Oily, combination, dry, or sensitive—to take the very best care of your face, first you’ve got to know your skin type.
Without a pricey dermatologist visit, this can be difficult to figure out for yourself. Maybe you have an idea, but you’re not 100% sure. Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered! Whether it’s acne, flakiness, redness, or oil that’s got you down, we’ll give you all the knowledge you need, and we’ll even recommend our favorite products for your skin type. Take our quiz to find the right skincare routine for you!
Questions Overview
- Honestly, they’re super noticeable, large, and all over my face.
- They’re noticeable, but only really in my t-zone (AKA, my forehead, nose, & chin).
- They’re pretty small. I can hardly see them!
- I’m pretty sure my pores are average in size.
- It’s oily.
- It’s a mix—sometimes oily, sometimes dry.
- It’s dry.
- I’m too busy worrying about my scalp to think about hair type! Hair products constantly irritate the top of my head.
- Shiny.
- Broken out.
- Dull.
- Red.
- Slick and oily.
- It depends on the area of my face—in some places it’s rough. In others, it’s moist.
- A little scaly in places.
- My skin feels normal when I touch it, but I know it's going to break out soon.
- Blotting. I take a tissue to my forehead at least twice every day!
- It depends. Sometimes I need to moisturize, but sometimes I need to dab the excess oil away.
- Lotion, for sure. I carry it with me everywhere. If I don’t, my skin gets super dry and uncomfortable.
- I leave it alone. Lotion, cleanser, and even water can irritate my skin.
- Normal! Though I never feel like I fully wash the oiliness away.
- My face feels fine, but there’s a bit of tightness in my cheeks.
- Dry, dry, dry. It’s like the desert!
- It stings a little, especially when I move my face. I might see some redness, too!
- Constantly. It’s so annoying.
- I get them a lot, but usually just on my nose, chin, or forehead.
- Almost never.
- I only really get acne when I try out a new product.
- I’d clear my face of pimples forever!
- I’d like a more consistent texture.
- I’d do anything to get rid of flaky skin.
- I feel like my face is always stinging or burning—I’d love for it to feel more comfortable!
- Nope. I’ve got less fine lines than most people my age.
- I probably have an average amount.
- Yes, definitely!
- I haven’t noticed—I’m way more concerned with my skin’s constant redness and irritation!
- It’s shiny! I wish I could dab my face through the photo.
- There’s definitely a little gleam there, but honestly, it doesn’t look too bad.
- My skin looks way better than it usually feels! There’s no shine at all.
- Oof. There are giant red patches right on my cheeks. I must’ve tried new makeup that day!
- Blotting papers.
- Aromatic face oil.
- Heavy-duty moisturizer.
- Gentle facial cleanser.
- I’m under 30 years old—so I’m still dealing with tons of hormones.
- I live in a hot & humid area.
- I do a lot of tanning and get UV exposure.
- I have a diagnosed sensitive skin condition (like rosacea).
More Quizzes
Understanding Your Skin and Keeping it Healthy & Happy
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, can show you warning signs for serious illness, and ultimately is, an important part of your overall health. So what do you need to know to keep your skin healthy and happy?
First, understand your skin type:
Oily Skin: Heat, genetics, humidity—tons of lifestyle factors can increase your chances of having an oily skin type. Sebum is a waxy substance that your skin produces to protect itself. If you have oily skin, though, sebum production is kicked into overdrive. Excess sebum means shinier, softer, slicker skin—but it can also lead to larger pores and breakouts.
Dry Skin: If you live in a dry, cold environment, you’re more susceptible to dry skin (or flaky, dull skin that has trouble retaining moisture). With a little patience and care, most people are able to manage their dry skin easily. Typically, moisturizers, lotions, and creams are a huge help. People with dry skin may face discomfort, but they do have smaller pores than the average person.
Combination Skin: If you have combination skin type, your complexion will be dry in some places, oily in others. Specifically, in your face’s t-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin), you’ll experience oil. In your cheeks and jaw, you’ll see some dryness. Use products made for combination skin types to tackle all 3 problems at once; deal with dryness, soak up oil, and even out your skin tone.
Sensitive Skin: If your skin regularly battles stinging, redness, and inflammation, you probably have a sensitive skin type. Cleansers, lotions, even sweat—it may seem like everything makes your skin feel irritated. You may deal with daily discomfort and blotchiness, but, by using gentle products, you can find relief.
Follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free:
Stick to the shade. Exposure to harmful UV rays puts your skin (and your overall health) at risk. When you can, cover up outdoors. Try to hang out under awnings and umbrellas, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Don’t smoke. Nicotine makes your blood vessels smaller, which can be bad news for your skin. Smaller blood vessels mean fewer nutrients and oxygen make it to your skin’s surface.
Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Inflammation and oxidative stress make for unhealthy-looking skin, but a healthy diet can help you keep your skin glowing.
Moisturize your skin. Especially if you suffer from dry skin, creams, lotions, and moisturizers are crucial. To keep your skin hydrated, you can also run a humidifier and stick to warm water for baths and showers.
Keep your stress to a minimum. Excess stress makes it harder for your skin to repair itself—which means acne flair-ups and skin conditions can become far more common. Remember to keep taking care of yourself to promote happy, healthy skin (and a happy, healthy you!).
Don’t be rough with your skin. You may be tempted to scrub and rub your toughest blemishes away, but in the long run, this does more harm than good. Instead, be gentle with your skin. Use two fingers to lightly apply cleanser. Rub in small, circular motions, and don’t use too much pressure.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the science behind skin care routines:
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