I'm sure we've all asked ourselves in front of the mirror more than once, "What type of skin do I really have?" And it's not as obvious as it seems. Knowing our skin well isn't just about aesthetics, it's about health.
From there, we can choose the right products, establish personalized routines, and avoid common mistakes that end up doing more harm than good. Skincare begins with understanding your skin.
In this post we'll delve into how to correctly identify your skin type, what influences its characteristics, what mistakes to avoid, and what routine to follow depending on whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal.
We'll also give you home remedies to recognize it without needing a professional diagnosis. If you notice constant changes, dry patches and shiny areas, or you're concerned about your skin's texture, this article is for you.
What is skin type?
When we talk about skin type, we're referring to how our skin naturally behaves in response to factors like sebum production, sensitivity, and hydration. This skin type is determined by genetics , but it can also change over time depending on our routines, diet, stress, and climate.
Knowing your skin type is key to making the right choices: from the facial cleanser you use to the texture of your moisturizer. And no, not all skin needs the same thing . While some skin types seek to control excess oil, others urgently need hydration.
Furthermore, it's important to distinguish between skin type and skin condition. Dehydration, for example, can affect both dry and oily skin. Therefore, even if we have a basic "label," we must pay attention to its current needs.
Internal and external factors that influence
Our skin doesn't live in a bubble. Many factors directly impact how it looks and feels every day. Internally, hormones, aging, and stress can disrupt its balance. Who hasn't experienced a breakout during a stressful week?
On the other hand, external factors such as pollution, weather, the use of unsuitable products, or unprotected sun exposure can alter the skin's appearance. Even the water we use to wash our face has an effect.
Nutrition and hydration also play an important role. A diet lacking in nutrients can lead to dull skin, redness, or imbalances. So yes, everything adds up when it comes to taking care of our face.
What types of skin are there and their characteristics
Correctly identifying your skin type is the first step toward an effective skincare routine. There are five main categories: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive . Each has unique characteristics and different needs .
Although some people think they have "a little bit of everything," there's always a dominant trend that can guide us in choosing what's best for our skin. Below, I explain how to distinguish between them and what to look for.
Normal skin
Normal skin is like that friend who never gives you any trouble. It has an ideal balance between hydration and oil production. It doesn't usually have visible imperfections, enlarged pores, or a feeling of tightness. It feels smooth to the touch, with a regular texture and an even tone.
However, this doesn't mean it doesn't need care. Maintenance is key to preventing this skin from losing its natural balance over time or due to hormonal changes.
A light routine, with products that provide antioxidants and sun protection , is ideal for this type of skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin often feels tight, rough, or even flaky. It's common for fine lines to appear prematurely due to a lack of water and lipids.
This skin type needs deep hydration and nourishing products that help repair its skin barrier. Avoiding products with alcohol or harsh cleansers is essential to prevent worsening dryness.
It is also more prone to sensitivity to cold or wind, so it is advisable to protect it with thick creams and moisturizing masks.
Oily skin
Oily skin is characterized by a constant shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). It often has enlarged pores and is more prone to blemishes such as pimples or blackheads.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't moisturize; often, excess sebum is a response to dehydration. The trick is to use lightweight , oil-free products specifically formulated to regulate sebum production.
Good daily cleansing and avoiding heavy textures is key to maintaining a balanced skin.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is the most common and sometimes the most confusing. It combines oily areas (usually the T-zone) with drier or normal areas (cheeks, around the eyes).
It requires a balanced approach , using different products depending on the needs of each area. For example, you can apply a mattifying gel to the forehead and a more nourishing cream to the cheeks.
It is important to carefully observe how the skin reacts during the day in order to adapt the routine correctly.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin reacts easily to stimuli that other skin types tolerate without problems. It may experience redness, itching, burning, or peeling after using certain products, or after exposure to the sun or cold.
This type of skin needs gentle formulas , free of perfumes, alcohol, and irritating ingredients. It's advisable to test any new product before using it.
Sun protection is even more important, as the skin barrier is often weakened and more prone to damage.
Common mistakes when identifying your skin type
One of the most common mistakes is confusing dehydrated skin with dry skin. Remember: dehydration is a temporary condition that can affect all skin types, even oily skin.
Another common mistake is analyzing the skin after applying products. Ideally, it should be evaluated clean, without makeup or creams, preferably upon waking or after an hour of facial cleansing without applying anything else.
People also tend to switch products too quickly, without giving their skin time to adjust. This can cause reactions that make us think we have a different skin type.
And finally, we shouldn't let trends dictate our routine. Not everything that works on social media is suitable for our skin.
Skincare routines according to each skin type
Here's the good part: once we know our skin type, we can adapt our routine to its needs. It's not about using a 10-step Korean-style skincare routine if we don't need it. It's about being consistent and coherent .
Let's see what each skin type needs in its daily routine.
Normal skin
A simple yet effective routine. Gentle cleanser, balancing toner, antioxidant serum, and light moisturizer. In the morning, sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential.
Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate to maintain smooth skin texture and remove dead skin cells. Hydrating masks are also beneficial.
Dry skin
A nourishing cleanse that doesn't dry out your skin is key here. Opt for cleansing oils or milks. Then, apply a serum with hyaluronic acid and a rich cream with ingredients like ceramides or shea butter.
Using facial oils can be a great extra touch at night. And don't forget your lips and the area around your eyes, which tend to get drier.
Oily skin
Deep cleanse with purifying yet gentle products. Avoid harsh exfoliants, which only increase oil production. Choose toners with ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid.
Lightweight gel moisturizers and oil-free sunscreen. Clay masks are a great way to control oil without drying out your skin.
Combination Skin
Smart combination. Use a non-drying cleanser and apply different products to each area if necessary. A good trick is to use serums all over your face and then treat dry and oily areas separately with specific creams.
Multimasking masks (one for each area) are also ideal for this type of skin.
Sensitive Skin
Less is more. Ultra-gentle cleansing is best with fragrance- and alcohol-free products. Moisturize with soothing creams containing ingredients like oat, allantoin, or centella asiatica.
Avoid physical exfoliants or harsh acids. And don't go out without your mineral sunscreen. The key is to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce reactivity.
Final Conclusion
Discovering your skin type isn't as complicated as it seems, but it does require some observation and patience. A well-understood skin is a well-cared-for skin. And with a tailored routine, the results are noticeable.
It doesn't matter if you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin. What's important is giving it what it needs at any given time, because even skin type can change with the seasons, age, or hormonal fluctuations.
Listening to our skin is the first step towards a healthier relationship with ourselves. And if you have any doubts, you can always consult a dermatologist or do gentle tests at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one skin type at the same time?
Yes, it's very common. Combination skin, for example, has both oily and dry areas on the face. That's why it's important to observe how your skin reacts in different areas and adapt your products to each need.
How often does skin type change?
Although skin type has a genetic basis, it can change over time due to factors such as age, hormones, climate, or even stress. Ideally, you should have your skin type checked periodically to adjust your skincare routine.
How do I know if I have dry or dehydrated skin?
Dry skin lacks lipids and tends to feel tight all the time. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, can be oily or combination but lacks water. Both need hydration, but with different products.
What do I do if I can't identify my skin type?
If you still have doubts after observing your skin's texture, shine, sensitivity, or dry patches, it's best to consult a dermatologist or skin care specialist. You can also do at-home tests over several days to identify patterns.
