Skin Types

Understanding your skin type and its specific needs is crucial for creating effective skin routines. There are four main skin types, including oily skin, combination skin, normal skin, and dry skin. 

However, that is not all. Every skin can also have conditions which usually are triggered by external factors and can be seasonal. One of the most frequent skin concerns are sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and dullness.

Going back to your skin type, it can change as you age. With mostly oily skin in your teens to dry skin as you mature. Hormones and genetics are playing the main role in your skin type. Hence, as you age, it is crucial to know what your skin type is and how to correctly identify it.

Want to know more? Keep on reading as our K-Beauty skincare experts at Skinsider can help you with identifying your skin type and suitable products for your needs.

Why it is important to know your skin type?

By correctly identifying your skin type, you will be able to create a personal skincare routine which will help you achieve your skincare goals with minimum effort. Healthy skin is a happy skin and it boosts confidence.

What skin type do I have?

If you’re wondering what your specific skin type is, and how to correctly identify it, we have an answer here for you. First do a short test at home.

It will allow you to understand what kind of skin you have by just observing how your skin behaves after cleansing. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Then gently pat it dry. If after 30 minutes:

  • your skin appears shiny, you probably have oily skin.
  • your skin feels tight and is flaky, you have dry skin. 
  • your skin is shiny only in your T-Zone, you  have combination skin.
  • your skin feels comfortable, but not oily, you have normal skin.

Combination skin

This is probably the most common skin type. If you have combination skin it means that different parts of your face have different needs and therefore need a different approach to skincare. Usually, a combination skin type has oily and blemish-prone skin on the T-Zone and normal to dry skin around the cheeks.

Going into further analysis, the main features of combination skin are:

  • Shiny or even greasy skin with enlarged pores on T-zone.
  • More prominent blackheads on your T-zone, especially nose.
  • Normal to dry skin in other areas of your skin.

Read more tips on combination skin types and shop Korean skincare for combination skin here.

Oily skin

Oily skin usually presents itself in a form of shiny face. It is blemish-prone as it produces more sebum that it needs. Blackheads, white heads, cystic acne usually go hand in hand with oily skin.

The main features of oily skin are:

  • Shiny and greasy skin around your face.
  • Enlarged pores around the nose.
  • Easily develops blemishes.

If you would like to explore more about the oily skin, check out Top Skincare Tips for Oily Skin.

Ready to shop? Check our K-beauty products for oily skin.

Normal skin

Normal skin may seem to be the least demanding skin type out of them all. Your skin is neither too dry nor too oily. And yes, we will allow ourselves to say that: If your skin is normal, it means you are lucky, as your skin may have some imperfections and like every skin it has its needs. However, your focus should be on keeping skin balanced and hydrated at minimum effort.

The main features of normal skin are:

  • Skin texture tends to be even, without dry patches or oiliness.
  • Pores are not enlarged.
  • The T-Zone can become oily or dry depending on external factors but at the same time it can be managed easily with small tweaks in your routine.

Get Skinsider in-depth overview on cult K-beauty brands and shop Korean cosmetics for normal skin.

Dry skin

Itchy, flaky, patchy skin? These are the symptoms of dry skin. They are created by a lack of moisture and natural lipids in your skin. Dry skin can become sore if aggravated. Over time dry skin feels tighter but is losing its elasticity. This means the skin is becoming dull and can age faster. Replenishing the skin and bringing moisture to the deeper layers of the skin are crucial in rebuilding the natural skin barrier.

The main features of dry skin are:

  • Feels tight and itchy.
  • Can be rough and flaky.
  • Dullness.

Shop K-Beauty products for dry skin.

Dry vs dehydrated skin

Did you know that your skin may not be dry but dehydrated? Yes, you heard us right, dehydrated skin does not have to be dry.

Looking to learn more about one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare? Discover Skinsider in-depth analysis of "The Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin" here.

We hope you have found this guide helpful. If you are looking to create a bespoke skincare routine for your oily, combination, normal or dry skin type ask a question to our skincare experts. 

Ready to explore more? Shop Korean skincare products for all skin type at Skinsider

Sidebar
  • Sold out
     iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum (50 ml)

    iUNIK

    iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum (50 ml)

    iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum is a highly concentrated product with mucin of black snails to help your skin to restore and repair to make it more supple and smooth. 5 black super food are full of anti-oxidants to activate your body functions while...
    £15.50
  • -20%
     COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid (100ml)

    COSRX

    COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid (100ml)

    The Two in One Poreless Power Liquid is a high-performing lightweight products which will help clear and tighten pores. The product in a form of a liquid contains BHA which helps to clear stubborn acne and blackheads. It dissolves the oily impurities...
    MSRP: £27.00
    £27.00
    £21.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  •  iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum (50 ml)

    iUNIK

    iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum (50 ml)

    iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum is a fragrant serum made of rose water and galactomyces. It will improve your skin tone and texture. It brightens, moisturizes and calms your skin. The serum contains: Galactomyces Fermentation Water 50% which...
    £14.50
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • URANG Perfect Daily Mist

    URANG

    URANG Perfect Daily Mist

    Urang Perfect Daily Mist is a pure, hydrating and soothing mist which can be used as a Ttoners. This luxurious mist is made with neroli and chamomile water. Urang Perfect Daily Mist contains 45% neroli water extracted organically from the petals of...
    MSRP: £17.00 - £25.00
    £15.00 - £20.00
  • -20%
     URANG Glow Oil Serum

    URANG

    URANG Glow Oil Serum

    An anti-ageing luxurious serum which is packed with antioxidants and 99.25% organic ingredients. Urang Glow Oil Serum as incredible texture which absorbs quickly. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blotchiness. It deeply moisturizes...
    MSRP: £43.00
    £43.00
    £34.40
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Sold out
     URANG Natural Cleansing Oil (150ml)

    URANG

    URANG Natural Cleansing Oil (150ml)

    Urang Natural Cleansing Oil is a pure, rich and ultra-clarifying cleanser. This cleansing oil consists of skin-clarifying and nourishing seed oils, including safflower, jojoba, and sunflower. Urang Natural Cleansing Oil works as a two-in-one makeup...
    £23.00
  • -20%
     iUNIK Vitamin Propolis Synergy Serum (50ml)

    iUNIK

    iUNIK Vitamin Propolis Synergy Serum (50ml)

    The iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum is formulated with 70% Propolis extract to nourish and calm skin, and 12% Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit extract to brighten skin. The serum also provides strong anti-inflammatory effects to irritated skin types...
    MSRP: £15.00
    £15.00
    £12.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  •  COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask

    COSRX

    COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask

    COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask contains natural ingredients, like propolis extract and natural beeswax to calm and nourish skin. Enriched with more than 87% of Propolis Extract and natural beeswax, this mask provides intensive hydration...
    £23.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -20%
     LAGOM Cellus White Moisture Cream (50ml)

    LAGOM

    LAGOM Cellus White Moisture Cream (50ml)

    Lagom Cellus White Moisture Cream is a lightweight moisturizing cream which will help keep your skin healthy and dewy. This lightweight cream absorbs quickly and helps to brighten a dull skin. Lagom Cellus White Moisture Cream tackles issues of a dull...
    MSRP: £30.00
    £30.00
    £24.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  •  COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

    COSRX

    COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

    COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser gently removes impurities and excess sebum while fighting different forms of acne, leaving skin soft and smooth.  0.5% Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its deep-cleansing properties...
    £12.00
  • Sold out
     Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (35ml)

    Klairs

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (35ml)

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It contains 5% Vitamin C and is an innovative multi-solution, a non-irritating formula which revitalises, maintains, and transforms your skin.   Vitamin C brightens the...
    £21.00
  • -20%
     COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100ml)

    COSRX

    COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100ml)

    COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is an exfoliating treatment designed to minimise blackheads and improve skin clarity. With regular use, it helps reduce the appearance of blackheads and refines pore size, leaving skin smoother and clearer. Its gentle...
    MSRP: £26.00
    £26.00
    £20.80
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Sold out
     COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser

    COSRX

    COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser

    COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser is a gentle cleanser with mildly acidic ph softly removes wastes and leaves skin hydrated all day long. It will protect your skin barrier and will not strip your skin from its natural oils.  It's also formulated...
    £14.00
  • Sold out
     URANG S.O.S. Multi Balm (15ml)

    URANG

    URANG S.O.S. Multi Balm (15ml)

    Urang S.O.S. Multi Balm is a multi balm which contains 95.5% organic ingredients. It has strong nourishing properties and it softens, heals and strengthens skin. Safe and gentle, even for babies, Urang Multi Balm is made of organic seed oils packed with...
    £22.00
  • Sold out
     Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist 125ml

    Klairs

    Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist 125ml

    Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist is a part of the fundamental line. It is a Green Tea Water based mist, formulated with rice, cucumbers, okra, and mugwort which is effective for intensive hydration and antioxidant care. With the premium formulation, the...
    £26.00
  • Sold out
     Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask 90ml

    Klairs

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask 90ml

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask is a lightweight overnight mask packed with vitamin E which is an antioxidant famous for its anti-ageing properties. It is a great solution for smoother, balanced and brighter skin. The Mask has a unique pudding-like...
    £24.60
  • -20%
     URANG Pink Everlasting Ampoule (35ml)

    URANG

    URANG Pink Everlasting Ampoule (35ml)

    Urang Pink Everlasting Ampoule is here in upgraded and vegan version! This syrupy-type ampoule is addressing concerns of the ageing skin. Jina Lee, CEO of Urang, spent almost three years to develop this yet another amazing product within Urang line. The...
    MSRP: £52.00
    £52.00
    £41.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added