What Is My Skin Type?
5 TYPES EXPLAINED

Discover your skin type with NIVEA's comprehensive guide. Learn about the characteristics of different skin types and how you can take care of each one.

Read time

6 min

In a nutshell, for you:

What is a Skin Type?
5 Common Skin Types
4 Ways to Identify Your Skin Type
Can your Skin Type Change Over Time?
Facts Overview
Tips for Managing Each Skin Type
Skincare Routine for Each Skin Type
Summary
FAQs

Not sure what your skin type is? You are not alone. Working out whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive or normal is the first step towards finding a routine that suits and cares for your skin. In this guide, we explain what a skin type is, how to recognise each one, and how to find out yours, including a quiz to help point you in the right direction.

Understanding your skin type

What is a
SKIN TYPE?

Skin type refers to the characteristics of your skin that determine how it behaves and reacts to various factors like weather, skincare products and hormonal changes. These characteristics typically include how much natural oil (sebum) your skin produces, its level of hydration, and how sensitive it is to environmental influences and skincare products.

Skin types are generally categorised into several main groups: oily, dry, combination and sensitive, and each has its own individual skincare requirements. However, it's often the case that your skin can meet the criteria of several categories. For example, you might have skin that is both dry and sensitive, or skin that feels drier at certain times of the year and oilier at others.

Different Skin Types and Characteristics

5 Common
SKIN TYPES

Once you know what to look for, you can often recognise your skin type from its description. Here are the five main skin types and the characteristics that commonly define each one.

1
Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). It’s prone to enlarged pores and is more susceptible to blemishes and breakouts due to the buildup of oil and debris.

2
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks moisture and often feels tight or rough. It may look dull and flaky, especially in colder months or in dry climates. Dry skin can be sensitive to harsh skincare products and may be more susceptible to signs of premature ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, which usually appear because dry skin lacks the delicate balance of oils and moisture, slowing down cell turnover and making it more vulnerable to damage from pollutants and UV rays.

3
Combination Skin
Combination skin is characterised by having areas that are both oily (usually the T-zone) and dry or normal (cheeks).

4
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is easily irritated by external factors such as weather, skincare products or environmental pollutants. Among other causes, sensitivity can be the result of an underlying skin condition, a weakened skin barrier, or environmental factors such as weather or pollutants. It may react with redness, itching or burning sensations.

5
Normal Skin
Normal skin is well-balanced with neither excessive oiliness nor dryness. It typically has a smooth texture, small pores and a healthy-looking complexion. Normal skin is less prone to sensitivity or breakouts, making it the least problematic of all skin types.

What Is My Skin Type?

4 Ways to Identify
YOUR SKIN TYPE

There are a few simple ways to work out your skin type at home. The most reliable start with the wash and wait method: cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, then wait around 30 minutes before assessing your skin using one of the methods below.

1. VISUAL INSPECTION:

Visual inspection means closely checking how your skin looks and feels in different areas of your face in natural light.

Oily Skin:
Look for a shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Enlarged pores may also be noticeable.

Dry Skin:
Check for flakiness, tightness or rough patches, particularly after cleansing. It may look dull and lacklustre.

Combination Skin:
Notice oily areas in the T-zone with visible pores, contrasted with drier patches on the cheeks, which may feel tight.

Sensitive Skin:
Look for signs of redness, itching or inflammation, especially as a reaction to certain products or environmental factors.

Normal skin:
Look for a consistent texture and colour without excess shine, dryness or visible signs of sensitivity.

2. BLOTTING PAPER TEST:

Using blotting paper on your face can help you work out how oily your skin is. For this test, press blotting paper against different areas of your face in the morning before cleansing.

Oily Skin:
Blotting paper will quickly absorb excess oil, revealing a greasy residue.

Dry Skin:
Blotting paper may not pick up much oil, indicating a low sebum level.

Combination Skin:
Blotting paper will absorb oil from the T-zone but less from the cheeks.

Normal Skin:
Notice if the blotting paper picks up minimal oil, indicating balanced sebum production without excess or deficiencies.

woman applying NIVEA Q10 power anti-wrinkle cream

3. TOUCH TEST:

The touch test involves feeling different areas of your face to assess texture and moisture levels. After washing your hands thoroughly, use your fingertips to feel how your skin feels to the touch.

Oily Skin:
Skin feels slick and greasy to the touch, particularly in the T-zone.

Dry Skin:
Skin feels tight, rough or flaky, indicating a lack of moisture.

Combination Skin:
The T-zone feels oily while cheeks may feel normal or dry to the touch.

Sensitive Skin:
Notice if your skin reacts negatively to touch, showing signs of redness or irritation. Keep in mind that not all sensitive skin will necessarily react to this test, depending on its degree of sensitivity.

Normal skin:
When you touch normal skin, it feels neither excessively oily nor dry. It has a consistent texture and feels smooth to the touch. Normal skin typically doesn’t show signs of redness, irritation or noticeable bumps.

4. PROFESSIONAL SKIN ANALYSIS:

If you’re still unsure and would like a more conclusive analysis, you can visit a skincare professional for a more accurate assessment. They can conduct tests and examine your skin under controlled conditions to determine your skin type.

Discover your skin type

Can your Skin Type
CHANGE OVER TIME?

Your skin type can change over time due to various factors such as ageing, hormonal changes, lifestyle and environmental conditions. For instance, teenagers often experience oily skin due to hormonal fluctuations, while adults may develop drier skin as they age because their skin’s natural oil production decreases.

Additionally, factors like pregnancy, menopause, stress, diet and exposure to elements such as sun, wind and pollution can also influence and alter your skin type over time. Regularly reassessing your skin’s needs and adjusting your skincare routine accordingly is essential to help you maintain healthy-looking skin.

Facts Overview

SKIN TYPE

Common Skin Types:
Oily, dry, combination, sensitive and normal skin.

Identifying Skin Types:
Methods include visual inspection, blotting paper tests and professional analysis.

Causes of Different Skin Types:
Genetics, environmental factors, hormonal changes, diet and skincare products all influence skin type.

Managing Each Type:
Follow a routine specifically for your skin type, using ingredients that are beneficial for your skin’s needs.

Tips for Managing
EACH SKIN TYPE

Proper skincare is essential for maintaining healthy-looking, vibrant skin, no matter what your skin type is. Here’s how you can manage different skin types effectively:

MANAGING OILY SKIN:

1
Cleanse twice daily to remove excess oil and help prevent clogged pores.

2
Regularly exfoliate to eliminate dead skin cells and impurities.

3
Use non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturisers and sunscreens.

4
Keep shine in check with mattifying products or blotting papers throughout the day.

Vitamin E withholds skin moisture for consistent hydration

MANAGING DRY SKIN:

1
Hydrate frequently.

2
Use creamy, hydrating cleansers that don’t strip your natural oils.

3
Drink plenty of water to help maintain skin hydration.

Skincare for Dry Skin

MANAGING COMBINATION SKIN:

1
Use different products for different areas.

2
Opt for a gentle, balancing cleanser.

3
Exfoliate once or twice a week but avoid over-exfoliating the drier areas.

Advice for Combination Skin

MANAGING SENSITIVE SKIN:

1
Always patch-test new products before you use them to help prevent irritation.

2
Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products designed specifically for sensitive skin.

3
Simplify your skincare routine.

4
Use soothing ingredients.

Advice for Sensitive Skin

MANAGING NORMAL SKIN:

1
Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, balanced cleanser.

2
Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells.

3
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage.

4
Avoid harsh skincare products that can disrupt your skin’s natural balance.

Managing Different Skin Types

Skincare Routine
FOR EACH SKIN TYPE

1. CLEANSING:

Cleanse your face to remove oil, dirt and impurities.

1
Oily Skin:
Opt for a foaming or gel-based cleanser with ingredients like Salicylic Acid to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.

2
Dry Skin:
Use a milk cleanser that replenishes moisture and soothes dryness.

3
Combination Skin:
Consider a gentle cleanser that balances oil production without drying out your skin.

4
Sensitive Skin:
Choose a fragrance-free cleanser that’s suitable for sensitive skin, with gentle, soothing ingredients like Dexpanthenol.

5
Normal Skin:
A gentle foaming or cream cleanser works well to cleanse without drying or causing excess oil production.

Explore NIVEA's Cleansers

2. TONING (OPTIONAL):

Use a toner to rebalance your skin’s pH levels and prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine.

1
Oily Skin:
Use toner containing Witch Hazel or Salicylic Acid to mattify and tighten pores.

2
Dry Skin:
Opt for a hydrating toner with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin to replenish moisture and soothe dryness.

3
Combination Skin:
Choose a balancing toner that helps to control oil in the T-zone and hydrate your cheeks, such as a rosewater-based toner.

4
Sensitive Skin:
Use a calming, alcohol-free toner with ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera to soothe and hydrate without irritation.

5
Normal Skin:
A mild toner helps maintain pH balance and prepares the skin for the rest of your skincare products.

Explore NIVEA's Toners

3. TREATMENT (OPTIONAL):

Apply a treatment to help address specific skin concerns such as signs of ageing, uneven texture or blemishes by delivering ingredients that target the specific needs of each skin type.

1
Oily Skin:
Apply a lightweight skincare product with Niacinamide to help control oil production and minimise the look of pores.

2
Dry Skin:
Use a nourishing serum or facial oil rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E to help protect the skin barrier, or a skincare product containing hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

3
Combination Skin:
Target specific concerns with different serums as needed for oily or dry areas, such as a Vitamin C serum to brighten your complexion.

4
Sensitive Skin:
Choose a gentle serum with soothing ingredients like green tea extract to help calm the skin.

5
Normal Skin:
Use a versatile serum containing antioxidants or peptides to support healthy-looking skin and address minor concerns like uneven tone or texture.

There are a number of serums suitable for all skin types to target skin signs that appear at different times of life: fine lines and wrinkles, lack of firmness, dark spots, dull complexion and more. Their lightweight formulas are designed so they can be used by all skin types.

Explore NIVEA's Serums

4. MOISTURISE:

Apply a moisturiser suited to your skin type to hydrate and lock in moisture.

1
Oily Skin:
Select a non-greasy mattifying moisturiser or gel-based moisturiser to hydrate without leaving a greasy sensation on your skin.

2
Dry Skin:
Use a rich, creamy moisturiser with ingredients like Shea Butter to deeply nourish and soothe dryness.

3
Combination Skin:
Apply a lightweight moisturiser to the T-zone and a richer moisturiser to your cheeks, or use a moisturiser designed for combination skin, adjusting as needed based on seasonal changes.

4
Sensitive Skin:
Choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturiser with calming ingredients.

5
Normal Skin:
Use a balanced moisturiser suitable for all skin types to maintain hydration and support your skin’s general condition.

Explore NIVEA's Face Creams

5. SUN PROTECTION:

Apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher as the last step of your skincare routine, depending on the weather or season. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from UV damage, premature ageing and skin damage.

Choose a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type, whether it’s a lightweight, matte finish for oily skin or an extra-hydrating formula for dry skin. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re exposed to direct sunlight.

SUMMARY

Understanding and managing your skin type is essential for effective skincare. Identifying whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive or blemish-prone helps you tailor your routine to meet its specific needs. Following targeted skincare practices and using products tailored to your skin type is key for maintaining your skin’s health and appearance. By using this guidance and finding the right products for your type, you can work towards healthier, more radiant-looking skin.

FAQs

Oily skin overproduces sebum, appears shiny in the T-zone with enlarged pores and is prone to blemishes.

Dry skin lacks moisture, feels tight or flaky, looks dull and may show fine lines.

Combination skin has both oily (T-zone) and normal-to-dry (cheeks) areas, so it needs balanced skincare.

Sensitive skin is easily irritated, shows redness, itching or burning reactions and tends towards dryness.

Normal skin is well-balanced, feels smooth and supple, with small to medium pores and rare sensitivity or breakouts.

There are five main skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive and normal. Each type has unique characteristics and usually needs its own specific care routine for healthy-looking skin. However, it is possible to have attributes of different skin types. For example, you can have both dry and sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are also products that are suitable for all skin types or that are specifically designed for several types, such as dry and sensitive skin.