What Is My Skin Type & How Can I Figure It Out
A Simple Guide to Finding Your Skin Type at Home
Your skin is your body’s largest organ—and one of the most important to care for. When it comes to skincare, knowing your skin type is the first step toward building a routine that actually works. Using the right skincare products for your skin type can help prevent breakouts, dryness, irritation, or excess oil.
There are five main skin types:
Normal
Oily
Dry
Combination
Sensitive
Your skin type is mostly determined by how much sebum (oil) your skin naturally produces. It can change over time and is influenced by factors such as hormones, stress, genetics, climate, and the natural aging process.
Two Easy At-Home Tests to Determine Your Skin Type
1. The Watch-and-Wait Test
This method helps you understand your skin’s natural state by observing it after cleansing.
How to do it:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Pat dry and don’t apply any products.
Wait 30 minutes.
Observe your skin:
Oily skin: Your face looks shiny all over.
Dry skin: It feels tight, flaky, or rough.
Combination skin: Your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, while your cheeks are dry or normal.
Normal skin: Feels balanced—not dry, not oily.
2. The Blotting Sheet Test
This test checks for oil production by using absorbent sheets.
How to do it:
Cleanse your face and wait 30 minutes.
Press a blotting sheet to different areas: forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
Hold it up to the light to assess oiliness.
What does it mean:
Oily skin: Sheets pick up oil from all areas.
Dry skin: Little to no oil appears.
Combination skin: Oil appears mostly in the T-zone.
Normal skin: Only minimal oil overall.
Understanding the Characteristics of Each Skin Type
Oily Skin
Oily skin produces more sebum than needed, often resulting in a shiny appearance, especially across the T-zone. It may be prone to:
Acne and breakouts
Blackheads and whiteheads
Enlarged pores
Skincare Tip: Even oily skin needs hydration. Look for lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks natural oils, making it appear dull or rough. It may:
Feel tight or itchy
Flake or become scaly
Show fine lines more prominently
Skincare Tip: Use rich, nourishing moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or shea butter.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is well-balanced and typically:
Isn’t prone to breakouts or flakiness
Has small pores and a smooth texture
Doesn’t feel oily or tight
Skincare Tip: Maintain skin health with a gentle cleanser, balanced moisturizer, and SPF.
Combination Skin
This type is a mix—usually oily in the T-zone and dry or normal on the cheeks. Skin type may shift with:
Seasons
Hormonal changes
Stress
Skincare Tip: Use targeted treatments—mattifying products on oily areas and hydrating products on dry zones.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or react easily. It might be:
Red, itchy, or inflamed
Triggered by harsh ingredients like fragrances or alcohol
Prone to eczema or rosacea
Skincare Tip: Stick with gentle, fragrance-free products formulated for sensitive skin. Patch-test new products before full use.
Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters
Understanding your skin type helps you:
Choose the right cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and SPF
Prevent common skin issues like breakouts, dryness, or irritation
Build a routine that supports your long-term skin health
Final Thoughts
If you're just starting your skincare journey, determining your skin type is the perfect place to begin. Use the tests above to figure out what your skin truly needs—then choose products that match.
At Nala Native, we believe in skincare that’s natural, eco-conscious, and tailored to your unique skin. Our range of clean, plant-based products is designed with every skin type in mind.
