Start With How Your Skin Feels
Read the description that sounds most like you. One face can show several patterns, and they shift with the seasons. This is for learning, not a diagnosis.
Which one sounds like you?
- Oily Skin ExplainedShine on the forehead, nose and chin by midday, often the cheeks too.Read
- Understanding Dry SkinRough, tight or flaky, worse in winter and AC.Read
- Understanding Combination SkinAn oilier T-zone with normal or drier cheeks.Read
- Understanding Normal SkinUsually comfortable; neither very oily nor very dry.Read
- Understanding Sensitive-Feeling SkinStinging, prickling or redness with many triggers.Read
- Understanding Dehydrated-Feeling SkinTemporary stateShiny yet tight after washing; a temporary state.Read
Skin type and skin condition are different
A type is a fairly stable tendency, such as oily or dry. Acne, dehydration, irritation or melasma are not types; they come and go or have their own causes. Oily skin can be sensitive too.
Read the differenceNot sure which is yours?
Seven easy questions, no sign-in. The result shows a pattern, not a diagnosis.
Check my skin patternWant the full skin test with a photo? Start the skin test
Questions people ask
Does oily skin need moisturiser?
Oil and water are different things. A light gel or lotion keeps skin comfortable and eases tightness after cleansers or actives. If it feels heavy, use less rather than none.
Are dry and dehydrated skin the same?
Not quite. Dry usually means skin that is low in both oil and water most of the time. Dehydrated means a temporary lack of water, which oily skin can have too. These are cosmetic terms, not diagnoses.
Do I need two moisturisers for combination skin?
Usually not. One light moisturiser over the face, with a little extra on dry areas, is enough. In winter the cheeks may want a separate cream.
Does normal skin need a serum?
Not necessarily. A gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are the core. Add a serum only for a specific goal, one at a time.
Is sensitive skin a disease?
No, it is not a diagnosis in itself but a description of how skin feels. Long-lasting redness, scaling or burning can be rosacea, eczema or contact dermatitis, which a doctor can assess.