Getting to know your skin type is one of the most empowering steps you can take on your skincare journey. It's the difference between guessing and understanding, between buying products at random and building a routine that works.
While your skin type isn't everything, it lays the foundation for how your skin behaves, what it needs, and how it responds to change. In this guide, we'll show you how to perform a simple skin type test at home and explain why it's important for your skin's long-term health.
Every face tells a different story.
From oiliness to dryness, sensitivity to perfect balance, your skin type holds the clues to what it truly needs.
When you know your skin type, you're no longer guessing your way through products or wondering why something "isn't working." You're making intentional, confident decisions for your skin's future.
Skin type is a foundational aspect of how your skin functions, what it needs to stay healthy, and how it responds to changes in your environment, lifestyle, and the products you use. Without knowing your skin type, it's easy to get caught in a cycle of trial and error. You might try trending products or routines that don't work for your skin, or worse, disrupt its balance.
Understanding this also allows you to take a more personalised and proactive approach. It becomes easier to identify what ingredients to look for, which formulations to avoid, and how to build a routine that supports your skin's natural tendencies rather than working against them.
This clarity is especially valuable when your skin starts behaving differently due to stress, hormonal fluctuations, or seasonal changes. Instead of reacting in frustration, you can adapt your care with more confidence.
It also creates a foundation for professional support.
When you can accurately describe your skin, we can better tailor our range of treatments, such as facials or advanced skincare solutions, to your specific needs. The more you understand your skin, the more empowered you are to care for it intentionally and consistently.
Let's break down the five skin types so you can start recognising what sounds most familiar.
This skin type is balanced. It's not too oily or too dry. Pores are small, skin texture is smooth, and there are minimal issues with sensitivity or breakouts. You likely tolerate a variety of products easily.
If this is you, maintenance is key.
Still, normal skin benefits from daily hydration, regular cleansing, and occasional exfoliation to maintain that balance. It's also wise to protect your skin from environmental damage with a broad-spectrum SPF and to avoid overloading it with harsh actives it may not need.
Dry skin often feels tight or flaky, especially after cleansing. It may look dull and highlight fine lines more easily. This skin type lacks oil and moisture, so it craves hydration and nourishment.
You might notice that your skin absorbs moisturisers quickly or feels itchy in colder weather. Look for products rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin barrier and improve comfort. Gentle cleansing and layering hydrating products can make a visible difference over time.
Oily skin is prone to shine, especially across the forehead, nose, and chin. Pores may appear larger, and there can be a tendency for congestion or breakouts. This skin type benefits from lightweight hydration and sebum-balancing care.
Although it may feel counterintuitive, oily skin still needs moisturiser. Just choose one that has a lighter texture. Gel-based products, niacinamide, and clay masks can help refine pores and reduce excess shine without stripping the skin's natural moisture.
Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based products, as they can trigger even more oil production.
You might notice an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but drier cheeks. This is combination skin. It requires balance: hydrating dry areas while managing oil in others.
Multi-masking and layered routines often help.
This skin type can be challenging because it behaves differently in various areas and sometimes even fluctuates with the seasons.
Using targeted products for each zone, like a mattifying serum on the T-zone and a richer cream on the cheeks, can help restore harmony.
If your skin easily flushes, itches, or reacts to certain products and weather conditions, you may have sensitive skin. It can feel dry, sting, or appear red with minimal provocation. Gentleness and barrier support are vital.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and minimal-ingredient products are your best friend here. Sensitive skin often benefits from ingredients like oat extract, centella asiatica, and ceramides.
Tracking reactions and introducing new products one at a time can help you avoid flare-ups and better understand your skin's boundaries.
No products needed. Just a mirror and 30 minutes of patience. Here's how to discover your skin type with a simple home test:
Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Don't apply any moisturiser or product afterwards.
Allow your skin to return to its natural state. Avoid touching it during this time.
Now take a close look at your skin and gently touch different areas of your face. Here's what to look out for:
If your skin feels balanced and looks even-toned without dryness or shine, you most likely have normal skin. It won't feel tight or oily and should appear smooth and hydrated.
If your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky, especially on your cheeks and forehead, you probably have dry skin. The texture may appear dull, or fine lines may seem more pronounced due to a lack of moisture.
If your skin appears shiny or greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), this suggests oily skin. You may also notice enlarged pores or be prone to breakouts in these areas.
If your T-zone feels oily but your cheeks feel dry or normal, that's a sign of combination skin. This skin type requires a mixed approach depending on the area.
If your skin looks red, feels itchy, or stings when touched, especially after applying products, you may have sensitive skin. This type reacts easily to skincare and environmental triggers.
Take your time and observe how your skin behaves without any product interference. This observation is your first step toward a more tailored skincare routine that actually works.
This guide doesn't replace professional advice, but it's a great first step toward gaining a deeper understanding of your skin.
Knowing your skin type helps you work with your skin, not against it. It informs you about what you might need more of (hydration, exfoliation, or calming ingredients?) and steers you away from harsh or incompatible routines.
But skin types aren't set in stone.
Hormonal shifts, travel, new climates, or even seasonal changes can alter your skin's behaviour.
That's why listening to your skin regularly matters. If things feel "off," it might be time to reassess your routine or seek support.
Home testing gives you a great starting point, but personalised insight can take things further. Our skin consultations and bespoke facials are tailored to meet your skin's specific needs.
Not just today, but over time.
You don't need a skin type quiz to get started, just clarity, curiosity, and the right support.
If you've ever stood in front of the mirror wondering whether your skincare routine is really working, this might be the moment to take your skincare further.
Get in touch to book a skin consultation and start to take control of your skincare.
