Skin Types: How to Identify Yours and What Really Works

When we talk about skin types, the natural classification of your skin based on oil production, moisture levels, and sensitivity. Also known as skin classification, it’s not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of every effective skincare routine. Your skin isn’t just "dry" or "oily." It’s a system, and understanding its behavior helps you stop wasting money on products that don’t fit you.

There are five main skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal. skin classifications. Most people think they have oily skin because their T-zone shines, but if their cheeks flake, they’re actually combination skin, a mix of oily and dry areas, usually with shine on the forehead, nose, and chin but tightness elsewhere. Also known as mixed skin. Sensitive skin isn’t just redness after trying a new serum—it’s a reaction to heat, wind, or even stress. And dry skin? It’s not just about feeling tight—it’s a lack of lipids, not just water. These aren’t just labels. They dictate what ingredients work and what will irritate you.

What you put on your face matters, but so does your environment, sleep, diet, and even your washing habits. A sensitive skin, skin that reacts easily to products, fragrances, or environmental triggers. Also known as reactive skin. person might need fragrance-free, minimalist routines. Someone with oily skin, skin that overproduces sebum, leading to shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts. Also known as sebaceous skin. needs ingredients that regulate oil, not strip it. And if you’re using the same cleanser your mom used in the 90s, you’re probably not helping your dry skin, skin that lacks natural oils and moisture, often feeling tight, flaky, or rough. Also known as dehydrated skin. at all. Your skin changes with seasons, hormones, and age. What worked last year might not work now.

The posts below aren’t just skincare tips. They’re real, tested routines built around actual skin types. You’ll find a 7-day glow plan that works for combination skin, a simple 7-step routine that avoids overloading sensitive skin, and advice that cuts through the noise. No magic potions. No influencers pushing $200 serums. Just what actually fits your skin—based on how it behaves, not what the bottle says. Find your type. Fix your routine. Skip the trial and error.