How to know
your skin type?

Before picking a cleanser, a moisturizer or a serum, there's one fundamental question to ask yourself: what is my skin type? Without this information, even the best products can turn out to be ineffective — or even counter-productive. Here's how to figure it out with certainty.

The 4 main skin types

Dermatology distinguishes four main skin types, mostly determined by your sebum production. This classification is genetic: your skin type is largely inherited, even if external factors can temporarily alter it.

1. Normal skin

Normal skin is well balanced. It is neither too oily nor too dry. Pores are fine, complexion is even, and breakouts are rare. It is the least common skin type among adults.

• Soft, smooth texture to the touch
• Barely visible pores
• Low sensitivity to external aggressions
• Naturally radiant complexion

2. Oily skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum across the entire face. It affects roughly 40% of adults, and especially teenagers and young adults. It is also the type most prone to acne.

• Visible shine, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Dilated, visible pores
• Tendency to blackheads, pimples and comedones
• Makeup struggles to hold

3. Dry skin

Dry skin produces less sebum than necessary. It lacks the lipids needed to retain hydration and to form a protective shield against external aggressions.

• Tightness, especially after cleansing
• Patches of flaking or rough texture
• Almost invisible pores
• Sometimes dull complexion, premature wrinkles

4. Combination skin

Combination skin is the most common type. It mixes two distinct behaviors: an oily T-zone and normal-to-dry cheeks. It's often the trickiest type to handle, since it requires a differentiated approach.

• Shiny T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Normal cheeks, sometimes dry
• Dilated pores only on the T-zone
• Occasional pimples on the forehead and chin

The tissue test: the simple method

This is the most accessible technique to figure out your skin type. Here's how it works:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry
2. Wait 30 minutes without applying any product
3. Press a tissue against different areas of your face: forehead, nose, chin, cheeks
4. Look at the marks left on the tissue

How to read the results:

• No oil marks anywhere: normal or dry skin
• Oil marks everywhere: oily skin
• Oil marks only on the T-zone: combination skin
• Clean tissue + tightness sensation: dry skin

Skin type vs. skin condition: an important distinction

Many people confuse skin type (genetic, stable) with skin condition (temporary, modifiable). Your skin type doesn't fundamentally change, but your skin condition shifts based on many factors.

The most common skin conditions:

• Dehydrated skin: lack of water (not oil). Even oily skin can be dehydrated
• Sensitive skin: reactive to products, cold, stress. Frequent redness
• Acne-prone skin: presence of active acne. Can affect any skin type
• Mature skin: loss of elasticity, wrinkles, spots. Linked to age and sun exposure

Oily skin can be dehydrated. Dry skin can have acne. That's why a personalized analysis is far more accurate than self-assessment.

What influences your skin type

Even though your skin type is mostly genetic, several factors can amplify it or alter it slightly:

• Climate: cold dries the skin out, heat boosts sebum
• Diet: sugar and dairy products can worsen oily skin
• Stress: increases cortisol production, which stimulates sebum
• Hormones: puberty, menstrual cycle and pregnancy alter sebum production
• The products you use: overly harsh products can throw your skin off balance

Adapting your routine to your skin type

Once your skin type is identified, you can build a coherent routine. Here are the broad strokes:

Normal skin

A gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer and sunscreen are all you need. Your skin is naturally balanced — the goal is simply to maintain that balance.

Oily skin

Go for a gel, soap-free cleanser, a fluid non-comedogenic moisturizer, and regulating actives like niacinamide or salicylic acid. Never strip your skin: that triggers a rebound effect.

Dry skin

Choose a sulfate-free cream cleanser, a moisturizer rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and avoid harsh exfoliants. Applying a plant oil at night can help reinforce the skin barrier.

Combination skin

Use a universal gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer all over the face, and targeted treatments on the T-zone if needed (mattifying serum, occasional purifying mask).

In summary

Knowing your skin type is the foundation of an effective routine. The tissue test is a good starting point, but for a truly accurate analysis that takes into account your skin type, your imperfections and the specific traits of your face, an AI-powered dermatological analysis can make all the difference.

The key is not to treat your skin at random. Every skin is unique and deserves a routine that fits.