How can I find out what skintype I am?
Customer: Mercedes F.
Skin Type: ?
Skin Concern: acne, breakouts
Skin Stage: pre-mature
Question From Mercedes
MHi Saranghae,
How do I know what skin type I am?
Thanks,
Mercedes
Saranghae Recommendation
Hi Mercedes,
Before we explore the different methods you can use, let's talk about skin types and what they represent in general.
Skin types are not an exact science nor does it need to be. The criteria for skin types are broad and frequently overlap. The difference between oily and combination is minimal, so don't fret too much about getting it exactly right. As long as we're in the right vicinity, it'll all work out fine.
There are 5 accepted skin types that we work with in our industry.
Oily
Dry
Combination
Normal
Sensitive
We sometimes talk about "acneic" skin type, but that's really a severe version outlier of an oily skin type. I do like to ask if our customers skin is "acneic" not just oily because I tend to prescribe a slightly different solution for highly acneic skin as opposed to simply oily.
Here are 3 different ways you can find out what skin type you are
1) The bare-face test
Wash your face with our oil to foam cleanser and pat dry. Leave your skin bare with no products at all for about 30 to 40 minutes. Now observe how your skin feels.
Oily: Looks shiny, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone).
Dry: Feels tight or flaky, especially around the cheeks.
Combination: Oily in the T-zone but dry or normal elsewhere. (draw a line across your forehead and a line down from foread to the tip of your nose. The lines form a "T", and that is your T-zone.
Normal: Feels balanced—not too oily or dry.
Sensitive: You regularly feel itchy, red, or irritated.
2) The Blotting Sheet Test
Take a blotting sheet (or tissue paper) and press it onto different areas of your face. Hold it up to the light and check.
Lots of oil all over: Oily skin.
Oil mostly in the T-zone: Combination skin.
Little to no oil: Dry or normal skin.
Redness or irritation: Sensitive skin.
3) How your skin typically reacts to skincare products
Oily skin: Gets greasy quickly, prone to acne.
Dry skin: Feels rough or tight, absorbs moisturizer quickly.
Combination skin: Some areas feel hydrated while others get oily.
Normal skin: Can handle most products without issues.
Sensitive skin: Easily irritated, reacts to products with redness or itching.
Does ethnicity matter?
All skin types are represented in all ethnic groups, so it would be inaccurate to say for example, that all Asian skin is oily; however, in general, there seems to be a global trend and a general correlation between ethnicity and skin types.
1. African & African-American Skin
Common Skin Types: Combination to oily
Why? Higher sebum production and larger pores
Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, keloid scars, uneven skin tone, acne & acne scarring
2. Asian Skin
Common Skin Types: Combination to normal
Why? Thinner skin with smaller pores, but can be sensitive
Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, and uneven skin tone
3. Hispanic & Latino Skin
Common Skin Types: Combination to oily
Why? Higher melanin levels, which help with sun protection but can lead to hyperpigmentation
Concerns: Melasma, acne, and dark spots
4. Caucasian (European) Skin
Common Skin Types: Normal to dry
Why? Thinner skin with less sebum production, especially in lighter skin tones
Concerns: Sunburn, premature aging, and rosacea
5. Middle Eastern & South Asian Skin
Common Skin Types: Combination to oily
Why? Higher oil production due to humid climates and genetics
Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, acne, and melasma
6. Indigenous & Native American Skin
Common Skin Types: Normal to dry
Why? Generally resilient but prone to dryness in colder climates
Concerns: Sensitivity, redness, and uneven skin tone
I hope this helps and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.
Warmest Regards
Maya Henderson
Senior Skincare Consultant
Saranghae | Orora
Ask Our Skincare Consultant
If you've got questions about skincare, we've got answers! Navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming; that's why we're giving you a direct line to our experts.
Let our trained consultants provide you with the knowledge, advice and tips to help you get the most out of Saranghae skin care routines.
Simply Click on the button below to ask your question.
