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
  • -20%
    Egg Hunt
    TIRTIR Mask Fit Make Up Fixer

    TIRTIR

    TIRTIR Mask Fit Make Up Fixer

    Lock in your look with the TIRTIR Mask Fit Makeup Fixer, a fine mist setting spray that helps your makeup stay put from morning to night. Designed to extend wear, control excess oil and create a soft-focus finish, this lightweight formula ensures your...
    MSRP: £12.00
    £12.00
    £9.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Egg Hunt
    TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion

    TIRTIR

    TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Mini 4.5g

    Perfect your complexion wherever you are with the TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Mini – a travel-sized version of the iconic Korean cushion foundation. Offering the same skin-perfecting benefits as the original, this compact 4.5g edition fits easily...
    £12.00 - £16.80
  • -20%
    Egg Hunt
    TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion

    TIRTIR

    TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion 18g

    Experience the ultimate fusion of skincare and makeup with the TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation. Loved for its long-lasting, natural-looking coverage, this bestselling TIRTIR cushion foundation offers a flawless, semi-matte finish that feels...
    MSRP: £21.00
    £21.00
    £16.80
  • -50%
    Egg Hunt
     NINELESS A-Control Heartleaf & BHA Cleanser 120ml

    NINELESS

    NINELESS A-Control Heartleaf & BHA Cleanser 120ml

    NINELESS A-Control Heartleaf & BHA Cleanser is a rich, foaming cleanser designed to effectively remove impurities, excess oil and makeup while calming and revitalising the skin. Formulated with high concentrations of heartleaf extract, salicylic acid...
    MSRP: £14.00
    £14.00
    £7.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Sold out
     SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Kit

    SKIN1004

    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Kit

    Experience the full potential of Korean skincare with the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Kit – a premium set of four functional ampoules tailored to meet diverse skin needs. Powered by Centella Asiatica from Madagascar, renowned for its...
    £33.00
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Facial Cream 55ml

    APLB

    APLB Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Facial Cream 55ml

    This nourishing Vitamin C cream visibly softens fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes the appearance of dark spots, and helps regulate the skin’s oil and moisture balance. Infused with soothing extracts from eggplant and tea tree leaf, it calms...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum 40ml

    Formulated with 46.7% Ferul Vita Cen™—a potent complex of ferulic acid, Vitamin C, and Centella Asiatica Leaf Water—this Vitamin C serum visibly improves skin tone, targets signs of aging, and helps minimise the appearance of pores...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Egg Hunt
    Sold out
     APLB Azelaic Acid Peptide Ampoule Serum 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Azelaic Acid Peptide Ampoule Serum 40ml

    Soothe and restore balance to sensitive, uneven skin with the APLB Azelaic Acid Peptide Ampoule Serum — a lightweight yet potent serum formulated to calm irritation, brighten skin tone, and support a healthy moisture barrier. Infused with 31.7%...
    £8.00
  • Sold out
     APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Sheet Mask

    APLB

    APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Sheet Mask

    This sheet mask is infused with 25 ml of essence containing key ingredients like tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, forming the Tranex Niac Cen complex (17.2%) to brighten and protect the skin with antioxidant benefits. It...
    £1.60
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Ampoule Serum 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Ampoule Serum 40ml

    Restore clarity and balance to your skin with the APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Ampoule Serum — a concentrated formula developed to deeply hydrate, soothe, and visibly improve uneven tone. Ideal for sensitive or stressed skin, this...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Mist Essence 105ml

    APLB

    APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Mist Essence 105ml

    Refresh your skin with the APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Mist Essence — a multi-functional facial mist designed to target breakouts, reduce excess oil, and soothe irritated skin. This ultra-fine essence mist delivers lightweight hydration while...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Cream 55ml

    APLB

    APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Cream 55ml

    Achieve smoother, clearer skin with the APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Cream — a clarifying moisturizer formulated to gently exfoliate, calm irritation, and promote a visibly brighter complexion. This cream is ideal for those dealing with...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Ampoule Serum 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Ampoule Serum 40ml

    The APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Ampoule Serum is a powerful yet gentle solution designed to clarify the skin and improve its overall appearance. This advanced ampoule combines the exfoliating power of salicylic acid, the brightening benefits of...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Sheet Mask

    APLB

    APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Sheet Mask

    Refresh and rejuvenate your skin with the APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Sheet Mask — a powerhouse treatment designed to target dullness, fine lines, and skin irritation. Infused with Retinol Vita Cen™, this sheet mask combines the...
    MSRP: £1.60
    £1.60
    £1.12
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Cream 55ml

    APLB

    APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Cream 55ml

    The APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Cream is a nourishing anti-aging moisturiser powered by RETINOL VITA CEN™ to reduce fine lines, brighten dull skin and soothe irritation. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin, it deeply hydrates and restores...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Ampoule Serum 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Ampoule Serum 40ml

    Transform your skincare with the APLB Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Ampoule Serum, powered by 21.6% RETINOL VITA CEN™. This potent blend of retinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Centella Asiatica targets signs of aging, brightens skin and provides...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Sold out
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Toner Pad

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Toner Pad

    Refresh your skincare routine with the APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Toner Pad. Infused with 16.6% Lipo Gluta Niac Cen, a blend of glutathione, niacinamide, and three types of Centella extract, these textured pads gently wipe away impurities while...
    £8.00
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Balm 80ml

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Balm 80ml

    Effortlessly dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup with the APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Balm. This gentle, deep-cleansing formula removes impurities without drying out your skin. Infused with glutathione, niacinamide and soybean...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -30%
    Egg Hunt
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Oil 105ml

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Oil 105ml

    The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, skin-friendly formula designed to gently lift away makeup, sunscreen and daily impurities while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Ideal for daily use, this cleansing...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £5.60
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added