What Is My Skin Type and Why Does It Matter?

Your skin is the largest organ in your body — it protects you and helps you feel sensations. So, it makes sense that you want to take care of your skin by keeping it clean and healthy.

That starts by understanding the different skin types and how knowing your type can play a role in taking care of your skin.

Keep in mind that your skin type may be due to many factors like genetics, age, hormones, stress, diet, activity levels and even environmental conditions (think hot, humid summers or cool, dry winters).

Dermatology specialist Lauren Zamborsky, CNP, explains the different skin types and how to know yours.

What are the different skin types?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) usually classifies skin by five different types: dry, oily, normal, combination or sensitive. Zamborsky outlines the characteristics of each.

Dry skin type

If you have dry skin, you’re not producing enough sebum, an oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands.

“Sebum is what lubricates your skin. A lot of times, if you don’t have that oil, your skin is going to look dull and feel tight or even scaly,” says Zamborsky. “Dry skin is more likely to have texture to it — for example, adults with aging skin are going to see more of those fine lines and wrinkles.”

Skin care routine for dry skin types

When it comes to skin care for dry skin, choose a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer made with humectants, which help draw moisture to your skin. Zamborsky says it’s important to moisturize skin regularly.

“You may also have seborrheic dermatitis on your face — around the nose and the eyebrows, which tend to be oily areas,” she continues. “It’s actually a little fungal rash that may need to be treated.”

Oily skin type

Unlike dry skin, if you have oily skin, there’s an overproduction of sebum. You may have enlarged pores, a shiny or greasy complexion and notice blackheads or pimples.

“Typically, if you have oily skin, you may have more problems with oil becoming clogged in your pores, which can lead to acne,” notes Zamborsky.

Skin care routine for oily skin types

If you have oily skin, your skin care routine should include a facial cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, common ingredients that are known to help unclog pores. You can also look for “noncomedogenic” skin care products that are designed to not clog pores.

“You also want to avoid triggers,” advises Zamborsky. “For example, if you have oily skin, it’s going to be important for you to get in the shower or wash your face immediately after exercise to help prevent acne.”

Combination skin type

Zamborsky says if you have combination skin, you may notice specific areas such as your forehead, nose and chin (also known as the “T-zone”) that are oilier, while your cheeks and eye area may feel dry. But if you have a dry T-zone and cheeks that feel oilier, this also means you have combination skin.

Skin care routine for combination skin types

So, what kind of skin care routine do you need if you have combination skin? It depends, says Zamborsky.

“A skin care routine for combination skin can vary person-to-person,” she clarifies. “Sometimes, you may need to treat those areas of your face differently or avoid certain types of products in one area versus another.”

And pay attention to the products you’re using. For example, many combination skin products are going to be similar to products for oily skin.

“But they might have a lower percentage of certain ingredients,” she explains. “A product marketed toward oily skin may have 10% benzoyl peroxide, while a combination skin product may have only 2% benzoyl peroxide, which is an appropriate amount for people with combination skin.”

Normal skin type

What exactly is normal skin?

“It’s a happy medium. You may not necessarily notice dry areas or feel like your skin is oily,” explains Zamborsky. “You’re not necessarily prone to acne.”

Having normal skin also means you don’t have any skin sensitivities.

Skin care routine for normal skin types

If you fall in this category, following a basic skin care routine is best for you (and should be a road map for all skin types): Wash your face daily, moisturize day and night, and apply sunscreen during the day.

Sensitive skin type

If you have sensitive skin, you probably already know it. You have to be careful and consider what kind of products you’re putting on your skin.

“People with sensitive skin may also have underlying eczema, rosacea or allergic contact dermatitis,” shares Zamborsky.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s not about how much or little oil your skin produces, meaning you can have sensitive skin that’s also dry, oily or combination.

Skin care routine for sensitive skin types

If you have sensitive skin, it’s best if you avoid dyes, fragrances and other harsh ingredients (such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid), as they tend to cause irritation like redness, itchiness, burning and dryness.

Look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free.”

Why is knowing your skin type important?

“It’s important to know your skin type so you know how to treat it,” says Zamborsky.

It can be daunting to walk down a skin care aisle at a store and see the endless choices and trendy ingredients. Should you be using face oils, peptides or ferulic acid?

The most important thing to remember when researching over-the-counter skin care products is to trust yourself. No one knows your skin better than you. It’s easy to waste time and money trying to find the best products. So, take a minute to educate yourself on your skin before purchasing skin care products.

Questions you should ask yourself:

• Your skin complexion: Do you have pale skin that always burns, but never tans? Do you have skin that burns, but rarely tans? Does your skin freckle, sometimes tans and burns on occasion? Or is your complexion dark enough that you very rarely burn? People with darker skin tones still need to protect their skin from the sun.
• Your skin concerns: Do you want preventive maintenance to avoid premature aging? Do you have a skin problem, such as persistent acne, age spots or rosacea? You may also have large pores, sun damage, facial wrinkles or fine lines that require special attention. Do you have eye puffiness or under-eye bags that will require special care?
• Your personal habits: Are you a smoker? Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? Do you take a daily vitamin? Do you consume a well-balanced diet? All these factors will affect how you should care for your skin.

How do I determine what my skin type is?

It’s a question that Zamborsky gets asked a lot, but there isn’t one universal skin type test.

A popular method is using skin blotting papers, which you can typically find at your local store. To determine your skin type: Wash your face and dry it. After 30 minutes, gently press a blotting paper on your skin, making sure to blot along your T-zone and cheeks. The amount of oil collected on the blotting paper can help you determine your skin type.

But Zamborsky adds that using blotting papers isn’t necessary. She says paying attention to how your skin looks and feels is the best indicator.

If your skin feels oily after about 30 minutes, then you might have oily skin. If your skin still feels dry after 30 minutes, you might have dry skin. And if you notice certain areas are dry while others are oily, you may have combination skin. You may have normal skin if it doesn’t feel tight or oily after washing. And if you notice that your skin looks red or you feel stinging, burning or itching, it may mean you have sensitive skin.

It’s also important to note that your skin type can change over the course of your life.

“It can even change over certain times of the year — it might change from summer to winter. It might change because of hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy or if you’re breastfeeding,” states Zamborsky. “Stress, diet and certain medications can also affect your skin.”

Bottom line?

Knowing your skin type can be beneficial in how you treat your skin and what kind of products you use.

But overall, Zamborsky recommends keeping your skin care routine simple regardless of what type of skin you have.

“You can definitely go overboard by using too many skin care products or using skin care products that are too harsh for your skin type,” she cautions.

And if you’re having a hard time figuring out your skin type or deciding which types of products to use, Zamborsky says it can be helpful to discuss with a dermatologist.

“Dermatology providers can help you to perfect your skin care routine and offer prescription medications if needed.”