Before buying skincare…
Before building a routine…
👉 you need to know ONE thing:
👉 your skin type
Because using the wrong products:
- causes breakouts
- makes dryness worse
- damages your skin barrier
The 5 Main Skin Types
1. Normal
Balanced, not too oily or dry
2. Oily
Shiny, enlarged pores, acne-prone
3. Dry
Tight, flaky, rough
4. Combination
Oily T-zone + dry cheeks
5. Sensitive
Easily irritated, red, reactive
The Easiest Test (Bare Face Method)
Step-by-step:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
- Do NOT apply anything
- Wait 30 minutes
- Look and feel your skin
What Your Skin Tells You
Feels tight and dry
👉 Dry skin
Shiny everywhere
👉 Oily skin
Oily T-zone, dry cheeks
👉 Combination
Comfortable, balanced
👉 Normal
Red / irritated easily
👉 Sensitive
The Blotting Paper Test
- Use blotting paper on face
- Press gently on different areas
Results:
- oil everywhere → oily
- only T-zone → combination
- little/no oil → dry or normal
The “All-Day” Test (More Accurate)
Your skin changes during the day.
Watch it over time:
Ask yourself:
- Do I get shiny after a few hours?
- Do I feel dry by evening?
- Does only part of my face get oily?
👉 This gives the most realistic answer
The Biggest Mistake People Make
Confusing skin type vs skin condition
Example:
👉 Oily but dehydrated skin
Feels:
- oily
- but also tight
This is NOT dry skin.
👉 It’s dehydration (a condition)
Factors That Change Your Skin Type
Your skin is not fixed.
It changes with:
- age
- weather
- hormones
- stress
- skincare products
👉 That’s why routines need adjustment
Quick Guide (Simple Version)
If you feel:
- tight → dry
- shiny → oily
- mixed → combination
- reactive → sensitive
What to Do After You Know Your Skin Type
Oily skin
- light products
- gel moisturizers
- avoid heavy creams
Dry skin
- rich hydration
- creams + layering
Combination skin
- balance
- different zones
Sensitive skin
- minimal routine
- avoid strong actives
When You Should See a Dermatologist
👉 If you have:
- severe acne
- persistent redness
- unknown reactions
- skin that doesn’t improve
The Most Important Takeaway
👉 Your routine should match your skin
👉 Not trends
👉 Not influencers
Finding your skin type is simple.
👉 observe
👉 don’t guess
👉 don’t rush
Once you know it:
👉 everything else becomes easier
Related Posts
- How to Build a Korean Skincare Routine from Scratch
- What Is the Correct Order of Korean Skincare Steps
- Korean Skincare for Humid vs Dry Climates
- Why Your Skin Feels Tight After Cleansing
- Are You Over-Exfoliating Without Realizing It

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