How to
Identify your skin type.
Knowing your skin type tells you what your skin needs and stops you buying products that work against it. It takes one simple test and a little observation.
The bare-face test
- 1Cleanse
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- 2Wait
Apply nothing afterwards and wait about thirty minutes.
- 3Observe
Notice how your skin feels and looks across the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks.
What you might notice
| Skin type | What you'll see |
|---|---|
| Dry | Tight or flaky all over |
| Oily | Shiny across the whole face |
| Combination | Shiny T-zone but normal or tight cheeks |
| Normal | Comfortable and balanced |
| Sensitive | Stinging, redness or itching during the process - often alongside another type |
What it means for melanin-rich and textured skin
Skin type drives how prone you are to the marks that matter most on deeper skin. Oily and acne-prone skin marks more easily with dark spots, dry skin can look ashy, and sensitive skin can leave lingering patches after a reaction. Once you know your type, see our skincare guide for a routine that protects against hyperpigmentation.
Answers
Frequently asked.
- Can my skin type change?
- Yes. Skin type can shift with age, climate and hormones, so it's worth retesting every season or two. Undertone, however, stays the same.
- Can I have more than one skin type?
- Often, yes - combination skin is exactly that. Sensitivity also commonly overlaps with another type.
- Is dehydrated skin the same as dry skin?
- No. Dry skin lacks oil; dehydrated skin lacks water. Oily skin can be dehydrated too - the fix is hydrating ingredients rather than richer oils.
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