What's Your Skin Type?

Knowing your skin type can help you learn how to take care of your skin, create the right skincare routine, and address any skin concerns you may be experiencing. Take this quiz to find out if you have dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive skin.

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How does your skin feel before you wash your face in the morning?

I don’t really notice any concerns

I notice some redness or irritation

My T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) feels pretty oily in the morning, but not my whole face

It feels dry if I don’t moisturize the night before

There’s so much oil to wash away from the night

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How does your skin feel after washing your face?

It depends on which products I’m using

Refreshed and ready to go for the day

Still greasy, even though I’ve washed it

Tight, rough, or flaky unless I moisturize right away

Some parts feel dry, and other parts feel oily

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As the day goes on, how does your skin look and feel?

It looks about the same throughout the day

Feels dehydrated and looks flaky or rough to the touch

It gets shinier and greasier later in the day

My skin can sometimes look red, irritated, or itchy

My T-zones get really oily, but my cheeks feel dry

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What’s the main concern you have with your skin?

No concerns

Acne and blackheads

Redness, inflammation, and sensitivity

Hyperpigmentation, dryness, and acne

Dryness

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How does your skin feel if you take a hot shower or bath?

Generally good, but some areas might feel tight afterward if the water is too hot

I feel relaxed, but my skin feels tight when I get out

Totally fine

It’s fine when I’m bathing, but it might get greasy later

I might have red, irritated, or itchy patches

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How does your skin react when you try a product you’ve never used before?

It can feel dry or tight

It may or may not react, but it depends on the product

I can often switch up my products without my skin reacting

If I use something my skin doesn’t like, it’ll start burning or get red and itchy

It feels more oily or causes breakouts

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How often do you experience acne breakouts?

Rarely, it’s unusual for me to get pimples

Occasionally

Sometimes, but it’s a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples

Usually when I use new skincare or makeup products

All the time, especially on my forehead, nose, and chin

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Does the weather affect your skin?

Extreme cold or extreme heat can make my skin feel irritated

Some areas might get dry in cold weather

Cold or windy weather can make my skin dry, cracked, or flaky

I don’t notice any changes in my skin when the seasons change

When it’s warmer, my skin can feel greasier

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What do your pores look like?

Enlarged, visible, and dry

Clogged, large, and oily

They can change depending on the weather or my skincare products

It depends on where they are on my face

Small or medium in size, but nothing out of the ordinary

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When you find a skincare product you love, how does it make your skin feel?

Soothes the tightness and makes my skin glow

Clears and prevents acne breakouts

Balances the way my skin looks and feels

Makes it look glowy and fresh

Relieves irritation, itchiness, and redness

Skin Type: Dry

Your results suggest that you may have dry skin. If you have a dry skin type, it means your skin is not retaining enough moisture, which can cause rough patches, flakiness, and itching. You can restore moisture to your dry skin and soothe any irritation by applying thick creams or oil-based moisturizers after washing your face and body. It may also help to use gentle skincare products during and after bathing or showering that don’t strip your skin of natural oils.

If you don’t feel relief by moisturizing and trying products meant for dry skin, you may want to see a dermatologist. Sometimes, dry skin can be a symptom of an underlying skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema.

Learn more about curating a skincare routine here: The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin, According to Dermatologists

Disclaimer: This quiz is a first step in understanding your skin type. A dermatologist can help you identify your skin type or confirm your results from this quiz. It's also important to see a dermatologist if you're experiencing changes in your skin, as this can sometimes be a sign of an underlying skin condition. They can make a diagnosis and get you started on a treatment plan if necessary.

Skin Type: Oily

Your results suggest that you may have oily skin. Your skin produces oils that help it keep its natural moisture. However, an oily skin type can cause excess sebum (oil) production, which can leave your skin feeling shiny and greasy. You may also notice frequent clogged pores or pimples.

You’ll want to find skincare products that help balance your oil production. Consider using oil-free cleansers, skincare that contains salicylic acid, retinoids, moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, and products labeled as non-comedogenic to keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores.

Learn more about oily skin and what to do about it here: What Is Sebum?

Skin Type: Combination

Your results suggest that you have combination skin. This means that you have characteristics of both dry and oily skin. Some areas of your skin, such as your cheeks, may feel rough or flaky. However, your T-zone, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin, can feel oily or greasy.

Having combination skin can sometimes be tricky. You’ll likely need to use various skincare products that help manage both oily and dry skin. It may help to use gentle cleansers, treatments for acne-prone areas, and medium-weight moisturizers to balance your skin. All combination skin is different, however, so talking to a dermatologist or esthetician can help you curate a skincare regimen that’s perfect for you.

Learn more about how to build a skincare regimen here: How to Build a Morning and Evening Skincare Routine

Skin Type: Normal

Your results suggest you have normal skin. This means your skin is usually even in complexion, doesn’t experience roughness or oiliness, and isn’t prone to acne. This skin type also doesn’t get red or sting when it’s exposed to different cosmetics or other skin products or allergens in the environment.

A normal skin type is often easier to manage because you’re not experiencing frequent skin concerns. However, it’s still important to maintain a regular skincare routine. Wash your face with a cleanser that feels good and moisturize daily to keep your skin hydrated. But, feel free to also play around with skincare products and see what works best for you.

Learn more about layering your skincare products here: How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order

Skin Type: Sensitive

Your results suggest that you have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can become easily irritated and often reacts when you try new products, experience weather changes, or come into contact with allergens. What irritates your skin or triggers inflammation and redness varies from person to person. Underlying skin conditions or sun sensitivity can also contribute to itchy and red skin.

The goal of your skincare routine will be to keep your skin calm and prevent skin reactions in the future. You may want to use gentle cleansers, fragrance-free and dye-free beauty products, hypoallergenic sunscreen, and moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. If you experience inflamed skin frequently, consider meeting with a dermatologist to help you learn what’s triggering your skin reactions. They can suggest skincare tips and products that may keep your skin calm and healthy.

Learn more about taking care of your sensitive skin here: How To Improve Your Skin Texture, According to Dermatologists