What is my skin type?

What is my skin type?

Skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. To get the most out of your routine—and avoid breakouts, dryness, or irritation—it’s important to understand your unique skin type and choose products that support it. The wrong cleanser can strip your skin or clog pores, while the right one can help maintain balance, clarity, and hydration.

This guide will help you identify your skin type and pick the most suitable face cleanser based on dermatological research.

🔍 Step 1: How to Identify Your Skin Type

Dermatologists generally classify skin into five types:

  • Normal – Balanced, not too oily or dry, few imperfections
  • Oily – Shiny appearance, enlarged pores, prone to blackheads/acne
  • Dry – Flaky, dull, tight-feeling, sensitive to wind/cold
  • Combination – Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), dry elsewhere
  • Sensitive – Easily irritated, prone to redness, itching, or burning

At-home test:

  1. Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.
  2. Wait 30 minutes without applying anything to your skin.
  3. Observe how your skin feels and looks:
  • If it feels tight or flaky ➝ Dry
  • If it looks shiny all over ➝ Oily
  • If your T-zone is oily but cheeks are dry ➝ Combination
  • If it feels calm and comfortable ➝ Normal
  • If it looks red or itchy ➝ Sensitive

Reference: Classification supported by American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

🧴 Step 2: How to Choose a Cleanser for Your Skin Type

✔️ For Normal Skin

Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that maintains your skin’s natural balance.

Look for: Glycerin, ceramides, and non-stripping formulas

✔️ For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Opt for a foaming or gel cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying.

Look for: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc, or clay-based cleansers

Study reference: Salicylic acid is proven to reduce acne lesions (Bowe et al., JCAD 2011)

✔️ For Dry Skin

Use a creamy, non-foaming cleanser that hydrates and supports the skin barrier.

Look for: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and lipid-rich ingredients

Reference: Cleansers with ceramides improve barrier function (Ananthapadmanabhan et al., 2012)

✔️ For Combination Skin

Choose a mild, balancing cleanser or consider using different products on oily and dry areas.

Look for: pH-balanced cleansers with gentle surfactants

✔️ For Sensitive Skin

Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-foaming cleanser.

Look for: Aloe vera, chamomile, oat extract, or micellar water

Study: Sensitive skin benefits from low-irritant formulations (Misery et al., JEADV, 2017)

💡 Final Tips

  • Don’t over-cleanse—twice daily is enough for most skin types
  • Avoid alcohol-based or overly foaming cleansers, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin
  • Patch-test new products to prevent reactions

Understanding your skin type is the first step to building a routine that works. When you choose a cleanser that supports your skin’s needs, you lay the foundation for healthier, clearer, and more resilient skin.

Start with the right cleanser—and the rest of your skincare will follow.

Regresar al blog