What is my skin type? Test & complete explanation
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What is my skin type? Test & complete explanation
Before choosing the right skincare, you need to know your skin type. If you use the wrong products, your routine will miss its purpose — no matter how good they are. In this article, you will learn how to determine your skin type and what skincare is suitable for it.
In short:
• The five basic types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive
• A simple at-home test identifies your skin type in 30 minutes
• Each skin type requires a different approach and product choice
• Learn how to build your routine afterwards
Contents
1. The five skin types
2. The skin type test
3. What skincare suits you?
4. Skin type vs. skin condition
What are the five skin types?
There are five basic types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. For mature skin (40+), characteristics change accordingly. Each type requires its own approach.
Normal skin
Normal skin is rarer than you might think. Characteristics: few impurities, no excessive shine, barely visible pores, and a comfortable feeling without tightness or greasiness.
Dry skin
Dry skin produces insufficient sebum. You recognize it by a tight feeling after washing, visible flakes, a matte complexion, and sometimes redness or irritation. Dry skin needs nourishing creams and serums based on hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Oily skin
Oily skin produces too much sebum. The skin is shiny, pores are enlarged, and you are more prone to impurities. Nevertheless, oily skin also needs hydration — so don't skip moisturizer. Choose light, non-comedogenic formulas.
Combination skin
With combination skin, the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, while the cheeks feel normal or dry. This is the most common skin type and requires an approach that varies by zone.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin reacts quickly to external stimuli: redness, burning, or itching after using certain products. Avoid fragrances, alcohol, and aggressive scrubs. Brands like Comfort Zone are specially developed for sensitive skin.
Did you know? Sensitivity is not a skin type in itself, but a characteristic that can occur with any type. So, oily skin can also be sensitive.
How do you test your skin type?
Take this simple test to determine your skin type:
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
- Wait 30 minutes without applying any products.
- Examine your skin and press a blotting paper on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
Skin feels tight, little oil on the paper → dry skin
Shiny skin, a lot of oil on the paper → oily skin
Oil only in the T-zone → combination skin
Comfortable skin, slight sheen → normal skin
Redness, irritation, or tightness → sensitive skin
What skincare suits your skin type?
Dry skin
Opt for cleansing oils or creams, hyaluronic acid-based serums, and rich day creams with ceramides. The Comfort Zone Hydramemory line is specially developed for dry and dehydrated skin.
Oily and combination skin
Use a gel cleanser, a light serum, and an oil-free moisturizer. Niacinamide works excellently for oily skin. Don't forget daily sun protection either.
Sensitive skin
Less is more. Choose products without fragrance and alcohol. Introduce new products slowly — one at a time. Also, read our article on skincare for sensitive skin.
Mature skin (40+)
As you age, your skin type changes. Learn more about anti-aging skincare after 40.
What is the difference between skin type and skin condition?
Your skin type is largely genetically determined. Your skin condition — how your skin currently looks — can fluctuate due to hormones, season, or stress. A dry skin condition is temporary; a dry skin type is structural. This distinction helps you make better product choices.
Once you know your skin type, the next step is to build a good routine. Learn how to do that in our article on the correct order of your skincare routine. Do you doubt which brand suits you best? Our honest selection guide will help you further.
