What is my skin type - the right test and care according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.
To find out your skin type, do the handkerchief test: clean your face, wait 30 minutes without applying anything, then dab on a handkerchief. No traces and tightness = dry skin; traces all over the face = oily skin; traces only on the T-zone = combination skin; tiny traces without discomfort = normal skin. Skin type is genetic, and should be distinguished from skin condition (dehydrated, sensitized), which is temporary.
The handkerchief test to know your skin
Before taking care of the skin on your face, you need to make a diagnosis: know your skin type. It seems obvious, but many people think they have oily skin when they actually have combination skin, or dry skin when they're simply dehydrated. A practical and reliable exercise in just a few minutes: cleanse and dry your skin, wait half an hour without applying any product, then observe and apply a handkerchief.
Dry skin
The skin feels tight, looks dehydrated, and the handkerchief shows no trace.
Normal skin
No tugging, and the handkerchief shows tiny traces of oil.
Combination skin
The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) shines and leaves traces, while cheeks and temples remain normal.
Oily skin
The whole face shines, with a greasy feel, and the handkerchief shows traces all over.
Skin type or skin condition?
Skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily) is genetically determined and classified according to oil production. Skin condition (damaged, dehydrated, irritated, sensitized) is temporary and due to external factors. We can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time, for example.
Two types of lipids keep the skin in good condition: intercellular lipids (between the corneocytes) and sebum (produced by the sebaceous glands).
Dry, oily or mixed
Dry skin
It no longer fulfills its role as a barrier: not enough fat is absorbed by the epidermis, resulting in moisture loss and dryness. Dull, fine-grained appearance, fine dehydration lines, tightness and discomfort. Avoid: aggressive cleansing, unsuitable creams, lack of moisturizing serum. Caring for dry skin →
Oily skin
It does its job «too well»: surface saturated with sebum. Dilated pores, imperfections, acne-prone, thick, shiny skin. Avoid: overly aggressive cleansers, overly rich creams, dietary insulin peaks. Caring for oily skin →
Normal to combination skin
It combines the two profiles by zone: the T-zone produces too much sebum (shine, blackheads, dilated pores), while the cheeks are normal to dry. The key: «zoning», adapting skincare to the zones. Treat your combination skin →
Sensitive skin and mature skin
Sensitive skin
It reddens as soon as products are applied, but also under hard water or the sun. Often sensitized by pollution, sun, tobacco and, above all, unsuitable products. The rule: limit your routine to the strict minimum and look for soothing ingredients. To avoid: untested essential oils, products with too many ingredients, irritating make-up. Treat your sensitive skin →
Mature skin
With age, the regeneration cycle lengthens, skin becomes thinner, wrinkles and sagging appear, and dryness sets in. All mature skin is different (genetics and routine over the years). Routines must take this into account, particularly with active ingredients that support collagen. Treating mature skin →
Finding the right care for your skin type.
The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.
All treatments by skin type and age
Dry skin
Read the guide →Skin typeOily skin
Read the guide →Skin typeNormal to combination skin
Read the guide →Skin typeSensitive skin
Read the guide →Skin typeMature skin
Read the guide →Routine by ageFacial care at 20
Read the guide →Routine by ageFacial care at 30
Read the guide →Routine by ageFacial care at 40
Read the guide →Routine by ageFacial care at 50
Read the guide →Routine by ageFacial care at 60
Read the guide →Your questions about skin types
How can I tell if my skin is dry or dehydrated?
Can my skin type change over time?
Is sensitive skin a skin type?
For go further
- Roberts WE. Skin type classification systems old and new. Dermatol Clin. 2009;27(4):529-533.
- Endly DC, Miller RA. Oily skin: a review of treatment options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(8):49-55.
- Moniaga CS, Tominaga M, Takamori K. Mechanisms and Management of Itch in Dry Skin. Acta Derm Venereol. 2020;100(2).
Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The handkerchief test is an orientation method, not a medical diagnosis. Skin type (genetic) is distinct from skin condition (temporary): the same type can be dehydrated or sensitized, depending on the circumstances. In the case of persistent reactive skin, acne or skin pathology, dermatological advice is recommended.