Skin Type Identification and Targeted Skincare Routines

"What's my skin type?" is the fundamental question of skincare, yet it's also the one most often gotten wrong. This article helps you accurately determine your skin type and provides corresponding skincare strategies.

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1. Scientific Classification of Skin Types

Standard Skin Type Classification (Baumann Skin Typing)

Dimension	Two Ends
Oily/Dry	Oily Skin ← → Dry Skin
Sensitive/Resistant	Sensitive Skin ← → Resistant Skin
Pigmented	Pigmented ← → Non-Pigmented
Wrinkled/Tight	Wrinkled Skin ← → Tight Skin

Most commonly used simplified version:

• Dry Skin
• Oily Skin
• Combination Skin (oily T-zone, dry cheeks)
• Sensitive Skin (can be oily or dry simultaneously)
• Normal Skin (ideal state, neither dry nor oily)

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2. How to Accurately Determine Your Skin Type

Testing Method

The most accurate self-assessment method: "Bare Skin Test"

1. Cleanse your face normally in the morning
2. Apply no skincare products and wait for 1 hour
3. Observe and touch your skin in natural light

Judgment Criteria:

Condition After 1 Hour	Skin Type
Oily shine across entire face	Oily Skin
Dryness and tightness across entire face	Dry Skin
Oily T-zone (forehead + nose), normal or slightly dry cheeks	Combination Skin
Balanced, neither oily nor dry	Normal Skin
Redness, stinging, or itching	Sensitive Signal

Common Judgment Mistakes

Mistake 1: Oily skin = oily type

• Fact: Dry skin, due to an incomplete lipid barrier, can sense dehydration and reflexively secrete more sebum
• This "false oiliness" in dry skin actually decreases after proper moisturization

Mistake 2: Skin still feels dry after using moisturizer = moisturizer isn't strong enough

• Possible cause: The skin barrier is damaged, so moisturizing ingredients can't retain water (barrier repair is needed first)

Mistake 3: Seasonal changes making skin drier/oiler = skin type has changed

• Fact: Seasonal and humidity changes can alter your skin's condition, but your base skin type is relatively stable
• Simply adjust your skincare strategy slightly with the seasons

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3. Skincare Strategies for Each Skin Type

Dry Skin

Main Issues: Low sebum production, incomplete skin barrier, prone to dryness and fine lines

Skincare Focus:

• Cleansing: Extremely gentle (e.g., amino acid cleanser or face wash), avoid any products with strong degreasing power
• Toner: Hydrating and moisturizing type (containing hyaluronic acid)
• Serum: Ceramides (barrier repair), Hyaluronic Acid (hydration)
• Moisturizer: Choose a richer texture, medium to thick consistency
• Avoid: Alcohol-heavy toners, oil-control products

Special Notes:

• Wash face with lukewarm water, not hot (dry skin has low tolerance)
• Nighttime sheet masks (hydrating type) can provide extra moisture
• In winter, add a facial oil to lock in moisture

Oily Skin

Main Issues: Excess sebum, clogged pores, prone to acne and shine

Skincare Focus:

• Cleansing: Moderate cleansing power (amino acid cleanser, avoid harsh sulfate-based soaps)
• Oil Control Ingredients: Niacinamide (regulates sebum production), Salicylic Acid (unclogs pores)
• Moisturization: Cannot be skipped (use lightweight gel or lotion textures)
• Moisturizer: Lightweight, oil-free texture
• Sunscreen: Matte, oil-control formula

Oil Control ≠ Skipping Moisturization:

• Oily skin still needs hydration; moisturizing prevents the sebaceous glands from overproducing oil to "compensate"
• Choose lightweight textures rather than skipping this step entirely

Combination Skin

Main Issues: Different needs for T-zone and U-zone

Skincare Strategy:

• Basic Routine: Use a lightweight moisturizer over the entire face
• Zone-Specific Care: Apply salicylic acid for oil control on the T-zone, and extra moisturizer on the U-zone (cheeks)
• Sunscreen: Choose a neutral texture

Zone-Specific Care Plan:

• Acne-prone T-zone: Use BHA (salicylic acid) pads to wipe the T-zone
• Dry cheeks: Apply an extra layer of hydrating serum or lotion to the cheeks

Sensitive Skin

Main Characteristics:

• Weak skin barrier function
• Strong reaction to irritating ingredients (redness, stinging, itching)
• Can be any base skin type (oily/dry/combination)

Skincare Focus:

• Minimalist Principle: Fewer products, simpler ingredients
• The shorter the ingredient list, the better
• Avoid: Fragrance, Alcohol (Ethanol), Preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, use with caution)
• Introducing New Products: Add only one at a time, observe for 3-5 days with no reaction before adding another
• Soothing Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Purslane, Beta-Glucan, Niacinamide (low concentration)

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4. Specific Skin Concerns

Acne-Prone Skincare

• Don't over-cleanse (over-cleansing worsens inflammation)
• Use Salicylic Acid (BHA) to unclog pores and reduce comedones
• Products containing Niacinamide: helps reduce sebum and has some antibacterial effect
• Do not manually pop pimples (risk of infection and scarring)
• Severe acne: Consult a dermatologist; topical/oral medications are far more effective than skincare products

Dull Skin

• Vitamin C Serum: Most effective brightening ingredient (requires SPF 30+ sunscreen)
• Niacinamide: Evens skin tone, fades dark spots
• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) Peels: Accelerates skin cell turnover, improves dullness
• Adequate sleep and sun protection: Oxidation and UV damage are root causes of dullness

Enlarged Pores

• Pore size is largely determined by genetics; skincare cannot "shrink" pores
• What you can do: Clean out oil and sebum plugs from pores to make them appear smaller
• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Most effective at dissolving oil plugs inside pores
• Exfoliation: Reduces dead skin cell buildup, visually improving pore appearance

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5. Skincare Product Testing and Introduction Process

New Product Testing (Preventing Allergic Reactions)

1. Apply a small amount of the product behind your ear or on your inner wrist
2. Wait 24-48 hours, observe for any redness, itching, or bumps
3. If no reaction, test on a small area of your face (e.g., along the jawline)
4. Observe for another 3-5 days
5. Confirm safety before normal use

Signals to Re-evaluate Your Skincare Routine

Situations requiring a review of your skincare plan:

• Persistent skin irritation for more than 3 days after using a new product
• Overall skin condition worsening (increased breakouts, increased dryness)
• Skin noticeably struggling with seasonal changes
• Moving to a different climate (significant differences between regions)

📌 Core Philosophy: Understanding your skin type isn't about chasing a perfect skincare routine; it's about avoiding the wrong products that can worsen skin issues. Master the basic steps (cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection) first, then gradually introduce targeted ingredients for specific concerns.