Skip to main content
Advice

What is my skin type?

What is my skin type?
Hollie Bradbury
Writer and expert3 years ago
View Hollie Bradbury's profile

Understanding your skin type and its specific needs can be challenging. There are a number of different skin types, including oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and acne-prone skin to name but a few.

If you’re wondering what your specific skin type is, and how to correctly identify it, then keep on reading as our skincare experts explore all there is to know about specific skin types and how to care for them.

What are the different types of skin?

By correctly identifying your skin type, you will be able to tailor your skincare routine to its specific needs to ensure beautiful, healthy skin which can be a huge confidence booster.

Combination skin

How to identify combination skin: 

  • Pores that are open making them appear visibly larger in size
  • More prominent blackheads
  • Shiny or greasy skin in T-Zone
  • Flaking skin in only certain areas of your face

Probably the most common skin type, if you have combination skin, different areas of your face behave differently and require different care. Typically, a combination skin type is normal to dry around the cheeks and oily and blemish-prone around the T-Zone. Combination skin need not be difficult to look after, despite it requiring two different kinds of skincare. If you’re curious to learn even more about the combination skin type, then be sure to discover our in-depth guide to combination skin.

LOOKFANTASTIC’s expert tip for combination skin

Begin your cleansing routine with a gentle cleanser and finish with an oil-free moisturiser for the perfect balance.

SHOP SKINCARE FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Blemish prone and oily skin

How to identify blemish-prone skin:

  • Large pores around the nose
  • Shiny
  • Easily develops blemishes

Skin that is blemished prone produces more sebum than is needed. It is this overproduction of sebum[1] that can cause blackheads, blemishes and acne. Antibacterial cleanser can really help with blemish-prone skin. If you’d like to learn more about which cleansers are best suited to blemish-prone skin then check out 10 of the best cleansers for blemish and acne-prone skin.

LOOKFANTASTIC’s expert tip for oily and blemish-prone skin

Use a face mask once a week and try a mattifying moisturiser day to day.

SHOP SKINCARE FOR OILY AND BLEMISH PRONE SKIN

Dry Skin

How to identify dry skin

  • Feels tight after cleansing
  • Can be rough and flaky in patches
  • Rough to the touch

 Dry skin lacks moisture and lipids (fats) making it feel tighter and look less elastic. Dry skin is easily irritated and can itch and become sore if aggravated. Adding back in moisture is essential for dry and dehydrated skin[2]. If you’re curious to learn about the best skincare for dry skin discover our article on 13 of the best serums for dry skin.

LOOKFANTASTIC’s expert tip for dry skin

Avoid cleansers that strip the oils from your skin and instead choose skincare that is hydrating and moisture-boosting.

 SHOP SKINCARE FOR DRY SKIN

Normal Skin

How to identify normal skin

  • Pores aren’t invisible but are not enlarged or tight
  • Skin texture tends to be even, without too many lines or roughness
  • The T-Zone can get dry or oily but it is easily resolved and not permanent

Normal skin means that your skin is neither too dry, or too oily. It has few imperfections, barely visible pores and is not particularly sensitive. It is important to keep your normal skin balanced with plenty of hydration and nourishment. Discover our in-depth guide to normal skin.

LOOKFANTASTIC’s expert tip for normal skin

A weekly exfoliating mask will help remove dead skin cells, keeping your skin looking bright and beautiful.

 SHOP SKINCARE FOR NORMAL SKIN

Sensitive Skin

How to identify sensitive skin

  • Is often red
  • Can become easily tight and itchy
  • Is sensitive to environmental influencers

Sensitive skin can be easily provoked by environmental factors such as the weather, central heating and stress. Sensitive skin is unbalanced and can feel itchy and dry leading to soreness and redness[3]. Sensitive skin requires care to make it more resilient against a number of aggressors. Looking to learn more about sensitive skin? Discover the best face serums for sensitive skin.

LOOKFANTASTIC’s expert tip for sensitive skin

Choose fragrance-free skincare and never scrub your face with a flannel or towel, instead use gentle patting motions.

SHOP SKINCARE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

We hope you’ve found our guide to the different skin types useful in helping you identify your own skins needs. If you’re looking to tailor a skincare routine to your oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin type then discover our bespoke skincare routine builder.

SHOP SKINCARE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AT LOOKFANTASTIC

Hollie Bradbury
Writer and expert
View Hollie Bradbury's profile
I've been writing about hair and beauty for over 10 years. I am a collector of vintage perfume and my go-to look always includes a bold pink lip! For more, visit https://www.goodgollymisshollie.co.uk
lfint