Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling good too. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it works hard every day to protect you from harmful elements like dirt, pollution, and even the sun. But not all skin is the same, and using the wrong products can do more harm than good.

 

So, this guide is here to help you figure out your skin type and create a routine that actually works for you. Whether you’re new to skincare or just looking to improve your routine, you’ll find practical advice that’s easy to follow and built around what your skin really needs. 

Types of Skin and Their Characteristics

Normal Skin

Normal skin is often described as “balanced.” It doesn’t feel too dry or too oily, and it usually looks smooth, even, and healthy. People with normal skin are lucky because they rarely experience major issues like excessive oiliness or dryness. 

 

While they occasionally deal with minor concerns like a pimple or slight dryness, their skin generally maintains a natural glow.

 

If you have normal skin, your main goal is to maintain this balance. A simple routine that includes a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and daily sunscreen is usually enough. You can also add a serum or mask every now and then for extra care, but normal skin typically doesn’t require complicated treatments, says Per Markus Åkerlund, CEO of MEONUTRITION.

Dry Skin

Dry skin often feels tight, rough, or flaky. It can look dull, especially after washing, and may be prone to redness or irritation. This happens because dry skin doesn’t produce enough natural oils to keep it hydrated. Without proper care, dryness can lead to fine lines and an overall tired appearance.

 

If your skin is dry, hydration is key. Opt for creamy cleansers that don’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Rich moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin can help lock in moisture and prevent your skin from feeling tight. Avoid harsh scrubs or overly drying products, as they can make dryness worse.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by excess oil production, which often makes the face look shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This type of skin is also more prone to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne, which can be frustrating to manage. However, the good news is that oily skin tends to age slower, as the extra oil helps keep it hydrated over time.

 

To care for oily skin, focus on controlling oil without stripping your skin. Gel-based or foam cleansers work well to remove excess oil without being too harsh. Lightweight, oil-free moisturizers are a must—yes, even oily skin needs moisture. Consider adding products with salicylic acid or niacinamide to your routine to help control oil production and prevent breakouts, explains Ksenia, Founder of Burburcare.

Combination Skin

Combination skin can feel like a bit of a juggling act. You might notice oily areas in your T-zone while the rest of your face feels dry or normal. This mixed texture can make it challenging to find products that work for your entire face without making one area worse.

 

The key to managing combination skin is finding a balance. Use gentle, lightweight products that won’t clog pores in the oily areas or dry out the rest of your face. Multi-masking is a great option — you can use a clay mask on the T-zone to control oil and a hydrating mask on drier areas. With combination skin, it’s all about paying attention to your face’s different needs.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is easily irritated and prone to redness, itchiness, or even burning sensations. It often reacts to new products or harsh ingredients, making it tricky to care for. Fragrances, alcohol, and strong exfoliants are common triggers for people with sensitive skin.

 

If you have sensitive skin, stick to gentle products with minimal ingredients. Look for soothing components like aloe vera, chamomile, or oatmeal, and always choose fragrance-free options. It’s also a good idea to patch-test new products on a small area of your skin before applying them all over your face, explains Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86. 

How to Identify Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is the foundation of any good skincare routine. Without this knowledge, you might end up using products that don’t suit your skin, which lead to issues like dryness, breakouts, or irritation. Don’t worry — it’s not difficult to figure out your skin type. Below are a few simple methods you can try to identify it.

The Bare-Faced Test

This is one of the simplest ways to get an idea of your skin type, and it only takes an hour. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, or makeup. After cleansing, pat your face dry and don’t apply anything — no moisturizer, no toner, nothing. Wait for about an hour and then observe how your skin feels and looks.

 

If your skin feels tight or looks flaky, it’s a sign of dry skin. If your face is shiny all over, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone), you likely have oily skin. If the T-zone is shiny but other areas feel normal or dry, you probably have combination skin. 

 

For those whose skin feels balanced and comfortable, congratulations—you have normal skin! Finally, if your skin becomes red, itchy, or irritated during the test, it’s a sign of sensitive skin.

The Blotting Paper Test

The blotting paper test is another easy method, especially if you suspect your skin might be oily. Take a clean blotting paper and gently press it on different parts of your face, including your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Hold the paper up to the light to see how much oil it has absorbed, explains Andy Slack, Founder of Health Nutrition.

 

If the blotting paper picks up a lot of oil from all areas, you likely have oily skin. If there’s little to no oil on the paper, you’re probably dealing with dry skin. 

 

For combination skin, you’ll notice oil mainly from the T-zone, while the rest of your face will leave minimal or no residue. If the blotting paper picks up a small amount of oil evenly across your face, you likely have normal skin.

Pay Attention to How Your Skin Reacts

Your day-to-day experience with your skin can reveal a lot about its type. For instance, if your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky after washing, it’s a clear sign of dryness. On the other hand, if you frequently experience shine or breakouts, you probably have oily skin. Combination skin often comes with oily areas like the T-zone while other parts, such as your cheeks, feel normal or dry.

 

If your skin gets irritated easily or reacts negatively to new products, you might have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is also prone to redness, stinging, or itchiness when exposed to certain ingredients or environmental factors. For those lucky enough to have minimal issues and balanced skin, you most likely have normal skin, explains Finn Christensen, Digital Marketing at Fresh Treatments IV Therapy.

How to Choose the Right Skincare Routine

Choosing the right skincare routine is not complex, but it does require a little thought and effort. Here’s how. 

Start with the Basics

Vladimira Ivanova, Psychologist at The Diamond Rehab Thailand says, “Every skincare routine, no matter your skin type, starts with three essential steps — cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. These form the foundation of healthy skin.”

 

• Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin. Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type — gel-based for oily skin, creamy for dry skin, and something balanced for normal or combination skin.
• Moisturizing: Hydration is key for all skin types, even oily skin. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers for oily or combination skin, and richer, cream-based options for dry or sensitive skin.
• Sun Protection: Never skip sunscreen. A broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 protects your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of premature aging, sunburns, and skin cancer.

 

Once you’ve mastered these basics, you can add more steps tailored to your specific needs.

Understand Your Skin Type

Pareen Sehat MC, RCC – Clinical Director at Well Beings Counselling says, “Knowing your skin type is the first step to choosing the right routine. If you haven’t already identified it, try the blotting sheet method or consult a dermatologist. Once you know your type, pick products that address your skin’s natural tendencies.”

 

• For dry skin, focus on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
• If you have oily skin, look for lightweight, oil-free products that control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
• With combination skin, you need a mix of products — one for oily areas and another for drier spots.
• For sensitive skin, prioritize calming, fragrance-free products with minimal ingredients.
• Normal skin? Keep it simple with balanced, non-irritating products.

Customize with Active Ingredients

Once you have the basics in place, you can start adding treatments or products with active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. Here’s a guide to some popular ones. 

 

• Vitamin C: Great for brightening skin and reducing dark spots.
• Retinol: A powerhouse for anti-aging and improving skin texture, but start slow if you’re new to it.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Excellent for hydration and plumping the skin.
• Niacinamide: Reduces redness, minimizes pores, and controls oil production.
• Salicylic Acid: Helps with acne and unclogs pores.
• AHAs/BHAs: Exfoliate the skin and improve texture.

Adjust for the Seasons

Martin Seeley, CEO & Senior Sleep Expert at Mattress Next Day explains, “Your skin’s needs can change with the weather, so it’s important to adjust your routine accordingly.

 

• In the summer, you need a lighter moisturizer and more oil control.
• During winter, switch to richer creams and add hydrating masks to combat dryness.”

Build a Routine that Matches Your Lifestyle

Your routine should work with your daily habits, not against them. If you’re always in a rush in the morning, focus on a quick and simple regimen like cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. If you have more time at night, include additional steps like serums, treatments, or masks, says Gerald Ming, SEO expert at BatikSingapore.com.

 

Don’t feel pressured to have a 10-step routine unless it truly fits your lifestyle. The best routine is one you can stick to consistently.

Avoid Common Skincare Mistakes

Even the best products won’t work if you’re making these common mistakes. 

 

• Skipping sunscreen: UV damage happens even on cloudy days or indoors.
• Over-exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can damage your skin barrier, leading to redness and irritation.
• Not patch-testing new products: Always test new products on a small area to ensure they won’t cause a reaction.
• Using too many products at once: More isn’t always better — introduce products gradually to avoid overwhelming your skin.

Be Patient and Consistent

Skincare is a long-term investment. It can take weeks — or even months — to see noticeable results, especially with products like retinol or vitamin C. Stick with your routine and avoid switching products too often. Consistency is key to achieving healthy, glowing skin, explains Dr. Amanda Richardson. Owner of Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Conclusion

Finding the right skincare routine is all about understanding your skin type, starting with the basics, and choosing products that make your skin feel good. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect routine — it’s about figuring out what works best for you and your unique skin.

 

Be consistent, but also patient. Skincare is a process, not an overnight fix. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to adjust your routine or swap out products. And if you’re ever unsure, a dermatologist can help guide you in the right direction.