The simple way to check your skin type at home

Not sure what your skin needs? You’re so not alone.

Knowing your skin type is the key to choosing products your skin will love (and avoiding the ones it won’t).

The good news? You don’t need fancy shmancy tools or a degree in cosmetic science to figure it out (yay!).

Here are two super simple ways to get a read on your skin from home.

The wash and wait method

Step 1: Cleanse (gently, babe)

Gently rub lukewarm water onto your skin.

If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, use a non-irritating product like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or a soothing oil cleanser.

Pat dry (no rubbing).

Step 2: Wait it out

Now, do absolutely nothing to your skin.

No moisturiser. No mist. No mining in your pores.

Just let your bare skin chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Feel it out

Once the 30 minutes are up, how does your skin feel?

a) Tight, rough or itchy?
b) Oily or slick (like it’s already time to blot)?
c) Balanced and comfy?
d) Dry in some areas, oily in others?

Step 4: Look in the mirror

Tell yourself you’re gorgeous and smart and kind.

Now, how does your skin look?

a) Flaky or patchy?
b) Shiny with larger-looking pores?
c) Smooth and calm?
d) Shiny in the T-zone, dry or balanced elsewhere?

So… what’s your type?

Here’s the breakdown:

• Mostly A’s? You’ve got dry skin. Time to boost hydration and show your skin barrier some love.
• Mostly B’s? You have oily skin. Your sebaceous glands are thriving (and your skin ages more slowly than others).
• Mostly C’s? Balanced skin. Protect your peace, cutie.
• Mostly D’s? You, like most of us, have combo skin. Hi, hello, welcome.
• Mixed answers? Still combo skin.

Heads up: If you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch testing is your bestie. These at-home checks are super gentle, but always go slow and listen to your skin. If something feels off, trust that feeling.

The blotting paper test

No time to sit around waiting for your sebum to show up? Try this.

Step 1: Grab some blotting paper (or clean tissue if you’re in a pinch).

Step 2: Gently press the blotting paper onto your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, using a different section of the paper for each area.

Step 3: Hold the paper up to the light. There will be translucent, slightly shiny patches where the paper has absorbed oil.

What do you see?

• Oil all over? You’ve got oily skin.
• Oil just from the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)? Combo skin vibes.
• No oil? You’re likely dry or normal (balanced).

Your skin’s on a journey (aren’t we all?)

Skin type isn’t one and done. It changes with hormones, age, weather, stress and your factors. From oilier skin in humid months to dryness during menopause, your skin responds to what’s happening in and around you.

If your skin starts acting up, it’s just trying to send you a message. Check in regularly and adjust your routine as needed.

The takeaway: Understanding your skin helps you make safe, smart skin choices. Once you know your type, everything gets easier.

Ready to build your new routine? Book a free 15-minute chat with our skincare coach.

Chat soon, cuties!