Wondering "What's my skin type"? Here’s how to identify your skin type and curate the perfect routine for healthy, glowing skin.

Do you often buy trending products with tall claims without taking your skin type into consideration? The reason they often fail to deliver the promised results is that the one-size-fits-all approach does not apply to skincare–we all have different skin types. When it comes to product selection and curating an effective skincare regimen, skin typing is extremely beneficial. Understanding your skin type enables you to choose items that will work best for you and those that may cause more harm than good. If you have ever found yourself wondering, “What's my skin type?”, this guide is here to help.

How to find out your skin type?

We all have different skin types. Each person's skin is biologically unique, with varying oil production and sensitivity levels influenced by factors like age, climate, hormones and lifestyle. Do you want to know how you can determine what your exact skin type is? Here’s an easy and simple at-home test to help you determine your skin type:

• Thoroughly cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. Pat it dry, but avoid using any products after washing your face.
• Observe how your skin feels and looks after 30 minutes. 
• You probably have oily skin if your face appears shiny all over.
• You have dry skin if it feels tight and looks drab. 
• You have sensitive skin if it is extremely irritated and uncomfortable.
• If your skin is only shiny on the t-zone, you have combination skin. 

This simple test can help answer the question, “What's my skin type?” and guide you toward picking the right products for healthy, happy skin.

What are the different skin types?

Here are some common skin types and their characteristics, so you can confidently answer the question, “What's my skin type?”

Oily skin

If your skin looks shiny, especially in the T-zone, there is a high probability that you have an oily skin type. The oily sheen is due to the excess sebum produced by your sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. If you have this skin type, you are more prone to enlarged pores, blackheads and breakouts. However, there is some good news as well. Compared to other skin types, oily skin ages slowly because the oils keep the skin supple, which makes it less likely for wrinkles and lines to develop. People with this skin type require mild, water-based skin care products. If you want to keep your skin oil-free, you can try By Biolite’s Deep Pore Cleanser. 

Dry skin

Dry skin often feels taut and tends to look dull or flaky. Lack of shine and greasiness are other indicators of dry skin. This skin type is more susceptible to fine lines and environmental stress since it produces less natural oil. People with dry skin benefit from richer, cream-based products that seal in moisture and fortify the skin barrier. If you are battling with dry skin, you must add By Biolite’s Hydra Boost Gel to your skincare arsenal to instantly hydrate your skin. 

Combination skin

As the name suggests, combination skin has characteristics of both dry skin type and oily skin type, with certain areas leaning more toward oily skin than others. Typically, the cheeks are normal to dry, while the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily. For combination skin, use mild, water-based skincare products. People with this skin type should reach out for products that target both areas separately or have a balanced formula that treats both oily and dry areas. You can incorporate By Biolite’s Aqua Fluid in your skincare arsenal. It delivers intense hydration to the deeper levels of your skin without clogging the pores. 

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin types are extremely reactive and are more likely to experience stinging, redness, and irritation from certain chemicals or environmental factors. If you have this skin type, it is critical to identify and stay away from these triggers. Use gentle, calming formulas for sensitive skin that hydrate without disrupting the delicate balance of the skin. ByBiolite’s Sensitive Skin Set is an excellent addition to your sensitive skincare routine because it supports healthy skin and calms redness and irritation. 

Now that you can confidently answer "What’s my skin type?" You can choose skincare products that are tailored to your skin's specific requirements. You can also take your skin test here.