"So apparently there are five different skin types (plus a bunch of combos and wildcards), and you’re supposed to magically know which one you have and build your whole routine around it?? Yeah… it’s a lot." Don’t stress—it’s actually super easy to figure out your skin type. You can literally do it at home right now, no fancy tools or weird tests needed. But before we get into the how, let’s talk about why you should even care.
Ever feel like your skincare products just aren’t working the way they should? Using the wrong products for your skin can lead to breakouts, dryness and irritation. But once you understand what your skin really needs, you can build a routine that actually works. So let’s find out what your skin type is.
The 5 Main Skin Types
(Please Explain)
1.Dry Skin
If you don’t often breakout or notice oil and shine on your face, you most likely have (normal to) dry skin. Your skin might feel tight, rough, or flaky - especially after cleansing. It may look dull or slightly red. And you could suffer with sensitivities. Dry skin is genetic, chances are, you aren’t doing anything wrong. Cater your skincare to oil-rich, nourishing products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and natural oils.
*Care tip - Is your skin dry…. Or is it dehydrated? You can have oily skin that is dehydrated. Don’t forget to drink enough water and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
Try Bare & Rose’s Golden Face Nectar.
Packed with omega fatty acids + antioxidants, it’s basically a smoothie for your face. Rich, nourishing, and glow-inducing—your dry skin doesn’t stand a chance.
Your skin might have a shiny sheen, with pores being visible and often large. You may be prone to breakouts and blackheads, with a congested look. The good news is, oily skin has far fewer wrinkles and looks younger for longer. Woohoo!
*Care Tip: Use lightweight, non-comedogenic (non pore clogging) products that control oil without stripping your skin. Clay masks and salicylic acid can help too.
3.Combination Skin
Combination skin means you have some areas of your face that are oily whilst others are dry. You may notice you have an oily T-zone by the end of the day. With the occasional dry patch. Your skin is likely in good shape, managing both dry and oily skin at times.
*Care Tip: Treat each zone accordingly—use gentle, balancing products and avoid anything too harsh or heavy.
4.Sensitive Skin
You may find your skin to be easily irritated and triggered by things that are harmless to others. Concerns like redness, stinging & burning, occasional breakouts, tightness. Do you react easily to new products or seasonal changes? You may have sensitive skin.
*Care Tip: Stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe, and oat extract. Specialized gentle skincare and natural make-up is best for you.
5.Normal Skin
Congratulation - You have the least problematic skin. Supple and plump, medium pores, good circulation and healthy colour. I’ll be honest, it’s pretty rosy for you.
*Care Tip: Stick to a gentle, simple routine to maintain balance. Hydration is still important—even for normal skin!
How to Figure Out Your Skin Type
Here’s a simple at-home test you can do
The Tissue Test - To determine your skin type, softly wipe a piece of white paper or tissue over your face in the morning. As soon as you wake up. Hold it up to the light. What do you see?
If the paper has no oil, you probably have normal to combination skin ➡️ Normal skin
If the paper comes away with oil on it, you probably have oily skin ➡️ Oily skin
If the paper comes away with little to no oil, you likely have dry skin ➡️ Dry skin
If your skin burns or feels inflamed, sorry to say you may have sensitive skin ➡️ Sensitive skin
Now What?
Now that you know your skin type, it’s time to actually use that info. Because let’s be real—we’re not out here guessing anymore. Your skincare routine should work for your skin, not against it.
At Unfurl, we’ve got your back (and your face) with products made for every skin type—crafted with natural, skin-loving ingredients that actually deliver.
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