How to know your skin type (and choose your products)
, 2 min reading time
Before buying products, it's a good idea to know what type of skin you have. We'll explain how to identify it with a simple at-home test.
Before investing in serums and creams, it's good to answer a basic question: how do you really know what skin type you have? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes five skin types: dry, oily, normal, combination, and sensitive. Here's how to identify yours with a simple test you can do at home.
The bare-face test
This is the method dermatologists recommend to start:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Do not apply any other products.
- Wait 30 minutes and observe how your skin feels and looks.
How to interpret the results
- Dry skin: tight feeling, dull appearance, or flaking. Your skin produces little sebum.
- Oily skin: visible shine all over the face, especially in the "T-zone" (forehead, nose, chin). More prone to oiliness and blemishes.
- Combination skin: a combination of both: shiny T-zone and normal or dry cheeks. This is one of the most common types.
- Normal skin: neither tight nor shiny, with no significant sensitivity.
- Sensitive skin: easily irritated by new products, weather changes, or certain ingredients. Can be combined with any of the above types.
What to look for depending on your skin type
- Dry or dehydrated skin: prioritize moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid — as in our Heartleaf 77 Toner — and always seal with cream.
- Oily skin or uneven tone: lightweight formulas with niacinamide, like the Vita B3 Serum, which hydrate without feeling heavy.
- Sensitive skin: soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, available in our CICA Serum.
- Combination skin: you can combine light textures in the T-zone and something more nourishing on the cheeks.
An important note
Your skin type can change with age, climate, or season. It's okay to repeat this test from time to time, especially if you notice your skin reacting differently than it used to.
In summary
Identifying your skin type is the first step before choosing any product. With the bare-face test and a few minutes of observation, you can build a much more accurate routine within our Korean skincare collection.