Different Types of Skin & How to Know Which One You Have

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered why a skincare product works beautifully for someone else but causes breakouts or dryness for you, the answer often lies in understanding your skin type. Knowing your skin type is the foundation of building the right skincare routine. It helps you select products that support your skin instead of irritating it. Your skin type is influenced by genetics, age, weather, hormones, and lifestyle habits, making it unique to you.

In this blog, we will explore the five main skin types, explain how to identify yours, and share dermatologist-recommended tips to care for each type—along with product recommendations from Moiz to help you build the ideal routine.

The Five Main Skin Types Explained

Normal Skin

Normal skin is naturally balanced—not too oily and not too dry. It appears smooth and healthy, with minimal sensitivity or breakouts. The moisture and oil levels are well-regulated, making normal skin one of the easiest types to maintain.

Characteristics of Normal Skin:

• Even skin tone with soft texture

• Small or barely visible pores

• Minimal breakouts or irritation

• No excessive shine or tightness

People with normal skin still need to care for their skin consistently to maintain balance and prevent future issues.

Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks sufficient natural oils (sebum), making it difficult to retain moisture. It may feel tight or rough, especially after cleansing or during colder months. Dry skin can appear dull because it struggles to maintain elasticity and hydration.

Signs of Dry Skin:

• Flaky or rough patches

• Tightness after face wash

• Dull or uneven texture

• Visible fine lines due to dehydration

Oily Skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which can lead to shine, clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be the oiliest area. Makeup may slide off quickly due to surface oil.

Signs of Oily Skin:

• Greasy shine throughout the day

• Enlarged, visible pores

• Frequent acne or blackheads

• Makeup wears off easily

Combination Skin

Combination skin has a mix of oily and dry areas—typically an oily T-zone and dry or normal cheeks. This type requires a customized routine that treats each area differently.

Signs of Combination Skin:

• Oily forehead, nose, and chin

• Dry or normal cheeks

• Breakouts mainly in the T-zone

• Enlarged pores around the nose

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts easily to skincare products or environmental changes. It may display redness, burning, itching, or stinging sensations. This skin type has a fragile barrier that needs gentle, fragrance-free care.

Signs of Sensitive Skin:

• Redness and irritation

• Burning or itching sensations

• Bumps or rashes after product use

• Flare-ups triggered by weather, stress, or harsh ingredients

How to Identify Your Skin Type at Home

1. The Bare-Face Test

One simple way to determine your skin type is through the Bare-Face Test. Start by washing your face with a mild cleanser and do not apply any skincare products afterward. Let your skin rest naturally for about one hour and then observe how it feels.

If your skin feels tight or appears flaky, you likely have dry skin.

If your face becomes shiny all over, you probably have oily skin.

If the shine is only visible on your forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone), it indicates combination skin.

Skin that feels comfortable and balanced suggests normal skin, while redness or irritation indicates sensitive skin.

2. The Blotting Paper Test

Another easy method is the Blotting Paper Test. Gently press blotting paper on different parts of your face and examine how much oil is absorbed. If the sheet picks up very little or no oil, your skin is likely dry or normal. If most oil appears only in the T-zone, you may have combination skin, whereas blotting papers that show oil from all areas of the face indicate oily skin.

How to Care for Your Skin Type

Understanding your skin type is the first step toward healthy skin—but every skin type needs a gentle cleanser and proper hydration. A simple, consistent routine with the right products helps maintain balance, protect the skin barrier, and prevent concerns over time.

Care skin

Care skin

Care skin

A Must for Every Skin Type

Moiz Cleansing Lotion

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser suitable for all skin types—including sensitive skin. It removes dirt and impurities while preserving the skin barrier, making it ideal for daily use.

Skin-Type–Specific Care

Oily Skin

Oily skin needs cleansing and lightweight hydration. Skipping moisturizer can actually increase oil production. Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas to control shine without clogging pores.

Recommended Moisturizer:

• Moiz Daily Moisturizing Cream – Lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration that keeps skin balanced without feeling greasy

  
  

Dry Skin

Dry skin benefits from deep, long-lasting hydration and barrier repair. Moisturize immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture.

Recommended Moisturizers:

• Moiz LMF 48 Face & Body Lotion – Provides up to 48 hours of hydration

• Moiz XL Hydro Boost Cream – Ideal for very dry or compromised skin barriers

Combination Skin

Combination skin needs a balanced approach—hydration without heaviness and products that won’t clog pores.

Recommended Moisturizer:

• Moiz Daily Moisturizing Cream – Maintains hydration while staying lightweight and non-greasy

Normal Skin

Normal skin still requires daily care to maintain long-term balance and prevent future concerns.

Recommended Moisturizer:

• Moiz Daily Moisturizing Cream – Supports hydration and overall skin health

• Moiz LMF 48 Face & Body Lotion – Provides up to 48 hours of hydration

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires extra-gentle, barrier-supporting care.

Recommended Moisturizer:

• Moiz MM Skin Barrier Restoring Cream – Helps soothe, protect, and strengthen sensitive or reactive skin

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Understanding your skin type ensures that you select products that improve your skin’s health instead of causing irritation or breakouts. It helps you build a routine that gives long-term benefits, enhances skin texture, and saves money by avoiding products that don’t work for you.

FAQs

Q. What are the different types of skin?

A. The five main skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive, each with unique care needs.

Q. How do I know my skin type at home?

A. You can identify your skin type using simple tests like observing your skin after cleansing or using blotting paper to check oil levels.

Q. Can skin type change with age?

A. Yes, skin type can change due to aging, hormonal changes, climate, and lifestyle factors.

Q. Is oily skin the same as acne-prone skin?

A. No. Oily skin produces excess oil, while acne-prone skin is more likely to develop breakouts due to clogged pores or bacteria.

Q. Do people with oily skin need moisturizer?

A. Yes. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps balance oil production.

Q. What skincare products are best for dry skin?

A. Gentle cleansers and rich, hydrating moisturizers with barrier-repair ingredients work best for dry skin.

Q. Can sensitive skin use active ingredients?

A. Yes, but only mild and dermatologist-recommended actives in low concentrations should be used.

Q. How often should I check my skin type?

A. It’s best to reassess your skin type every few months or when your skin shows noticeable changes.

Q. Can combination skin use one moisturizer?

A. Yes, but using different products for oily and dry areas often gives better results.

Q. Why is knowing your skin type important?

A. Understanding your skin type helps you choose the right products, avoid irritation, and maintain healthy, balanced skin.