The four main skin types
Normal
Oily
Combination
Dry
Plus sensitive skin
NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is balanced, and it doesn't feel dry or oily. It is not usually prone to breakouts, flakiness or feeling tight. Pores are generally small, the skin is smooth, and the skin feels hydrated.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin produces excess sebum (your skin's natural oil) which causes the skin to feel and look shiny / oily. This is more noticable on the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin). Pores may appear larger, you may be prone to breakouts and blemishes. Often this
skin type will look younger for longer.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin feels dry to touch, and may feel a little tight. It is often a little dull and may feel rough or flaky. It may feel less bouncy or elastic, which may contribute to more visible facial lines. Dry skin can become itchy.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin includes areas that are oily as well as either dry or normal. It is usually the T-zone that is oily, with cheeks feeling either dry, or normal. This is
the most common skin type.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is often referred to as a skin type, but you can have any skin type AND have sensitive skin. You can have oily and sensitive skin, dry and sensitive skin and so on. Signs of sensitive skin include redness, feeling like it's burning, itching or very dry. Try and figure out what your triggers are so you can avoid them - skin sensitivity is often in response to harsh skincare products.
If you are still unsure what skin type you have, read on for An easy test you can do at home.
STEP ONE:
Cleanse your face then gently pat it dry. Don't apply any products. Observe your skin after 30 - 60 minutes. If it feels tight or you notice flakiness, it is likely that you have dry skin. If your face looks shiny all over, it's likely you have oily skin. If the shiny areas are only in your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) you probably have combination skin. If your skin feels comfortable and doesn't look shiny, you likely have normal skin.
STEP TWO:
After following step one, lightly pat some tissue paper over your whole face. Remove it and notice what it looks like. If there is no change and your skin feels hydrated and soft, it's likely you have normal skin. If it changes colour, a greasy / oily mark is left or it becomes translucent, it's likely you have oily skin. If the oily marks are concentrated in the T-zone area with no marks from the cheek area, it's likely you have combination skin. There will be no marks on the tissue if you have dry skin, but you will feel that it's dry and perhaps a little tight. It may feel rough or look a little flaky.