Inspirations

What is my skin type?

Each of us can answer the question of what skin type we have. But are we sure? This article will tell you how individual skin types are defined and how to determine which one you have. What are the skin types? Basic skin types are divided into four main categories, plus additional types related to specific skin problems or aging processes. What skin type do I have? Discover the basic types Normal skinCharacterized by even hydration, elasticity, and no visible imperfections. Pores are small, and the skin reacts well to most cosmetics. Dry skinThin, prone to dryness, with a feeling of tightness and flaking. Requires intensive moisturizing and protection from external factors. Oily skinExcessive sebum production causes shine, enlarged pores, and a tendency to breakouts. Requires sebum regulation. Combination skinA combination of dry skin characteristics (e.g., cheeks) and oily skin (T-zone: forehead, nose, chin). Requires varied care. Additional skin types Sensitive skin – reacts with redness, itching, or burning to cosmetics or environmental factors.Capillary skin – visible dilated blood vessels, prone to irritation.Acne-prone skin – characterized by pimples, blackheads, and excessive sebum production, often requires dermatological consultation.Mature skin – manifests as wrinkles, loss of firmness, and an irregular facial oval, associated with age. In practice, a skin type can combine features of a basic type with additional problems (e.g., oily skin with capillary elements). The key is to adapt skincare to the individual needs of the skin, but do I already know what skin type I have? No skin type is given once and for all. It is often genetically determined but can change with age. Skin type also depends on how it is cared for, diet, hormone levels, and lifestyle. What skin type do I have? Tests To determine your skin type, you can use online tests or analyze the symptoms yourself. Here are key methods: Tests with a dermoconsultant A dermoconsultant asks a series of questions and observes the client's skin to select appropriate skincare. How does a dermoconsultant recognize your skin type? During the consultation, they ask a few simple questions that help assess the condition and type of skin. The key is how your skin reacts to daily factors—such as cleansing, weather changes, or natural physiological processes. Based on this, appropriate skincare can be accurately selected. The first signal a dermoconsultant pays attention to is the skin's reaction after washing. If you feel severe tightness, dryness, or burning after cleansing, it may indicate dry or sensitive skin that requires gentle, moisturizing formulas and protection from external factors. On the other hand, if your skin quickly starts to shine and you feel no discomfort, you likely have oily or combination skin—one that produces excess sebum and needs sebum regulation. The next step is to observe pore visibility and a tendency to imperfections. If you notice enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone (i.e., on the forehead, nose, and chin), and breakouts appear regularly, this may indicate oily or acne-prone skin. It is also worth noting whether skin lesions intensify cyclically, for example, before menstruation—this may indicate hormonal acne. However, skin without visible pores, with a smooth texture and no tendency to breakouts, often turns out to be dry or normal skin. The skin's behavior in various weather conditions is also evaluated. If your skin reacts with irritation, redness, or burning to frost, wind, or sudden temperature changes, you most likely have sensitive or capillary skin. Such skin needs soothing cosmetics that strengthen the protective barrier and seal blood vessels. On the other hand, if your skin shines intensely in a humid environment, it indicates overactivity of the sebaceous glands, i.e., oily or combination skin. Thanks to these simple questions and observations, a dermoconsultant can determine not only the basic skin type—dry, oily, combination, or normal—but also its needs and tendencies, such as sensitivity, dehydration tendency, acne, or hyperactive blood vessels. This is the first step towards conscious and effective skincare and finding out what skin type I have. What skin type do I have? - Self-analysis Self-determining your skin type is a crucial step in proper skin care. Observing the skin's reaction to various factors, such as washing or using cosmetics, allows for precise selection of appropriate skincare products. Skin observation after washing One of the simplest ways to analyze your skin is to observe its reaction after washing your face with a gentle cleanser, without using creams or toners. After about 30 minutes, you can assess how your skin reacts to cleansing: Dry skin – after washing, there is a feeling of tightness, tension, and discomfort. The skin is often matte, rough, and may flake. The lack of natural hydration makes it look tired and prone to irritation. Oily skin – quickly starts to shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Pores are clearly visible, and the skin may feel like a thicker, oilier film on the surface. It is often accompanied by blackheads and a tendency to imperfections. Combination skin – characterized by different areas with varying properties. The T-zone quickly becomes oily, while the cheeks may be dry and tight. It requires balanced care, adapted to different parts of the face. Normal skin – shows no signs of discomfort. The skin is smooth, elastic, and naturally hydrated. The lack of dryness and excessive shine makes it look healthy and radiant. Skin reaction to cosmetics The next step in skin analysis is to observe the skin's reaction to various cosmetics, especially those containing active ingredients. Some skin types may require more delicate care, while others will tolerate stronger ingredients. Sensitive/capillary skin – reacts with redness, burning, and even itching to aggressive substances such as alcohol, retinoids, or certain preservatives. It may have a tendency to broken capillaries, which manifests as visible "spider veins" on the cheeks and nose. Requires the use of gentle, hypoallergenic cosmetics. The Kali Musli series is excellent here. Acne-prone skin – shows a tendency to frequent breakouts, blackheads, and inflammation. It can be oily, but also dry due to the use of aggressive anti-acne products. It requires careful care, regulating sebum secretion and supporting skin regeneration. What skin type do I have? Blotting paper test At home, you can perform a simple test to find out what skin type you have. All you need are facial cleansers and a thin cosmetic blotting paper or a tissue divided into layers. Here are five steps to help define your facial skin type: Thoroughly cleanse your face of makeup residue and wash with a gentle cosmetic. We recommend makeup remover oil and face cleansing foam. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel, without rubbing. Do not apply any cosmetics to your face and wait 30 minutes. During this time, do not engage in strenuous exercise or go outside. Let your skin breathe 😉 After 30 minutes, gently place the blotting paper or one layer of tissue on your face. Lightly pat the blotting paper onto your skin and wait a minute. Remove the blotting paper and examine it under light. You will see where on your face the most sebum has formed. If there are no traces of sebum on the blotting paper – you have dry or normal skin. If the traces of sebum form a visible letter T – your skin is combination. If the blotting paper is covered with sebum in many places or over its entire surface, you have oily skin. Pay attention to seasonal changes as combination skin can become dry in winter or oily in summer. Regular skin observation allows for a better understanding of its needs and the selection of appropriate cosmetics, which translates into a healthy appearance and daily comfort. What skin type do I have? - additional tips Mature skin is a skin type that usually appears after the age of 35, although its characteristics may appear earlier, depending on lifestyle, exposure to UV radiation, oxidative stress, or hormonal balance. Characteristic symptoms include wrinkles, both mimic and deeper ones, which first appear around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. The skin loses firmness, elasticity, and density, which can lead to an irregular facial oval. This is often accompanied by loss of radiance, dryness, roughness, and uneven skin tone. Capillary skin, on the other hand, is characterized by the presence of dilated blood vessels, most often on the cheeks, nose, and chin. The skin is sensitive, prone to redness, which may appear due to temperature changes, emotions, spicy foods, or the use of inappropriate cosmetics. In advanced stages, persistent erythema and a tendency to form telangiectasias (so-called spider veins) may occur. Capillary skin requires gentle care that strengthens the walls of blood vessels and protects against irritating factors. If the results are inconclusive, it is worth consulting a dermatologist or cosmetologist. It is also always necessary to consider the age of the person whose skin type is being diagnosed. Oily skin will behave differently in a teenager than in a mature woman. Natural cosmetics for different skin types Natural cosmetics, based on plant extracts, oils, and mineral-derived ingredients, are increasingly chosen due to their gentleness, high skin tolerance, and multi-directional action. Properly selected natural ingredients can effectively support the needs of every skin type, improving its condition, balance, and appearance. For dry skin, highly moisturizing and emollient ingredients work best, helping to rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic barrier. Among them, shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter), avocado oil, argan oil, and almond oil are worth highlighting – rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A and E, they perfectly soften the skin and protect it from moisture loss. Plant-derived hyaluronic acid and aloe vera further intensify hydration and soothe the feeling of tightness. Oily and acne-prone skin requires ingredients that regulate sebum secretion, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Tea tree oil, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and green tea extract work perfectly here. These substances help cleanse pores, reduce imperfections, and soothe inflammation without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier. Sensitive and capillary skin requires soothing ingredients that strengthen blood vessels and reduce redness. In this group, kali musli extract, as well as rosehip oil and panthenol, are most commonly used. These are ingredients with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that support microcirculation, improving skin comfort and reducing hyperreactivity. For mature skin, ingredients with regenerative, firming, and antioxidant properties will be ideal. Pomegranate oil, snail mucus, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, and adaptogen extracts such as Reishi or Rhodiola rosea help smooth wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and protect it from free radicals. Natural care allows for safe and effective addressing of the needs of various skin types. The key to success is the conscious selection of active ingredients that correspond to specific skin problems, while supporting its natural defensive and regenerative functions.   Once you determine your skin type, it's worth focusing on choosing cosmetics. Remember about cleansing and toning products. From experience, we know that these steps are often omitted. Choose the right serum and cream. Enjoy conscious skincare.