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
  • -25%
     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...
    MSRP: £1.60
    £1.60
    £1.20
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Facial Cream 55ml

    APLB

    APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Facial Cream 55ml

    Elevate your skincare game with the APLB Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Facial Cream — a nutrient-rich moisturizer designed to improve clarity, calm sensitivity, and boost lasting hydration. Created for those dealing with dullness, uneven tone, or...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner 160ml

    APLB

    APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner 160ml

    Give your skin a fresh start with the APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner — a gentle yet effective formula that helps sweep away impurities, clear clogged pores, and restore skin’s natural radiance. Perfect for those managing...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £1.20
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    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
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     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
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Sold out
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sheet Mask

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sheet Mask

    The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sheet Mask is a skin-reviving treatment designed to instantly hydrate, brighten, and calm stressed or tired skin. Infused with a potent blend of antioxidants and soothing botanicals, this ultra-thin cellulose mask...
    £1.60
  • Sold out
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Eye Cream 20ml

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Eye Cream 20ml

    The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Eye Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed to restore brightness, firmness, and hydration to the delicate skin around the eyes. Perfect for addressing puffiness, dark circles, and early signs of aging,...
    £8.00
  • -25%
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen 40ml

    The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen is a high-protection, skin-nourishing sun cream formulated to defend against UVA and UVB rays while improving skin tone and hydration. With SPF 50+ PA++++, this lightweight chemical sunscreen glides on smoothly...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum 40ml

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum 40ml

    The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum is a targeted treatment designed to visibly improve dull, uneven skin while delivering deep hydration. With a fast-absorbing, lightweight formula, this ampoule helps refine texture, soothe irritation, and...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -25%
     APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Toner 160ml

    APLB

    APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Toner 160ml

    Give your skin a revitalizing boost with the APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Toner, a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed to elevate your daily skincare routine. Infused with brightening niacinamide, soothing centella asiatica leaf water,...
    MSRP: £8.00
    £8.00
    £6.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added