How to Find Out Your Skin Type
Ever stood in the skincare aisle staring at labels, wondering if you’re a dry, oily, combo, or something in between? You’re definitely not alone. Knowing your skin type is the first step to building a skincare routine that actually works. Without this knowledge, you’re basically guessing what your skin needs, and that can lead to irritation, breakouts, or dullness. So let’s get you on the right track.
Why You Need to Know Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is like reading the instruction manual for your face. It helps you choose the right cleansers, moisturisers, oils, and treatments. When you give your skin exactly what it needs, it shows. Think fewer breakouts, less redness, and that healthy, lit-from-within glow we all want.
The 5 Main Skin Types
Let’s break it down. Most people fall into one of these five categories:
- Normal: Balanced skin that’s not too oily or too dry. It feels comfortable and smooth most of the time.
- Dry: Skin that often feels tight, rough, or flaky. It may look dull and be more prone to fine lines.
- Oily: Skin that looks shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). It’s often prone to breakouts or blackheads.
- Combination: A mix of oily and dry areas. Usually, the T-zone is oily while cheeks are dry or normal.
- Sensitive: Skin that reacts easily to products, turning red, itchy, or irritated with harsh ingredients or environmental changes.
The Bare-Faced Test: Your Easy At-Home Method
Want to know how to find out your skin type right now? Try the Bare-Faced Test:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser like the AromaSense Face Wash Serum.
- Pat dry and don’t apply anything afterwards. No moisturiser, no toner.
- Wait an hour. Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks:
- If your skin feels tight or flaky, you likely have dry skin.
- If you see shine all over, you probably have oily skin.
- If you notice shine only in your T-zone, it’s likely combination skin.
- If your skin feels calm, balanced, and smooth, that’s normal skin.
- If it feels irritated or red, it could be sensitive skin.
Other Clues to Watch For
- Makeup doesn’t stay on? That’s often due to oily skin.
- Skin feels tight even after moisturising? That could be a sign of dehydration or dry skin.
- Red patches and burning? You may be dealing with sensitivity.
What About Seasonal or Hormonal Changes?
Your skin type can shift slightly depending on the time of year or hormonal changes. For instance, you might feel drier in winter or more oily in the summer. Or maybe your skin feels more sensitive during your cycle. That’s totally normal. The key is to adjust your skincare routine accordingly without overhauling everything.
Product Recommendations Based on Skin Type
Here’s a quick guide to help you build a routine based on your skin type:
- Normal: Lucky you! Stick to a gentle cleanser and a lightweight moisturiser like AromaSense’s Day and Night Cream with Emu Oil.
- Dry: Use a hydrating cleanser like the AromaSense Face Wash Serum and follow up with the Cream for Dry Skin and our Night Cream.
- Oily: Try a balancing face wash like the Face Wash Serum. Skip heavy creams and opt for lightweight hydration.
- Combination: Treat the oily and dry zones separately if needed. Use the Face Wash Serum and something like the Day and Night Cream for all-over balance.
- Sensitive: Stick to simple, soothing formulas. Avoid fragrances and harsh exfoliants. The AromaSense range is designed with gentle, natural ingredients that work beautifully on sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
Once you know how to find out your skin type, shopping for skincare becomes so much easier. You’ll no longer waste money on products that don’t work—or worse, irritate your skin. Remember, your skin may change with time, so recheck your skin type every few months, especially when seasons change.
Ready to build a skincare routine that actually suits your skin type? Check out our full range of nourishing, handcrafted skincare at AromaSense Skin Care.