Does navigating through skincare for your skin feel like decoding a foreign language? Do terms like “pH balance”, “combination skin”, “CTM” give you FOMO vibes? Fear not we are here to explain skincare and what suits you the best. Understanding your skin type is the key to getting glowing and healthy skin. Not everyone’s skin type is the same and making a tailored skincare regimen can transform your routine from guesswork to greatness. In this blog, let us share how to find your skin type and create a routine for its care.
Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters
Did you know, your skin is the largest organ in your body? And just like your finger print, the skin is one-of-a-kind. Skin products that are not suitable for your skin type can lead to breakouts, irritation, and dullness.
Knowing ‘what is your skin type’ will help you
-
Choose products that address your specific concerns.
-
Build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.
-
Save money by avoiding ineffective purchases.
The 5 Skin Types: Know the Basics
There are broadly 5 different skin types in both men and women depending on their characteristics and how they behave to products and the environment. Let us look at the 5 different types of skin.
-
Normal Skin
-
Feels: Balanced—not too oily or dry.
-
Looks: Smooth, with minimal pores and rare breakouts.
-
Signs: No tightness or greasy shine.
-
Oily Skin
-
Feels: Slick, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
-
Looks: Shiny within hours of cleansing, enlarged pores, prone to acne.
-
Signs: Makeup slides off quickly.
-
Dry Skin
-
Feels: Tight, rough, or flaky.
-
Looks: Dull, with visible dry patches or fine lines.
-
Signs: React to harsh weather or products.
-
Combination Skin
-
Feels: Oily in the T-zone, dry/normal on cheeks.
-
Looks: Uneven texture, with both shiny and dry areas.
-
Signs: Confusing! Needs a mix of products.
-
Sensitive Skin
-
Feels: Reactive, itchy, or prone to redness.
-
Looks: Thin, with visible capillaries or rosacea.
-
Signs: Stings with fragrances or active ingredients.
How to Find Your Skin Type
Now that you know the different types of skin, you must be curious to understand what your skin type is - is it dry, oily, or a combination skin? Take these simple tests at home to find out your skin type.
#1 The Bare-Faced Test
This is the simplest way to determine your skin type and how it behaves without using any kind of product. Just let your clean skin breathe.
Here’s what to do
-
Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser. Pat dry.
-
Wait: Don’t apply any products for 1–2 hours.
-
Observe:
-
Oily: Shine all over.
-
Dry: Tightness or flakiness.
-
Combination: Shine on the T-zone, dryness elsewhere.
-
Normal: Even texture, no discomfort.
-
Sensitive: Redness or irritation.
#2 The Blotting Sheet Hack
For this test, you will need a blotting paper or you can even use a clean tissue. Do this test on a clean face.
Grab a blotting paper and press it on different areas of your face:
-
Oily: The sheet becomes translucent with oil.
-
Dry: Little to no oil residue.
-
Combination: Oil only on T-zone sheets.
#3 The Tightness Test
In this test on how to find your skin type, you are going to check how tight your freshly washed skin feels. Do this test on a freshly cleansed skin.
-
Dry Skin: Feels tight immediately.
-
Oily Skin: No tightness, just oiliness later.
-
Normal/Combination: Mild tightness that fades.
Factors That Influence Your Skin Type
Several factors can influence your skin type from genetics to lifestyle. You must know what factors can contribute to your skin type so that you are aware of its changes and care for it properly.
The most important factor is your genetics. Some people are born with oily skin and from childhood to their adult years they have similar oily skin with spikes due to hormones or other environmental stimulants.
Your skin isn’t static — it changes with:
-
Weather: While humidity boosts oil, cold winter winds dry out the skin.
-
Hormones: Do you often face breakouts around your cycle? Thank the hormones.
-
Age: Aging leads to depletion in collagen production and lesser sebum turning the skin dry.
-
Lifestyle: Lifestyle factors faced by modern men and women like stress, diet, and lack of sleep impact hydration in your skin.
Create a Skincare Routine According to Your Skin Type
Now that you know how to find your skin type and which factors can cause changes, it is time to create a skincare routine based on your skin type.
Dry Skin
Opt for cream cleansers containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Pair it with a hydrating face serum and day cream. Remember to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
For nighttime routine choose a HA+Retinol night cream.
Oily Skin
Opt for foaming face wash or gel cleansers, light face serum with salicylic acid, and clay masks
Combination Skin
Lightweight serums and targeted treatments for hydration, acne, or pigmentation work best for combination skin.
Sensitive Skin
Choose fragrance-free, soothing ingredients in your cleanser, serum, and moisturizers.
Pro Tip: Irrespective of your skin type, protect your skin from sun damage during the day with sunscreen.
Final Takeaway
Finding your skin type isn’t just a skincare step—it’s an act of self-care. Once you crack the code, you can curate a routine that celebrates your skin’s unique needs. At Earthraga, we craft products designed for every skin story, because beauty begins with understanding you.
