your skin type, explained.

a guide to understanding your skin type

February 23, 2026

oily, combination, dry–what is your skin type and what does it mean?

what is a skin type?

the level of sebum (oil) secreted in the skin determines your skin type. for example, an oilier skin type would produce more oil (i.e., shinier skin), whereas a drier skin type would produce less and may develop more dry or rough patches.

when you understand your skin type, you’re able to build a routine that works with your skin, not against it, allowing you support and target the concerns you most care about.

how to identify your skin type

before we walk through each skin type, firstly, how do you determine what type of skin you have? the most common skin types are oily, dry, combination, and normal (also called “balanced”). we’ll break those down below.

never really oily or dry, and skin feels comfortable most of the time? you might just have normal (or “balanced”) skin. 

normal skin is “well-balanced,” i.e., not too oily, not too dry. the appearance of your pores is typically small, and your skin feels comfortable most days.

always shiny with enlarged pores and regular breakouts? you may have oily skin.

oily skin produces excess sebum, which may lead to breakouts, more visible pores, and shine. oils can build up and trap impurities without the right routine. hormones, stress, and humidity can make oiliness more noticeable.

is your skin consistently dry, rough, or flaky? you likely have dry skin. 

dry skin naturally produces less sebum, the oil that keeps skin supple. this can make skin feel tight, rough, or flaky, especially if using an overly drying cleanser. external factors such as cold weather, heating, aging, or certain ingredients may also contribute to dryness.

oily in the t-zone but dry skin on your cheeks? you might have combination skin.

combination skin is both oily and dry; think: an oily t-zone with drier cheeks. environmental changes and product choices may also come into play here. zone with drier cheeks. environmental changes and product choices may also come into play here.

what is sensitive skin? 

within skin types, there are also skin conditions. sensitive, or reactive, skin is one such condition. you may have a dry skin type, but experience more redness or are prone to irritation if you also have more sensitive skin .

why does skin type matter? 

your skin type drives how your skin behaves. for example, how much oil it produces or how easily it retains hydration daytoday. finding the right routine can help you avoid clogged pores, dehydration, irritation, or imbalanced skin. 

so, to keep your skin in tip-top shape, use products that not only support your skin barrier but also replenish or renew, based on your main concerns and needs. 