If your skincare routine isn’t giving you results, the problem might not be the products – it might be that they’re not made for your actual skin type.
Let’s fix that.
Whether your skin feels oily by lunchtime or flaky by dinner, many of us are using skincare that doesn’t match what our skin really needs. Why? Because most of us have never been taught how to properly identify our true skin type.
And without that knowledge, it’s incredibly easy to waste money, irritate your skin, or give up on routines entirely.
In this guide, we’ll help you:
- Understand the 5 main skin types (in plain English)
- Try a simple at-home test to find yours
- Learn the difference between skin type and skin condition
- Know what to do once you figure it out
Why Skin Type Matters More Than You Think
Every skincare product is formulated with a skin type in mind. A rich occlusive cream meant for dry skin might clog pores for someone with oily skin. A lightweight toner designed for oily skin might leave someone with dry skin even more dehydrated.
So if you’re applying high-quality products but still feel stuck, your skin type is the first place to investigate.
The 5 Skin Types Explained
Let’s break them down clearly, so you can recognise yourself without the jargon.
1. Oily Skin
- Feels: Greasy, especially in the T-zone by midday
- Looks: Shiny, enlarged pores
- Common Mistake: Over-cleansing or using drying products that strip the skin
- What It Needs: Balance and hydration, not harshness
2. Dry Skin
- Feels: Tight, rough, flaky
- Looks: Dull, may have dry patches or fine lines
- Common Mistake: Using light gels or skipping moisturiser
- What It Needs: Rich moisturisers, layering hydration, and barrier support
3. Combination Skin
- Feels: Oily in some places (like nose/forehead), dry in others (cheeks)
- Looks: Uneven texture or shine in certain areas
- Common Mistake: Treating your whole face the same
- What It Needs: Zone-specific care, or gentle all-over balancing products
4. Sensitive Skin
- Feels: Reactive, stinging, itchy, tight
- Looks: Easily red or inflamed
- Common Mistake: Using fragranced or active-heavy formulas
- What It Needs: Calming ingredients, fragrance-free, barrier repair
5. Normal Skin
- Feels: Balanced, no major issues
- Looks: Clear and consistent
- Common Mistake: Getting complacent and skipping essentials like SPF
- What It Needs: Gentle maintenance and protection
The 60-Minute Skin Type Test (At Home)
Want a quick way to test your skin? Try this:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- Pat dry and don’t apply anything afterward
- Wait 60 minutes
- Observe:
- Tight/dull? → Dry Skin
- Shiny overall or in T-zone? → Oily or Combination Skin
- Red or reactive? → Sensitive Skin
- None of the above? → Normal Skin
You can also blot your face with tissue and examine the oil levels in different areas.
Bonus: Skin Type vs Skin Condition
Many people confuse skin type with skin condition. Here’s the difference:
- Skin Type = What you’re born with (oily, dry, combo, etc.)
- Skin Condition = Temporary or fluctuating states (dehydration, acne, dullness)
For example, you can have oily but dehydrated skin. That means you’re producing oil but lacking water content, which requires hydrating serums – not more exfoliation.
Understanding this nuance will stop you from choosing products that fix one issue while worsening another.
What To Do Next
Now that you know your skin type, here’s how to use it:
- Choose products labelled specifically for your skin type
- Use gentle actives tailored to your needs (e.g., BHA for oily, ceramides for dry)
- Adjust seasonally – your skin may shift in winter or summer
- Take the guesswork out with a curated skincare quiz
Final Thoughts
Figuring out your skin type isn’t just about labels – it’s the first step toward skincare that actually works.
At IrelKGlow, we believe knowledge is power. And when you understand your skin, you’re no longer at the mercy of trends, marketing, or that TikTok product that “works for everyone else.”
You get to choose what’s right for you.
