Skin Types: Oily, Dry, Combination, Normal, and Sensitive
Skin Types is where everything else in your routine starts — matching what you use to oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive skin, instead of guessing. This page covers how to identify your skin type, how it's different from a temporary skin condition, routines for oily and combination skin, what normal skin actually means, and how your skin type can shift with age, season, and hormones. For a broader clinical overview, Cleveland Clinic's guide to understanding skin types covers the same fundamentals we build on here.
Find Your Skin Type
Start here if you're not sure what skin type you have, or want to understand the difference between a skin type and a passing skin condition.
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What's Your Skin Type? How to Tell in 5 Minutes
The 5 skin types explained, plus a simple at-home test to check your own -
Skin Type vs. Skin Condition: Why the Difference Matters
Why dry and dehydrated aren't the same thing, and why the distinction changes what you should buy
Routines by Skin Type
Once you know your type, here's how to actually build a routine around it.
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The Right Skincare Routine for Oily and Combination Skin
Cleansing, ingredients, and a zone-specific approach for shine-prone skin -
Normal Skin: What It Means and How to Maintain It
Why "normal" doesn't mean "no routine needed," and how to keep it that way
How Skin Type Changes
Your skin type today isn't necessarily permanent — here's what tends to shift it.
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How Your Skin Type Changes With Age, Season, and Hormones
Why puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and the seasons can all shift your skin type
Skin Types FAQ
What are the 5 main skin types?
Oily, dry, combination, normal, and sensitive. Our guide to how to tell your skin type covers how each one shows up and how to check at home.
Is my skin type the same as a skin condition like dehydration or sensitivity?
Not necessarily. Skin type describes a relatively stable baseline of oil production, while a skin condition — like dehydration or a breakout — is often temporary and can affect any type. See Skin Type vs. Skin Condition for the full distinction.
Does my skin type stay the same forever?
No. Skin type can shift with age, the seasons, and hormonal changes. See how your skin type changes for what tends to drive those shifts and how to adjust your routine.