How Do I Know My Skin Type?

Skin types are genetically-determined and can be categorized into oily, normal, dry, or combination skin. Oily skin has large pores, secretes excess oil and promotes the growth of comedones. It also tans easily. Dry skin has hardly visible pores, is sensitive to external stimulation and prone to wrinkles. A person with dry skin experiences feelings of tightness around the eyes and mouth regularly and almost never has pimples.

Combination skin shines only on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with visible pores and occasional breakouts. Mild expression lines may also form around the eyes and mouth. The dual nature of combination skin makes it difficult to find an all-round product suitable for the entire face.

For a quick skin type test, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and do not slap on any skincare product. Observe your face in the mirror after 40 minutes and check for shine. Use a clean sheet of tissue and press fresh sections of it on your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.

Normal skin has no obvious areas of shine in the mirror and leaves no oil blot. Oily skin appears shiny all over, leaving residue on the tissue from all four zones. Dry skin has no shine and leaves no oil blot; it also gives a stretched feeling. Combination skin has obvious shine on the four zones and leaves residue. The cheeks, on the other hand, are normal.