How to Identify Your Skin Type (Without Guessing)
If you’re using products designed for oily skin but your face still feels tight—there’s a good chance you’ve misdiagnosed your skin type. You’re not alone. Most people guess. And most people get it wrong.
Here’s how to actually figure out your real skin type—without relying on trendy quizzes or TikTok tips.
Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters
Your skin type is the foundation of every skincare decision:
- What cleanser you should use
- Whether you need exfoliation or hydration
- How many steps your routine really needs
If you get this wrong? Everything else falls apart. Products backfire, your barrier gets wrecked, and you’re stuck chasing “fixes” that make things worse.
The Most Common Mistake: Confusing Skin Condition With Skin Type
Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same.
Neither are oily and acne-prone.
Your skin type is mostly genetic and long-term (like dry, oily, combo).
Your skin condition is short-term and influenced by lifestyle (like sensitivity, dehydration, breakouts, barrier damage).
How to Identify Your Skin Type (At Home)
1. Cleanse + Wait
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Don’t apply anything afterward.
- Wait 60 minutes.
Then observe:
- Tight + flaky: likely dry
- Shiny all over: oily
- Shiny T-zone, dry cheeks: combination
- Fine, soft texture but tight later in the day: could be dehydrated
2. Check How Your Skin Reacts to Products
- Does everything sting or break you out?
- Do you need to reapply moisturizer often?
- Does makeup slide off quickly?
Your reactions are just as important as your appearance.
What if It’s Still Confusing?
Honestly? Sometimes it is. Especially if you’re dealing with more than one issue—like oily skin that’s also sensitive, or dryness with breakouts.
That’s where a professional skin analysis comes in.
I offer virtual skincare consultations that break this down in one session, with a custom routine to match.
Book your 1:1 consultation here
Want to Figure It Out Yourself?
That’s why I wrote “What’s My Skin Type?”—a beginner-friendly guide that walks you through everything step-by-step.
- Myth-busting skin type confusion
- Ingredient recommendations by type
- Real-world examples (not just textbook definitions)
Because skincare should feel like self-respect—not a scavenger hunt.
Ready to stop guessing and start seeing results?
If you’re tired of skincare that feels confusing, you’re not alone. I help people build routines that actually work—based on your real skin type and lifestyle.
- Book a 1:1 Virtual Skincare Consultation
- Get the Skin Type Guide: My no-fluff digital book that breaks it all down
You don’t need a shelf full of products. You just need the right ones, in the right order, for your skin.
Let’s make that happen.