer and waiting 30 minutes. Next, press the blotting paper to your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks, and check the paper for any visible oil marks after you have tested each area.

If the paper quickly soaks up an abundance of oil from your entire face, you most likely have oily skin. If the paper doesn't pick up much oil, you may have dry skin. Paper that absorbs oil from your T-zone but less from your cheeks can indicate that you have combination skin. You may have normal skin if you notice a minimal amount of oil.

4. See a Skin Specialist

If you're still unsure about your skin type, visit a skin specialist, such as one of the experts at SkinSpirt. We're here to help you find joy in your skincare journey and eliminate the guesswork in understanding your skin. When you book a consultation at one of our locations, your provider will ask questions about your concerns and examine your skin to determine your type.

Even if you feel confident that you know your skin type, booking a consultation can still be beneficial, as some of the characteristics of the different skin types overlap. For example, you may have sensitive and oily skin or dry skin that is acne-prone, which needs a more tailored approach than traditionally oily or dry skin. Your provider will clarify your skin type and unique needs, helping you get one step closer to happier and healthier skin.

Tailoring Your Skincare Routine to Your Skin Type

Once you understand your type, you can create an effective routine. Every skincare regimen should include using a cleanser, a moisturizer and an SPF of at least 30 daily. You may also wish to indulge in a facial every few weeks.

Let's look at some of the best products by skin type to include in your routine, as well as treatments that can help you achieve your skin goals. Remember to regularly reassess your skin and adjust your routine as your needs evolve — what works for you today may not be ideal in five years or even a year from now.

As we age, our sebaceous glands produce less sebum, making it more challenging for the skin to maintain moisture, leading to dryness and itchiness. Our skin's ability to produce collagen also reduces, and we may accumulate sun damage. Adding or swapping out products or treatments and adopting new habits can help you support your skin through these changes.

Oily Skin

When creating a skincare routine for oily skin, say yes to ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Probiotics, vitamin B and zinc oxide can also help if you are acne-prone. Always do your research when using powerful actives such as retinol and salicylic acid — never use these two together, and slowly introduce them into your routine.

Steer clear of products that contain rich oils or have heavier textures. While it may be tempting to use alcohol-based products, which can offer a matte appearance, these may have the opposite effect, worsening the oiliness and making your pores look bigger.

Here are some additional tips for looking after your skin:

• Use a cleanser suitable for oily skin to wash your face twice daily or after sweating a lot.
• Moisturize after cleansing — it may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin still needs moisture. Opt for moisturizers that are hydrating enough to support your skin's barrier but aren't so heavy they'll give you a greasy look.
• Only use noncomedogenic skincare and cosmetic products, which are less likely to clog your pores.
• Resist the urge to pick, pop or squeeze pimples — this can make them heal much slower and cause scarring.

The experts at SkinSpirit often recommend the DiamondGlow® facial to treat oily skin. This noninvasive skin-resurfacing treatment can help unclog blocked pores caused by overactive sebaceous glands and give your skin a healthy look and feel. Your provider may also perform a medical-grade extraction to safely remove blackheads and whiteheads.

Dry Skin

Dry skin loves ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamins E and B, and omega oils. To create your routine, include hydrating and deeply nourishing products like milky or oil-based cleansers and thicker moisturizers. Avoid soap- and sulfate-based cleansers, harsh acids, and astringent toners. Although you should never use physical exfoliants such as scrubs, you can include enzymatic exfoliators such as the Clean Zyme Facial Cleanser by Jan Marini Skin Research®.

Follow these tips to care for dehydrated skin:

• Wash your face once or twice a day with a mild and gentle cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Liberally apply a rich moisturizer immediately after cleansing your skin — you can reapply throughout the day as needed.
• Limit your time in the bath or shower. While we understand the bliss of unwinding in a long, hot shower, it can dry out your skin even more.

As DiamondGlow® can be tailored to every skin type, our specialist might suggest it to help improve your skin's texture and give you a radiant glow. This treatment can also smooth fine lines that are more visible due to dryness, and your provider can apply a facial serum with hyaluronic acid to help your skin lock in moisture. Because dry skin can occur with age, you'll appreciate that DiamondGlow® can also treat wrinkles — who doesn't love a versatile facial?

Combination Skin

When creating a routine for combination skin, choose products that help balance your complexion. You may need various products to treat oiliness and dryness.

As salicylic acid is great for oily skin, only apply products with this ingredient to areas where you get oily, like your T-zone. On the other hand, those containing vitamin E and fatty acids are perfect for dry skin, so use these on rough patches like your cheeks. You can apply products with niacinamide and ceramides to your entire face, as both can help hydrate your skin, restore its barrier and regulate sebum production.

Here are some tips for taking care of combination skin:

• Wash your face twice daily using a suitable cleanser. The GLOWBIOTICS Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser is an excellent option because it is sulfate-free, removes excess oils and hydrates the skin.
• Use two moisturizers — one with a lightweight formula for oilier parts and one with a creamy formula for drier spots. You can also opt for one moisturizer, applying less on oily areas and more to where you experience dryness.
• Apply an enzyme exfoliant to your entire face or target oiliness with a salicylic acid toner or serum.
• Switch up your products and routine frequently, as combination skin is more likely to be influenced by changes in seasons, hormones and stress levels.

Our aestheticians might suggest our signature facial as an effective add-on to your regimen, which delivers results after just one treatment. This physician-designed facial is customized to your concerns, deeply clarifying and moisturizing the skin to restore and achieve a complexion with a healthy texture, look and feel.

Normal Skin

If you don't have any specific concerns you want to treat, it can be tricky to know where to begin with your skincare routine. Maintaining balance is the key to looking after skin that already looks healthy and feels comfortable. Include exfoliating products with ingredients such as retinol and glycolic or lactic acid and more restorative products like those containing hyaluronic acid and peptides. Once again, ensure you are clued up on how to use actives such as retinoids, BHAs and AHAs.

Avoid using overly harsh products and very thick moisturizers. You should also only use exfoliants up to three times a week, with a few days in between to give your skin a break.

Follow these tips to sustain your well-balanced complexion:

• Use a mild and soap-free cleanser to wash your face twice daily.
• Apply a light but hydrating moisturizer after cleansing.
• Protect your skin with an SPF, even during cloudy weather or days you spend indoors.
• To take your regimen to the next level, add a serum as a bonus step between cleansing and moisturizing. A vitamin C serum can offer an extra layer of protection from UV rays, pollution and blue light.

Our signature facial has been clinically proven to boost skin health, making it a great choice for keeping your skin happy. You could also benefit from the DiamondGlow® facial, which can help you look even more radiant and rejuvenated.

Sensitive Skin

Creating a skincare routine for sensitive skin and adding new products can feel daunting because you might fear triggering a reaction. Don't worry — it becomes less intimidating once you know which products are potentially irritants.

Ingredients like Centella asiatica and squalane can calm upset skin, reduce redness and improve hydration. You can also use products containing niacinamide, which can help you achieve more resilient skin, and those with probiotics, which can promote balanced, healthier skin. Avoid abrasive scrubs, products with a high percentage of AHAs and BHAs, astringents, and anything containing sulfates or soap.

Here are some tips to gently care for your reactive skin:

• Wash your face twice daily using a gentle cleanser such as the Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream.
• Use a repairing moisturizer after cleansing.
• Learn about your triggers so that you can avoid them. These can range from using fragranced products to too many actives.
• Incorporate new products one by one. This way, if your skin reacts to a product, you will know which one.

The experts at SkinSpirit may recommend dermaplaning, a gentle exfoliating treatment ideal for delicate skin. Rather than using chemicals or acidic solutions, your provider will use a surgical scalpel to lightly slough away dead skin, revealing a smooth and glowing complexion.

Care for Your Skin Type With SkinSpirit

If you want expert advice to build the perfect skincare routine with medical-grade products or are interested in one of our award-winning facials, schedule a free consultation at your nearest SkinSpirit location. Our medical providers will help you learn more about your skin type and create a personalized regimen and treatment plan to care for everything from acne to maturing skin.

When receiving any service at our med spas, you'll have peace of mind that you are in safe hands and can achieve results that make you feel confident in your skin. Learn more about our offerings, or book your appointment today!