How to identify your skin type and why it might be changing

Understanding your skin type is essential for choosing the right skincare routine, treatments, and products. At Dr Vahe Clinic in Knightsbridge, London, we often get asked how to determine your skin type and whether it can change over time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify your skin type, explain why your skin type might change, and give you a detailed breakdown of the five main skin types.

How to identify your skin type: A step-by-step guide

Knowing your skin type is the first step in creating an effective skincare routine. Here's a simple method you can try at home to figure out your skin type:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt and oils.
2. Avoid applying any products for 24 hours – no moisturisers, serums, or treatments.
3. Observe how your skin feels over the next 24 hours, especially when you wake up the following morning.

Key signs to watch for:

• Oily skin: greasy or shiny skin, particularly around the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). You may notice blackheads and blemishes.
• Dry skin: skin feels tight, may be flaky, or rough in texture. It might appear dull or irritated.
• Combination skin: oily in some areas (usually the T-zone), while other areas feel dry or normal.
• Normal skin: skin feels balanced – neither too oily nor too dry, with a smooth texture and even tone.
• Sensitive skin: skin may be prone to redness, irritation, or stinging, especially when you use new skincare products.

Can your skin type change over time?

Yes. Your skin type can evolve due to several factors.

Hormonal changes

Hormones play a significant role in your skin’s behaviour. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and even changes in birth control can affect oil production, causing your skin to become oilier or drier.

Lifestyle factors

Dehydration, poor sleep, or high-stress levels can make your skin appear dull, dry, or prone to breakouts. On the other hand, healthy eating and regular exercise can improve skin health by promoting better blood circulation and hydration.

Environmental changes

During the colder months, the air tends to be drier, which can strip moisture from your skin, leading to dryness. Hot and humid weather can increase oil production.

Skincare habits

Over time, your skincare routine may also affect your skin type. Using harsh exfoliants or skincare products with strong active ingredients (retinol or acids) can disrupt your skin barrier, causing it to become sensitive or dry.

The 5 main skin types and their characteristics

Now that you know why your skin type may change, let’s take a closer look at the five main skin types:

1. Oily skin

What it feels like:

• Shiny, especially across the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
• Enlarged pores and frequent blackheads or pimples.
• Skin feels greasy by midday.

Causes: excess sebum production. This often leads to clogged pores and acne.

Best products: oil-free moisturisers, salicylic acid for exfoliation, and mattifying products.

2. Dry skin

What it feels like:

• Tightness or discomfort.
• Flakiness or rough patches, particularly after cleansing.
• Dull or irritated.

Causes: dry skin lacks both oil and moisture. It can be exacerbated by weather, dehydration, or harsh skincare products.

Best products: opt for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rich moisturisers. Avoid harsh cleansers or exfoliants.

3. Combination skin

What it feels like: oily in the T-zone but dry or normal on the cheeks.

Causes: combination skin is a mix of oily and dry areas due to uneven sebum production. It requires a balance of moisturising and oil-controlling products.

Best products: gentle cleansers, lightweight hydrators, and balancing ingredients like niacinamide to control oil without drying out the skin.

4. Normal skin

What it feels like:

• Smooth, even texture.
• Balanced moisture levels.
• Rarely experiences breakouts or irritation.

Causes: normal skin is well-balanced, with neither excess oil nor dryness. While it’s easier to care for, it still needs proper protection from sun damage and environmental stressors.

Best products: gentle cleansers and antioxidants for everyday protection. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

5. Sensitive skin

What it feels like:

• Redness or irritation, especially when using new products.
• Reacts easily to environmental changes, products, or ingredients.
• May feel itchy or sting after application.

Causes: sensitive skin is often more reactive to products or environmental stressors. It may be linked to conditions like rosacea, eczema, or allergies.

Best products: fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products that soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, such as those with ceramides, aloe vera, or calendula.

If you’re unsure about your skin type or need personalised skincare advice, our experts at Dr Vahe Clinic are here to help. We offer detailed skin consultations to assess your skin’s needs, using advanced tools to provide the most accurate results.