How to Know Your Skin Type: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Hola Beauties! The skincare world is vast, with numerous products available, including toners, moisturizers, serums, oils, and a variety of ingredients, making it challenging to choose the right products for your specific skin type. In this guide, we will learn how to know your skin type, so you understand what ingredients and products are best for your needs.

Disclaimer: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you purchase through these links, I may make a small commission at no cost to you. I am not an expert; I am just sharing my practice and tips that might be helpful to you.

This post is about How to Know Your Skin Type.

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1. Normal Skin

People with normal skin are lucky; there is a balance in it, as you cannot describe it as oily or dry; it looks even. Normal skin looks healthy, bouncy, and bright. At the same time, normal skin does not feel tight; pores are not enlarged, skin tone is even, and it has minor breakouts.

When looking for skincare products, try to find those that help maintain your skin’s balance and build a routine with a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and an anti-aging serum.

Here are some drugstore skincare product recommendations for Normal Skin.

CLEANSER

MOISTURIZER

SERUM

2. Dry Skin

If your skin feels tight, rough, uneven, and itchy, and you have flakiness, red patches, and visible fine lines, you have dry skin. Dry skin happens when there is a lack of fluids in your skin. There are some benefits to having dry skin; it results in minimal acne and blackheads, as well as invisible pores.

When applying your skincare, look for products that provide hydration and moisture ( Hyaluronic acid, ceramides) and layer them as much as you need. If you use toner, avoid the ones with alcohol.

Here are some drugstore skincare product recommendations for Dry Skin. I highly recommend using a gentle hydrating cleanser; the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is perfect for this skin type.

MOISTURIZER

You can check more affordable options for dry skin Here.

SERUM

3. Oily Skin

If you feel that your skin is oily to the touch and you appear to have oil all over your face by midday, then your skin falls into this category. Oily skin occurs when there is an excessive production of sebum and oil. Individuals with oily skin are more susceptible to acne, enlarged pores, blackheads, and excessive shine.

But not everything is negative; oily skin tends to be more hydrated and has fewer wrinkles and fine lines.

When searching for skincare, look for a lightweight moisturizer that is free from oils and water-based ingredients. Yes, you need moisturizer! For toners, look for those formulated with AHA or BHA, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid.

CLEANSERS

TONERS

MOISTURIZERS

SERUMS

4. Combination Skin

If you have both dry and oily skin, you have combination skin. With this skin type, you are prone to be oily in the T-Zone, which is the area with more sebaceous glands ( Nose and Forehead), and dry in the U-Zone ( Cheeks and Chin). This is my skin type.

Combination skin is challenging because you need to understand the types of products that work for both dry and oily conditions. Sometimes, you might need to use different products in different areas.

When looking for skincare, moisturizers that are not heavy but still have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are a must. Cerave Moisturizing Cream and Neutrogena Hydro Boost work great on Combination Skin, too.

Cerave Hydration Cleanser is one of my favorites at the drugstore and the one I use. Here are other drugstore products that are great for combination skin.

MOISTURIZERS

TONERS

SERUMS

Especial Conditions

Sensitive Skin

This condition appears when the skin has bad reactions to skincare products. Everybody’s skin reacts differently to ingredients, so it’s important to know what triggers cause allergies or irritations.

You can have one of the four primary skin types and be sensitive to specific products. In this case, try to track every time you notice a change in your skin and avoid those products.

Other Conditions

Other problems can affect the skin and must be treated by a dermatologist. Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea are visible on the skin as red patches, bumps, itchiness, swelling, and rashes. Although the symptoms are similar, they require different diagnoses and treatments.

Check with your specialist; don’t treat yourself; the condition can worsen.

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Okay Beauties, I hope you enjoy this guide to understanding your skin type and that it helps address any questions or concerns you may have.

Please let me know in the comments if these tips were helpful, and out of the skin types mentioned, which one best describes yours? Remember that regardless of your skin type, incorporating sunscreen into your routine is essential.

Love you all ❤

Adriana