Skin type helps you choose textures and routines, but it should not become a rigid label. Weather, age, hormones, medication, over-cleansing and active ingredients can all change how your skin feels from one period to another.
What are the main skin types?
| Skin type | Common signs | Routine focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Tightness, roughness, flaking or lack of comfort. | Gentle cleansing, moisturising and barrier support. |
| Oily | Noticeable shine and excess surface oil through much of the face. | Gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration and comfortable textures. |
| Combination | Oilier areas, often the T-zone, with drier or more balanced cheeks. | Use balanced formulas or vary products by area. |
| Balanced / normal | Neither persistently oily nor persistently dry. | Maintain a simple, comfortable routine. |
| Sensitive | Skin that reacts easily with stinging, burning or redness. | Prioritise tolerance. Sensitivity can overlap with any skin type. |
How can you identify your skin type?
Observe how your skin behaves when you are not masking it with a very rich cream, drying cleanser or heavy makeup. After gentle cleansing, notice whether the skin becomes tight and dry, shiny all over, oily mainly through the centre of the face or stays relatively comfortable.
Look for a repeated pattern over several days and consider seasonal changes. Persistent redness, itching, painful breakouts, scaling or another ongoing concern may need professional assessment rather than a skin-type quiz.
Dry skin
Dry skin benefits from reducing unnecessary stripping and improving moisture retention. Choose a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser that combines humectants with emollient or barrier-supporting ingredients.
Browse Skincare for Dry Skin or read our Dry Skin Moisturiser Guide.
Oily skin
Oily skin can still need hydration. Harsh cleansing can leave it uncomfortable without solving oiliness. Look for lightweight textures and non-comedogenic options when clogged pores are a concern.
Browse Skincare for Oily Skin or see our Oily Skin Moisturiser Guide.
Combination skin
Combination skin often needs flexibility. You may prefer a lightweight moisturiser all over, with extra cream only on dry areas, or different treatment products on the oilier T-zone and drier cheeks.
Explore Skincare for Combination Skin.
Balanced or normal skin
Balanced skin does not mean perfect skin. It simply means oil and dryness are not persistent dominant concerns. A gentle cleanser, suitable moisturiser and sun protection are usually enough as a base routine.
Explore Skincare for Normal Skin.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin describes a tendency to react with stinging, burning, redness or discomfort. It can be dry, oily or combination at the same time. Keep routines simple, add new active products one at a time and stop products that repeatedly cause discomfort.
Browse Skincare for Sensitive Skin and read our Sensitive Skin Moisturiser Guide.
Can your skin type change?
Yes. Skin behaviour can shift with seasons, age, hormones, environment, medication and changes in your routine. Reassess what your skin needs rather than assuming the same products will always feel right.
FAQ
Is sensitive skin a skin type?
Sensitivity can overlap with dry, oily, combination or balanced skin. It is often more useful to think of it as a reactivity characteristic.
Can oily skin be dehydrated?
Yes. Oiliness and dehydration describe different things. Skin can produce noticeable oil while still feeling tight or lacking water.
How often should I change products for my skin type?
Change products when your skin’s needs, season or tolerance changes, not simply because a trend says you should. Introduce one major change at a time.
For the wider routine, skin-type and ingredient map, see our Complete Skincare Guide.
