How to Check Your Skin Type at Home: A Simple Guide
Understanding your skin type is the foundation of an effective skincare routine. At Biossance, we believe in clean, science-backed skincare tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Whether your skin is prone to dryness, excess oil, or sensitivity, identifying your skin type allows you to make informed choices about the products you use. In this guide, we’ll explore simple and dermatologist-recommended ways to check your skin type and share expert advice on how to care for it using clean, effective skincare.
What Determines Your Skin Type?
Your skin type is influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. While some people are naturally predisposed to having oily or dry skin, external elements such as climate, diet, and skincare habits can also play a role in how your skin behaves. Hormonal changes, stress levels, and aging further impact your skin's condition, making it essential to regularly evaluate and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.
Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters
Your skin type influences how it reacts to different products and environmental factors. Using skincare that doesn’t align with your skin’s natural needs can lead to breakouts, irritation, and imbalances that prevent your skin from looking its best. By understanding your skin type, you can create a targeted routine that enhances hydration, regulates oil production, and protects your skin barrier. A personalized skincare approach ensures your complexion remains healthy, radiant, and resilient against daily stressors.
How to Check Your Skin Type at Home
If you’re unsure about your skin type, you can use one of two easy and effective methods to determine it: the bare-faced method and the blotting sheet test.
The Bare-Faced Method
This approach allows you to assess how your skin behaves in its natural state. Start by washing your face with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser and pat it dry. Avoid applying any skincare products and wait for about 30 minutes. Once the time has passed, examine how your skin looks and feels:
- If your skin appears shiny across the forehead, nose, and chin, you likely have oily skin.
- If it feels tight, rough, or flaky, dryness may be your main concern.
- Combination skin typically exhibits oiliness in the T-zone while remaining normal to dry on the cheeks.
- Normal skin maintains balanced moisture without excessive oiliness or dryness.
- If your skin becomes red, irritated, or itchy, you may have sensitive skin that requires extra care.
The Blotting Sheet Test
The blotting sheet test provides a quick way to measure oil production and confirm your skin type. After cleansing and waiting for 30 minutes, press blotting sheets onto different areas of your face, including your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Then, examine the sheets under light:
- If they pick up noticeable oil from all areas, your skin is likely oily.
- If there is little to no oil, your skin is dry.
- Combination skin will produce oil primarily in the T-zone.
- Normal skin will show only a small, balanced amount of oil.
This simple test helps you determine whether your skin is producing excess oil, lacking hydration, or staying balanced throughout the day.
Can Your Skin Type Change Over Time?
Yes! Your skin type isn’t necessarily permanent. Factors such as aging, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle changes can influence how your skin behaves. Many people experience drier skin as they age due to decreased oil production. Others may notice that seasonal variations affect their skin, with increased oiliness in warmer months and more dryness in colder temperatures. Pregnancy, menopause, diet, and medication can also contribute to shifts in your skin type. Regularly reassessing your skin’s needs and adjusting your skincare regimen accordingly ensures optimal care at every stage of life.
Skincare for Mature Skin
As skin matures, it undergoes several changes, including reduced collagen production, decreased elasticity, and slower cell turnover. These changes can result in dryness, fine lines, and a loss of firmness. A skincare routine that focuses on hydration, nourishment, and targeted anti-aging ingredients is crucial for maintaining a youthful, radiant complexion.
For mature skin, hydration is key. Using deeply moisturizing products like Squalane + Omega Repair Cream helps replenish lost moisture and improve skin barrier function. Incorporating Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil enhances brightness and supports collagen production for a firmer appearance. Regular exfoliation with a gentle resurfacing serum, such as Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum, can help improve skin texture and promote a smoother, more even complexion.
Sun protection is also essential for mature skin. Daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF helps prevent further signs of aging caused by UV exposure, keeping the skin healthy and youthful. Our Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen protects your skin from daily sun exposure with sheer hydration that blends seamlessly into skin and grips makeup for extended wear.
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Skincare Recommendations for Each Skin Type
Once you’ve determined your skin type, selecting the right skincare products is essential for maintaining a healthy complexion.
Oily Skin
Managing excess oil without stripping your skin is key. Lightweight, oil-free products help regulate shine while keeping skin hydrated. A gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer such as Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer offers hydration without clogging pores. Exfoliating with Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner can help refine texture and keep pores clear, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.
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Dry Skin
Hydration and barrier repair are essential for dry skin. Using a rich, nourishing moisturizer like Squalane + Omega Repair Cream helps replenish essential lipids and ceramides to restore softness. Facial oils, such as 100% Squalane Oil, lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, leaving your skin feeling supple and comfortable.
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Combination Skin
Balancing hydration across different areas of the face is key. A lightweight gel moisturizer provides hydration without making oily areas feel greasy, while a brightening facial oil like Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil enhances radiance without clogging pores. Adjusting product placement based on the skin’s needs can help maintain harmony between dry and oily zones.
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Normal Skin
A simple, nourishing routine keeps normal skin in optimal condition. Using Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream hydrates the delicate under-eye area, while a gentle exfoliating serum like Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum promotes an even, smooth complexion. A well-balanced routine helps maintain skin’s natural glow and resilience.
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Sensitive Skin
Gentle, fragrance-free formulations are best for reducing irritation and maintaining skin barrier strength. Opt for Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser, which cleanses without disrupting the skin’s protective layer. A rich, soothing moisturizer such as Squalane + Ectoin Overnight
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Final Thoughts: Listening to Your Skin
Your skin’s needs can shift due to seasonal changes, environmental stressors, and lifestyle habits. Regularly reassessing your skin type and adjusting your routine ensures that your skin remains healthy and balanced. At Biossance, we’re committed to providing clean, sustainable skincare solutions that support your skin’s evolving needs while maintaining optimal hydration and protection.
Taking care of your skin starts with understanding it. Explore our collection of science-backed skincare products to create a routine tailored to your unique skin type.
