Know Your Skin Type
Your skin type is the foundation of your routine. Dry, oily, combination, or sensitive—once you understand what you're working with, everything else clicks into place.
Find your path
Choose the description closest to your experience. This quiz cannot diagnose a condition; dryness, oiliness and sensitivity can overlap.
What do you notice during your usual routine?
Explore care for dry-feeling skin
Tightness or flaking can have several causes. A gentle cleanser and a moisturizer you tolerate are useful starting points. Seek advice for persistent itching, cracking or a rash rather than assuming it is just a skin type.
Get a personalized routineExplore care for oily-feeling skin
Shine can help you describe your skin, but it does not tell you which treatment you need. Try gentle cleansing and a comfortable moisturizer. A non-comedogenic label can help with product selection without guaranteeing that a product will suit you.
Get a personalized routineExplore care for mixed dry and oily areas
Your skin has different needs in different areas. You might need lighter products on the T-zone and richer ones on dry areas—or a balanced routine that works everywhere.
Get a personalized routineExplore care for reactive-feeling skin
Stinging, itching or redness can reflect irritation, allergy or another condition. Keep optional products simple and seek advice if symptoms persist. Trying a product on a small area at home cannot rule out an allergy or replace clinical patch testing.
Get a personalized routineAll guides & resources
Routines and ingredient guides for every skin type.
Routines by Skin Type
Starter routine (all skin types)
The basics everyone needs—adjust textures for your type.
Morning (AM)
- 1 Gentle cleanser — or just water if you're dry
- 2 Moisturizer — gel for oily, cream for dry
- 3 SPF 30-50 — lightweight for oily, hydrating for dry
Evening (PM)
- 1 Remove makeup and sunscreen — choose a gentle method that suits the product
- 2 Second cleanse (optional) — only if needed; avoid repeated scrubbing
- 3 Treatment, if needed — follow the product label and your prescriber’s directions
- 4 Moisturizer — match to your skin type needs
Ingredients by skin type
Ingredient examples are starting points. Strength, the full formula and your own response matter more than a type label.
Ceramides (Dry) ✓
Ceramides are included in many moisturizers. Choose the complete formula for comfort and tolerance; the ingredient name alone does not establish a repair result.
Hyaluronic Acid (Dry) ✓
A moisture-binding ingredient found in many formulas. A separate serum is optional; follow the finished product’s directions.
Squalane (Dry) ✓
An emollient used in skincare. Texture and comfort vary by formula, so it is one option rather than a requirement for dry skin.
Niacinamide (Oily) ✓
An ingredient in many moisturizers and serums. Higher concentration is not automatically better; a type label does not tell you which strength you need.
Salicylic Acid (Oily) ✓
Used in some acne and exfoliating products. Follow the specific label, and ask a pharmacist about suitability rather than choosing a schedule from your skin type.
Lightweight Gel Moisturizers (Oily) ✓
Even oily skin needs moisture—just in a lighter format. Don't skip this step.
Centella Asiatica (Sensitive) ✓
A botanical ingredient found in some skincare formulas. A soothing claim does not guarantee tolerance; botanical ingredients can also cause reactions.
Azelaic Acid (Sensitive) ✓
Used in particular acne and rosacea products, some of which are medicines. It can irritate. Persistent redness needs assessment rather than automatic treatment with an acid.
SPF (All Types) ✓
Non-negotiable for everyone. Choose a texture that works for your type so you'll actually use it.
What not to do
Common mistakes that make skin type issues worse.
Using a cleanser that leaves skin sore or tight. Choose gentle cleansing and avoid scrubbing. A harsh-feeling wash is a reason to reassess the product, not a useful skin-type test.
Assuming oily skin cannot need moisturizer. Oiliness and dryness can overlap. A lightweight moisturizer may feel more comfortable; choose one that suits your skin.
Over-exfoliating. Daily scrubs or too many acids damage the barrier, causing sensitivity and breakouts regardless of skin type.
Assuming your skin type never changes. Age, climate, medications, and hormones all affect skin. Reassess periodically.
Introducing too many products at once. When something goes wrong, you won't know what caused it. Add one new product at a time.
Ignoring sensitive skin signs. If products consistently cause redness, stinging, or breakouts—that's your skin telling you something. Listen to it.
When to see a dermatologist
Some situations need professional evaluation.
- You can't figure out your skin type despite trying different approaches
- Your skin is extremely dry, oily, or sensitive despite consistent care
- You have persistent redness, flaking, or irritation that won't resolve
- Products that should work for your type consistently cause reactions
- You suspect an underlying condition (rosacea, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis)
- Your skin type changed suddenly without obvious cause
Common questions
Quick answers to frequently asked questions about skin types.
How do I know my skin type?
Can your skin type change?
Is combination skin the most common?
Do I need different products for different skin types?
What if my skin is both oily and dehydrated?
Is "normal" skin actually a thing?
Should I use products labeled for my skin type?
How often should I reassess my skin type?
Further reading
See the AAD guidance on simple skincare and skin-type descriptions, oily skin care and dry skin care and when to seek help.
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Get your personalized routine
Use skncoach to organize routine suggestions and record visible changes. A photo cannot establish the cause of irritation, diagnose a condition or guarantee product suitability.