What Type of Skin Do I Have?

Common Characteristics of Skin Types

Sensitive skin¹ is often referred to as a skin type, but you can have oily and sensitive skin, dry and sensitive skin or normal and sensitive skin. Regardless of which type of skin you have, if you have sensitive skin, it may be red, feel like it's burning, itching or dry. These symptoms may be related to having skin that is more vulnerable to external irritants and may be triggered by certain ingredients, like dyes or fragrance, as well as environmental factors. If your skin is sensitive, you may be able to determine what triggers your sensitivity and avoid products containing those specific ingredients or alter your environment to reduce your exposure to triggering agents.

Oily skin¹ produces an excess of sebum that causes the skin to appear shiny and feel greasy—especially throughout the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin). If you have oily skin, you may be more likely to have enlarged pores, develop acne blemishes and be more prone to acne breakouts.

Dry skin¹ is typically dull and may become rough, flaky or even scaly. It often feels tight or less elastic and may be prone to showing more visible lines. In addition, it may become itchy or irritated.

Combination skin¹ includes areas that are dry as well as oily—with the T-Zone commonly being oily, and the cheeks being either dry or normal.

Normal skin¹ is balanced—feeling neither dry nor oily. It is not prone to breakouts, flakiness or feeling tight. Pores are generally small, the skin's texture is smooth, and it is less likely to be prone to sensitivity or blemishes.

If descriptions of the different skin types didn't help you come to a conclusion, there are tests you can perform at home to help you determine what type of skin you have.

Blotting Sheets

When pressed to the skin, blotting sheets absorb oil—and you can use them to help you understand what type of skin you have. After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, patting it dry and allowing it to rest 30 minutes, press blotting sheets to various areas of your face, then hold the sheets up to the light to see the oil markings. If the sheets show only a small amount of oil from your T-Zone, you may have combination skin; if the sheets reveal an abundance of oil in all areas of the face, you may have oily skin; if they absorb little to no oil, then you may have dry skin; and if you only see minimal oil from every area of your face, you may have normal skin.

Watching and Waiting

This at-home test allows you to understand what kind of skin you have by just observing how your skin behaves after cleansing. To start, wash your face with a gentle cleanser then gently pat it dry. If the shine is only in your T-Zone, you may have combination skin; if after 30 minutes your skin appears shiny throughout, you may have oily skin; if it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you may have dry skin; and if your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you may have normal skin.

Regardless of what kind of skin you have, it can also be sensitive or prone to acne breakouts, though those with normal skin are less likely to experience either. However, with the right products you can care for your skin while addressing sensitivity or acne blemishes. For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.