Because every one of us is so unique, this can make shopping for a particular complexion, well, complex (which is precisely why we developed our handy icon system). The bright side is that, despite our differences, experts have been able to identify a few skin types that cover the commonalities some of us share: Dry, Oily, Combination, Normal, and Sensitive.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
The first step to building an effective skincare regimen is to understand what your skin needs. From there, you can note the ingredients that will work best for your complexion and actually deliver those visible results. “The best way to gauge your skin is to know it!”, Dr. Vergara-Wijangco agrees. “That means touching it (with clean hands) and really feeling out the temperature, texture, and buoyancy. A soft pinch test every now and then can also help you evaluate its hydration levels.” Because the skin types are pretty self-explanatory (dry is dry and oily is oily, after all), most of us can easily determine which one we are. If it isn’t so intuitive to you, however, Dr. Vergara-Wijangco suggests performing the following ‘blot test’ to test sebum production:
- Wash your face and pat it dry. Wait 30 minutes.
- Gently press an oil blotting paper or tissue on your face. Press the paper on different areas of your skin, such as your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Hold the sheet to the light to see how transparent the paper is. If it’s:
- Soaked through all over, you have an oily skin type
- Oily in some areas, but not everywhere, you have a combination skin type
- Not oily, but your skin feels flaky or tight, you have a dry skin type
- Not oily but also not tight or flaky, you have a normal skin type
The 5 Skin Types
Now that you understand your skin type, learn how to shop for it. Read on below or head over to our Skin Decoder quiz where, after a few quick questions, we’ll recommend a regimen customized just for you.
Note: Because skin types are based on genetics, there is no ‘cure’. You can, however, opt for ingredients and products that will help alleviate symptoms.
DRY SKIN
If you have dry skin (not to be confused with dehydrated skin, which is a concern), your skin lacks enough oil to keep itself moisturized. Skin all over the body (not just your face) may be red, flaky, itchy, and ashy. Dry skin can also “appear dull, have less visible pores, present [more apparent] fine lines, and be prone to sensitivity”, adds Dr. Factor.
OILY
Oil-prone skin types consider blotting sheets and the term ‘non-comedogenic’ to be their best friends since these complexions naturally produce excess sebum. Their pores may be more visible and breakouts more frequent than others.
If you’re oily, you want to keep things, especially moisturizers, lightweight (don’t skip this skincare step though—that could encourage your skin to keep producing oil to compensate for the lack of moisturization). Dew Point is a great jelly-like option that won’t weigh down the skin. Exfoliating and using clay masks is also especially beneficial for these skin types to clear out any excess sebum that gets trapped in pores, minimizing their appearance and limiting acne. Incorporate ingredients like rosewater, tea tree oil, berry leaf extract, witch hazel, salicylic acid, and zinc into your routine to control oil and excess shine.
If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘why am I dry in one area and oily in another’, congrats! You’ve got combo skin. This mix of oiliness and dryness can happen anywhere, but more often than not you’ll notice “an oily T-zone area, [while] the cheeks and the rest of the face may be dry or normal”, says Dr. Factor.
Combination skin types may need to play around with their products and only apply them in certain areas. For example, you may choose to focus more of your exfoliation on your nose and chin, while adding a facial oil only to your cheeks. Look for product hybrids, like our Antioxidant Oil-Serum, to reap several benefits at once, or consider multi-masking (using different masks on different parts of your face) to target multifaceted concerns. Ingredients such as willow bark extract, zinc, and aloe vera are also helpful, as they keep oil under control without overdrying the skin.
NORMAL
Not too oily, not too dry, but just right—you have a ‘normal’ skin type (that term is, of course, relative, referring to the stable level of sebum produced). If your complexion is normal, the skincare shelf is your oyster. Focus on targeting any specific skin concerns using ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and vitamin C, and feel free to explore advanced treatments like facial peels and dermaplaning.
SENSITIVE
Remember: Because this skin type is the only one not directly related to sebum production, you can be any of the above and sensitive, too. Sensitive skin is usually a result of a hyperactive immune system or a genetically reduced barrier function, experiencing inflammation, stinging, tingling, itchiness, and the like, often after introducing a new product or using a more potent formula.
Sensitive skin types may feel the need to tread carefully when picking skincare in fear of irritating their skin, but there are plenty of gentle options that can alleviate symptoms and keep your barrier in check. Keep your eyes peeled for the term ‘pH-balanced (like on our Milky Cleanser), which can help prevent inflammation and keep the moisture barrier calm. Vitamin E, oat milk, coconut water, bakuchiol, and lactic acid are some soothing ingredients to add to a sensitive skin routine. As a rule of thumb, we recommend introducing one product at a time and performing a patch test on the neck before diving in.