What's Your Skin Trying to Tell You. A Guide to Skin Type.

Do you ever wonder why some days your skin feels like a dry desert and other days like an oil slick? Or why your BFF skincare routine makes her glow while your face is like, “Nah, we’re not doing that today”? Have you tried a hundred products only to find that none of them seem to be "just right"? Welcome to the skin type dilemma.

Let’s be real. Skincare can feel like a puzzle sometimes. But before you start blaming every product on the shelf, here’s a thought: Do you actually know your skin type?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone if you don’t! Most of us aren’t exactly sure what our skin is doing half the time, but it’s important to figure it out so we can give it what it needs (and stop wasting money on the wrong products!).

Let’s break down the basics, and by the end of this, you’ll be a little more in tune with your skin’s moods. Oh yes, our skin has moods!

So, here are a few questions to get us started:

1. Does your face feel tight and flaky even after moisturizing?

2. Do you have an endless shine, no matter how much mattifying powder you throw at it?

3. Do you have both dry patches and oily areas, leaving you confused?

4. Or maybe your skin is like, “Hey, I’m just chill. I’m good with anything!”

If you nodded to any of these questions (or just raised an eyebrow in recognition), let me introduce you to the four main skin types and what they’re all about.

1. Dry Skin

This is the skin that drinks up moisturizer like it's the last sip of water on Earth. If your face constantly feels tight, and flaky, or gets rough patches, you might be in the dry skin club. It’s like your skin is thirsty all the time and can’t seem to hold onto moisture. Windy days? Forget about it—your skin will turn into a flaky mess. But with the right routine (hello hydration!), your dry skin can go from desert to dewy in no time.

• Signs:

  • Feels tight or rough

  • Looks dull or flaky

  • Can be sensitive to weather changes

  • You feel like you always need more moisture

2. Oily Skin

Oh, oily skin. You know this type if you’re shining brighter than a diamond by noon. If your skin gets greasy within hours of washing, you’re likely dealing with excess oil production. While oily skin can be annoying (hello, constant blotting), there’s a silver lining: you’re less likely to wrinkle early. Win? I’d say so!

• Signs:

  • Shiny or greasy all over

  • Large, visible pores

  • Prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts

  • Makeup slides off easily

3. Combination Skin

If you’ve ever felt like your skin has a split personality, you’re probably working with combination skin. This is when some areas (usually your T-zone—forehead, nose, and chin) are oily, while others (like your cheeks) are dry. It’s the ultimate skincare balancing act, but once you find your groove, you’ll be glowing without looking like you’ve run a marathon.

• Signs:

  • Oily in some areas, dry in others

  • T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is shiny, cheeks are parched

  • Might feel like you need two separate routines for different parts of your face

4. Normal Skin

If you’re blessed with normal skin, go ahead and thank your genes. This type isn’t too oily, isn’t too dry—it’s just… right. You probably don’t experience major flare-ups, and your skin seems to handle whatever products you throw its way. We’re all a little jealous of you, to be honest.

• Signs:

  • Balanced—neither too oily nor too dry

  • Small pores

  • Even skin tone with few blemishes

  • No major sensitivity

The Skin Type Label Chart

Skin Type	Signs	Common Issues
Dry Skin	Tight, flaky, rough, dull	Dehydration, sensitivity
Oily Skin	Shiny, large pores, prone to acne	Breakouts, excess shine
Combination Skin	Oily in T-zone, dry elsewhere	Inconsistent texture, multiple concerns
Normal Skin	Balanced, small pores, even tone	Rarely breaks out, handles products well

So, What's the Verdict?

Knowing your skin type is the first step to picking the right products and creating a routine that actually works. Whether you’re dry, oily, combo, or rocking that normal skin life, you can have a skincare routine that brings out your best glow.

And remember, our skin changes with the seasons, our diet, stress, and even the weather. So, don’t be surprised if your skin throws a curveball every now and then. Keep observing, adjusting, and above all, be kind to it. You two are in this for life!

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Quick Guide: How to Figure Out Your Skin Type

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into finding out your skin type. It’s easier than you think—just pay attention to what your skin is telling you!

Step 1: Cleanse & Wait

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and leave it alone (no moisturizer or serums) for about an hour. This lets your skin return to its natural state.

Step 2: Observe - After an hour, check how your skin feels:

• Dry: Tight, rough, or flaky

• Oily: Greasy, especially in the T-zone

• Combination: Oily in the T-zone, dry elsewhere

• Normal: Balanced, no oily or dry spots

Step 3: Blotting Paper Test - Press blotting papers (or tissues) to your face:

• Dry: Barely any oil on the paper

• Oily: Paper soaks up oil from multiple areas

• Combination: Oil from T-zone, but dry elsewhere

• Normal: Minimal oil or none at all

Step 4: Sensitivity Check - Think about how your skin reacts:

• Dry: Easily irritated, reacts poorly to harsh products

• Oily: Can handle stronger products but may break out

• Combination: Reactions vary by area

• Normal: Usually tolerant of most products

Step 5: Monitor Over Time

Skin changes with the seasons, diet, and stress. Keep an eye on it and adjust your routine as needed!