Understanding your skin type is the first step toward healthy and glowing skin. Knowing whether your skin is normal, dry, oily, sensitive or combination helps you choose the right products, develop a suitable skincare routine, and prevent potential skin issues. Everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another, so identifying your skin type is essential.

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Your skin type influences not only your daily skincare routine but also how your skin responds to environmental factors, diet, stress, and ageing. By knowing your skin's unique needs, you can:

• Select the most effective skincare products
• Prevent common skin problems, like dryness or breakouts
• Protect your skin from premature ageing
• Reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions
  

The Five Main Skin Types

Dermatologists typically categorise skin into five main types: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Your genetics, lifestyle, age, and health all play a role in your skin type, and it can change over time. Checking in with your skin every few months helps you adjust your routine as needed.

1. Normal Skin

Normal skin is balanced, soft, and smooth with few problems. It rarely gets oily or dry. Regular cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection keep it healthy.

Characteristics:

• Balanced, not too oily or dry
• Smooth texture and even tone
• Rare flakiness or breakouts
• Occasional oiliness in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) during hot weather
  

How to Care for Normal Skin:

• Use lightweight lotions or serums to maintain balance
• Stick to gentle cleansers that preserve natural oils
• Sunscreen is important to protect from sun damage
  

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin feels tight, rough, or flaky and can look dull. It needs extra hydration with creams or lotions. Gentle cleansing and daily moisturising are essential.

Characteristics:

• Tight, sometimes rough feeling
• Smaller pores and less elasticity
• Dull complexion, visible lines, or flaking
• May feel tight after cleansing
  

How to Care for Dry Skin:

• Focus on deep hydration with rich creams and nourishing lotions
• Avoid harsh cleansers that strip natural oils
• If breakouts occur despite dryness, consider reviewing your products; they may be causing irritation
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support skin health
  

3. Oily Skin

Oily skin looks shiny and may get pimples or blackheads. It produces extra oil, especially in the T-zone. Cleanse regularly and use oil-free products to control shine.

Characteristics:

• Shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone
• Larger pores and thicker texture
• Prone to blackheads and pimples
• Blotting a tissue may reveal excess oil
  

How to Care for Oily Skin:

• Cleanse your face regularly with gentle, oil-free cleansers
• Avoid heavy creams or emollients that add extra oil
• Use oil-free moisturisers and sunscreen
• Incorporate products with salicylic acid or niacinamide to manage excess oil
  

4. Combination Skin

Combination skin has oily areas in the T-zone and dry cheeks. Different areas need different care. Use gentle cleansers and balance hydration across your face.

Characteristics:

• Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Dry or normal cheeks and other areas
• Most common skin type
  

How to Care for Combination Skin:

• Treat different areas of your face differently
• Use lighter, hydrating products on dry areas and stronger oil-control products on the T-zone
• Gentle exfoliation can help balance skin without over-drying
• Adjust your routine seasonally, as dryness or oiliness may change with the weather

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a condition where the skin reacts easily to everyday products, environmental changes, or even physical touch. It may feel uncomfortable, tight, itchy, or irritated without an obvious cause.

Characteristics: 

• Redness or flushing, especially after using skincare products
• Stinging, burning, or itching sensations
• Dry, tight, or flaky skin
• Rough or uneven texture
• Reactions to fragrance, soap, heat, or cold
• Increased sensitivity to sun exposure

How to Take Care of Sensitive Skin

• Use fragrance-free, gentle cleansers and moisturisers
• Avoid harsh scrubs, alcohol-based products, and strong exfoliants
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Test new products on a small patch of skin before full use
• Keep the skin well moisturised to protect the skin barrier
• Avoid very hot water and limit long showers

5 Essential Steps for Healthy Skin

1. Always Protect Against the Sun

Sun protection is crucial for all skin types. Daily sunscreen prevents premature ageing and pigmentation and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Choose a formula suited for your skin type: lightweight for oily skin, nourishing for dry skin, and balanced for combination skin.

2. Monitor Your Skin Regularly

Perform monthly self-checks to spot new moles, changes in existing moles, or unusual marks. DermPro helps track these changes over time, making it easier to catch potential issues early.

3. Cleanse Gently but Thoroughly

Choose a cleanser that matches your skin type. Over-cleansing or using harsh products can strip natural oils and disrupt the skin's balance.

4. Hydrate and Nourish

All skin types benefit from proper hydration. Even oily skin needs water-based moisturisers to maintain balance, while dry skin benefits from richer creams and serums.

5. Understand Your Sun Sensitivity

Beyond your skin type, your sun exposure type indicates how sensitive your skin is to UV rays. Knowing this helps you protect yourself better and minimise sun damage.

By knowing your skin type and following a tailored routine, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin while preventing issues like dryness, oiliness, or irritation. DermPro makes it easy to monitor your skin and track changes, helping you stay proactive about your skin's health.