Identifying Your Skin Type

The Bare-Face Test: 3 Simple Steps

This is the most reliable way to see what your skin does on its own.

Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle, mild cleanser to remove oil and dirt.

Wait: Pat dry and leave your skin completely bare. Do not apply any toner, moisturizer, or serums.

Observe: After 60 minutes, check your face in the mirror and notice how it feels when you move your facial muscles.

Identifying Your Skin Type

1. Normal Skin

The Feel: Comfortable and balanced. It doesn’t feel tight, nor does it look shiny.

The Look: Small pores, even skin tone, and few to no breakouts.

Visual Reference: A smooth, clear complexion with a natural, healthy glow.

2. Oily Skin

The Feel: Greasy or "heavy" to the touch, especially as the day goes on.

The Look: Visible, enlarged pores and a consistent shine across the forehead, nose, and cheeks. It is often prone to blackheads and acne.

Visual Reference: A glossy or reflective surface, particularly in the T-zone.

3. Dry Skin

The Feel: Tight, especially after cleansing or when you smile. It may feel rough or itchy.

The Look: Flaky patches, fine lines, and a duller complexion. Pores are usually very small and almost invisible.

Visual Reference: Areas of redness or visible "scales" or dry flakes.

4. Combination Skin

The Feel: A mix of sensations. Your cheeks might feel tight or dry, while your forehead and nose feel oily.

The Look: Shiny T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with larger pores, while the U-zone (cheeks and jawline) looks matte or flaky.

Visual Reference: High shine in the center of the face contrasted with dullness on the outer edges.

5. Sensitive Skin

The Feel: It may sting, burn, or itch, especially after using new products or being in the sun.

The Look: Frequent redness and visible inflammation. It reacts easily to environmental changes.

Visual Reference: Flushed or blotchy skin that looks easily irritated.

Skin Type Pores Texture

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Normal Fine / Invisible Smooth

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Oily Large /Visible Greasy

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Dry Very Small Flaky/rough

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Combination Large on T-zone. Mixed Shiny

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Sensitive variable Irritated

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"Skin Type" is genetic, but "Skin Condition" (like dehydration or acne) can happen to anyone. For example, you can have Oily skin that is also Dehydrated!