How to know your skin type.

Written By Emily Mutarisi

How to Know Your Skin Type

Skincare only works when you know what your skin actually needs. And the first step is figuring out your skin type.

This doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a fancy test or a professional facial. Just a few signs and some honest observation can tell you a lot.

Here’s a simple way to check:

  1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser

  2. Don’t apply anything else — no moisturiser, no serums

  3. Wait for 30–45 minutes

  4. Look at your skin and take note of how it feels

What you might notice:

  • Oily skin
    Your face feels slick or looks shiny, especially around your forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone). Pores may look larger and breakouts are common.

  • Dry skin
    Your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky. You might see dry patches, especially around the cheeks and mouth.

  • Combination skin
    Your T-zone is oily, but your cheeks are dry or normal. You’ll notice two “moods” happening on the same face.

  • Normal skin
    No major oil, no major dryness. Your skin feels balanced, calm, and smooth.

  • Sensitive skin
    Your skin gets easily irritated, red, or itchy — especially after trying new products or exfoliants.

What’s next?

Now that you know your skin type, you can start building a routine that actually works for you. No more copying influencers or wasting money on products that aren’t made for your skin.

Head back to the Skin 101 homepage to explore more posts like:

  • Morning vs Night Routine

  • Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

  • How to Build a Routine That Sticks

Emily Mutarisi