Disclaimer: These tips aren’t guaranteed to clear your skin. Many factors — like diet, hydration, genetics, and lifestyle — affect skin health, and everyone’s skin responds differently. Use these suggestions as a starting point to discover the routine that works best for you. For best results, contact a dermatologist.
1: Determining What Skin Type You Have
Determining what type of skin you have can be daunting, but it is crucial for finding a routine that works for you. To make the process seem less scary, these are the three steps that I have used to find out what type of skin I have.
Steps:
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. DO NOT PUT ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS ON YOUR SKIN.
2. Wait 30 minutes.
3. Observe your skin in the mirror.
2. Five most common results
According to Nivea, there are five common skin types. Each type requires different products that are best equipped to address its specific needs. However, before you can determine which cleansers, serums, and moisturizers to add to your routine — and ultimately find the skincare routine that works for you, you first need to identify your skin type. Below are the key defining characteristics of each category to help you correctly pinpoint yours and choose the right products for lasting results.
OILY SKIN
- Shiny or greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
- Enlarged pores
- Prone to acne and blackheads
DRY SKIN
- Tight, flaky, or rough texture
- Feels dehydrated and thirsty
- May have fine lines and wrinkles
COMBINATION SKIN
- Oily in the T-zone but dry in other areas
- May experience both shine and flakiness
NORMAL SKIN
- Balanced oil production
- Smooth, soft, and even-toned
- Not prone to excessive oiliness or dryness
SENSITIVE SKIN
- Reacts easily to products or environmental factors
- May experience redness, itching, or burning
3. So, What Products Should I Use?
OILY SKIN
According to The Academy of Dermatology (AAD), If a person has oily skin, their skin produces more sebum than it needs. If you have oily skin, incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine. The Ordinary, which is a popular and reputable skincare brand, states that, “Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier, which is crucial for maintaining moisture and protecting against environmental aggressors.” When you use niacinamide, it helps your skin barrier regulate sebum production, preventing the excess oiliness that makes skin look shiny.
Here are some products to incorporate into your routine to combat oiliness:
Cleanser: Gel or foam cleanser with salicylic acid (1–2%)
Toner (OPTIONAL): Alcohol‑free, with niacinamide or witch hazel
Serum / Treatment: Lightweight serum with niacinamide (2–5%)
Moisturizer: Oil‑free, non‑comedogenic gel or lotion (look for hyaluronic acid + glycerin)
Sunscreen: Gel or fluid SPF 30–50, labeled “matte finish” or “oil control”
DRY SKIN
According to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), If a person has dry skin, their skin produces less sebum than it needs. If you have dry skin, focus on products with hyaluronic acid. The Ordinary, a widely respected, science‑driven skincare brand suggests that, “Hyaluronic acid holds onto water, ensuring that skin is hydrated.” By acting like a water magnet and retaining moisture, hyaluronic acid keeps your skin nourished and hydrated all day.
Here are products recommended for a routine to combat even the driest of skin:
Cleanser: Cream or balm cleanser with coco‑glucoside
Toner (OPTIONAL): Hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid or soothing botanical extracts (aloe, chamomile)
Serum / Treatment: Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid
Moisturizer: Rich cream with ceramides
Sunscreen: Cream or lotion SPF 30+ with added moisturizing agents
COMBINATION SKIN
According to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), If a person has dry skin, some areas of their skin will be oily, while others may feel dry. Areas prone to oiliness include the forehead, nose, and chin, collectively known as the T-zone. The cheeks or other areas may feel normal or dry. To help ensure that your skin is not too oily, nor too try, you should incorporate products that help regulate oil in areas that get the most oily and products that aim at moisturizing the skin barrier where you experience dry and flaky skin.
Here are products that hydrate your skin without leaving it feeling greasy:
Cleanser: Gentle gel cleanser
Toner (OPTIONAL): Alcohol‑free, with niacinamide or witch hazel
Serum / Treatment: Lightweight serum with niacinamide (2–5%)
Moisturizer: Lightweight lotion or gel — consider layering: gel on oily areas, richer cream on dry areas
Sunscreen: Fluid or gel SPF 30–50, non‑comedogenic
NORMAL SKIN
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people who have normal skin have skin that is not noticeably oily, dry, or sensitive. Because your skin is relatively balanced, you should incorporate products that aim to protect the barrier and maintain your current skin texture/conditions. If your goal is anti‑aging, look for formulations rich in antioxidants. As Arlington Dermatology explains, “Antioxidants prevent or delay cell damage by counteracting the effects of free radical damage and oxidative stress.” If anti‑aging isn’t a priority, choose products designed specifically to strengthen and support your skin barrier.
Here is a detailed guide focused on boosting the skin barrier:
Cleanser: Gentle gel or cream cleanser without stripping surfactants
Toner (OPTIONAL): Hydrating or antioxidant toner (vitamin C, green tea)
Serum / Treatment: Antioxidant serum (vitamin C 10–20%)
Moisturizer: Lightweight lotion or cream with hyaluronic acid
Sunscreen: Broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ — any formulation you enjoy
SENSITIVE SKIN
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD, sensitive skin can become irritated or inflamed easily. According to Dermatologist Chen, individuals with sensitive skin often notice excess redness, itchiness, burning, or inflammation. To combat these uncomfortable and unwanted skin conditions, one should focus on fragrance free products that are low in ingredients and contain soothing elements.
Here are some products that are designed to not irritate sensitive skin:
Cleanser: Fragrance‑free, sulfate‑free cream or micellar water
Toner (OPTIONAL): Calming, alcohol‑free with minimal ingredients
Serum/Treatment: Soothing ingredients: niacinamide (low %)
Moisturizer: Fragrance‑free, minimal‑ingredient formula
Sunscreen: Mineral with SPF 30+
BONUS TIP:
Tailor these routines to your personal preferences and seasonal changes. Always patch‑test new products, and adjust as your skin’s needs evolve.