null
Skin Types

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

  • Benton

    Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack

    Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack offers multiple benefits. It helps to achieve a more even and brighter skin tone and tackles wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, the mask provides pore care and deep hydration. This sheet mask is made of pure...

    £2.50
  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

    Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is here with its renewed vegan-friendly version.  It is a cleansing balm that has a sherbert-like texture and gently melts away makeup, dirt, and excess oil without irritating or drying out skin. Powered by...

    £17.00
  • Isntree

    Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

    Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner contains organic green tea from clean Jeju island that is rich in vitamin, catechin, and tannin.   It is perfect to calm the skin. This toner's anti-oxidizing qualities not only soothes but also revitalizes tired skin...

    £18.00
  • Klairs

    Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream - 30ml

    A comforting moisturiser that provides intense, soothing hydration to the skin. The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream helps to strengthen external barriers and calms extremely sensitive skin. Recovery creams, while providing hydration and moisture,...

    £22.30
  • Benton

    Benton Fermentation Mask Pack

    Benton Fermentation Mask Pack is a premium mask pack that contains three high-grade fermentation ingredients. It contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus/Collagen Ferment Filtrate. The sheet mask is soaked in the...

    £2.80
  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camilia

    Introducing the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick, developed in collaboration with influencer and cosmetic chemist Ramón @glowbyramon. This sun stick goes beyond the traditional outdoor sunscreen, making it an essential part of your daily skincare...

    £19.50
  • Klairs

    Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (180ml)

    Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is an award-winning Facial Toner. Now, this amazing toner is available in a renewed and eco-friendly packaging! The toner removes excess dirt, sebum and any remaining impurities left after cleansing. It is...

    £20.10
  • Benton

    Benton Aloe Soothing Mask Pack (23g)

    Benton Aloe Soothing Mask Pack give an amazing and soothing effect. The sheet mask soothes and revitalizes easily irritated, lackluster skin. At the same time, it fully hydrates the skin. The essence of the Benton Aloe Soothing Mask Pack is packed with...

    £2.80
  • PURITO

    PURITO Cica Clearing BB Cream

    Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream available in 6 shades is here to become your new, makeup addiction. It provides a natural and radiant finish and strengthens the skin barrier. It gently absorbs into the skin and has a long-lasting formula. This product...

    £14.00
  • Pyunkang Yul

    Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner

    Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner immediately cools down the thirsty and irritated skin giving it necessary refreshing boost. The toner has only 5 ingredients in the formula. It focuses on plant-based ingredients with effective medicinal benefits. Barberry...

    £9.50 - £14.50
  • iUNIK

    iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

    iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is a perfect solution for dull and dehydrated skin which requires soothing. This cleanser is using only 6 natural plant ingredients for healthy skin! This cleanser will allow your skin achieve oil-water balance and...

    £16.00
  • 25% off
    COSRX Advanced Snail Treatment Set; Korean skincare at Skinsider COSRX Advanced Snail Treatment Set; Korean skin essence at Skinsider

    COSRX

    COSRX Advanced Snail Treatment Set

    COSRX Advanced Snail Treatment Set as created for people who want to improve the texture of the skin. Suitable for all skin types and skin conditions. Hence, the set can be used by people with acne-prone skin who want to tackle acne scars. In addition,...

    products.retail_price £51.00
    products.price_was £51.00
    products.price_now £38.25
  • SKIN1004

    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml

    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is a non-nano chemical sunscreen that blocks UV rays, while simultaneously hydrating the skin. It leaves the skin with a moisturized, dewy finish. This Korean sun cream contains Hyalu-Cica...

    £18.00
  • Dr. Ceuracle

    Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence

    Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence formulated with Vegan Tea Complex (78%), detoxifies toxins in body and fills up nutrition and hydration for the balanced, healthy looking complexion. This essence is a true multitasker as it absorbs like a...

    £27.00
  • Some By Mi

    Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream 60ml

    Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream is a perfect solution for acne-prone skin. It is packed with natural tea tree extract to quickly improve skin problems without irritation. In addition, Centella Asiatica will soothe the skin and strengthen...

    £22.00
  • COSRX

    COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner (150ml)

    COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is a product which will refine your complexion. It is an amazing renewing, resurfacing treatment dedicated to improving skin tone and texture. The lightweight toner expertly eliminates dead skin cells and...

    £20.00
  • By Wishtrend

    By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch

    By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch is a hydrocolloid acne patch that protects the skin against dirty water, dust, and physical contact. Hydrocolloid is a key ingredient. It pampers acne and blisters and prevents scars from infection. The thin,...

    £9.50
  • 15% off
    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop & Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask; Korean skincare at Skinsider Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop & Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask; Korean skincare products at Skinsider

    Klairs

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop & Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

    Discover the power of this amazing duo set: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (35ml) Don’t stress over dull skin tone and enlarged pores anymore. The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop will take care of your skin in a simple and safe way...

    products.retail_price £45.60
    products.price_was £45.60
    products.price_now £38.76
  • 20% off
    By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water - 30ml; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    By Wishtrend

    By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water - 30ml

    By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is an exfoliating treatment which improves the skin tone and texture while boosting the effectiveness of other cosmetics. The product is formulated with Mandelic Acid, which can be used without any...

    products.retail_price £7.00
    products.price_was £7.00
    products.price_now £5.60
  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil helps remove waste from the skin through gently dissolving and emulsifying wastes. Glycine Soja oil is a base of the cleanser because it is very gentle and yet effective in removing skin dirt, sebum and makeup...

    £20.00