Your skincare type might not be what you think

Oily, dry or just confused? Let’s figure it out together.

What is skin type and why does it matter?

Your skin type is kinda’ like your skin’s personality.

While everyone’s skin is unique to them, skincare super brains have found enough similarities to categorise skin based on its natural characteristics.

Different skin typing methods tell you different things about your skin - like how much oil it produces, how sensitive it is to UV exposure and how it reacts to skincare products and the environment. My skin, for example, is sensitive and overreacts to the environment 100% of the time (much like its wearer).

Understanding your skin type can help you create a personalised skincare routine that keeps your skin balanced, healthy and glowing (without the trial and error).

It saves you from wasting money on products that aren’t for you and stops you from damaging your skin with products that don’t suit your skin type.

Cosmetic skin type

When we (skincare consumers) talk about skin type, we’re usually talking about our cosmetic skin type.

Unlike dermatological skin types, which focus on medical diagnoses (like rosacea or eczema), cosmetic skin types guide consumers toward appropriate skincare and makeup formulations. Brands use these classifications to market products, but real skin concerns are often more nuanced and require a personalised approach - like we offer at Tenille Skincare!

The cosmetic skin types tell you how much (or how little) sebum your skin produces.

What’s sebum (not to be confused with semen)? It’s your skin’s natural oil. Sebum keeps your skin soft, protected and hydrated, but too much can leave you lookin’ glazed donut-y and too little can make your skin feel dry and tight.

Cosmetic skin typing relies on subjective perception (your interpretation of your skin) and about 80% of people incorrectly type their skin. That’s heaps, right? (So many eyeballs.)

The seven skin types system provides a good view of sebum production, biological factors and skin concerns, so skincare routines can be tailored to meet your skin’s needs. It's a great way to understand the unique combination of factors that make your skin... well, your skin!

So, the types…

• Oily skin shines (whether you want it to or not), can overproduce oil and is breakout-prone.
• Dry skin feels tight, flaky and really, really thirsty.
• Combination skin is indecisive. Oily in some areas (hello, T-zone), dry in others. A little bit of everything, all at once.
• Normal skin is the chill, low-maintenance type. Balanced, not too oily, not too dry - just vibes.
• Sensitive skin is easily irritated by ingredients, fragrances and meanies (especially meanies).
• Acne-prone skin is a bit grumpy - breakouts, clogged pores, extra oil production. Wands up and wishes to anyone with a painful breakout.
• Mature skin shows signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles - all the proof you’ve been live, love, laughin’.

Psst… Dry skin is actually different from dehydrated skin! Dry skin lacks oils, while dehydrated lacks moisture.

Figure out your skin type at home

It’s easy peasy to figure out your basic skin type.

The wash and wait method

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.

Wait for 30 minutes without applying any other skincare products.

Your skin may feel dry for about 20 minutes until your sebaceous glands have enough time to create sebum (oil). Make sure you wait the full 30 minutes.

• How does your skin look and feel?
• Does it look shiny or feel greasy? You’ve probably got oily skin.
• Does it feel tight, flaky or itchy? Your skin is dry.
• Is it shiny in the T-zone but normal or dry elsewhere? You’re a combo bombo.
• Does it feel comfortable and hydrated? You’ve got normal skin.
• Is your skin red, itchy or reactive? Like me, you’re a sensitive skin cutie.

The Blotting Sheet Test

It’s as simple as it sounds!

All you need to do is press oil blotting paper on different areas of your face.

How much oil is on the sheet?

• Has the sheet absorbed lots of oil from different areas of your face? You guessed it, oily.
• Oily only in the T-zone? Combo.
• Little to no oil on the paper? You’re normal or dry.

You know your skin type, so what’s next?

Once you know your skin type, you can build a routine that actually works for your skin instead of guessing.

• Oily skin: Focus on lightweight, oil-controlling products (gel cleansers, niacinamide, oil-free moisturisers).
• Dry skin: Use richer, oil-based moisturisers (ceramides, squalane, shea butter) and avoid over-cleansing.
• Combination skin: Balance is key - lightweight hydration with targeted care for oily/dry zones.
• Normal skin: Maintain it with a solid routine (hydration + SPF = happy skin).
• Sensitive skin: Be gentle! Fragrance-free products, barrier protection and soothing ingredients are critical.
• Acne-prone skin: Keep it simple - gentle cleansers, lightweight hydration and targeted treatments.
• Mature skin: Hydrate like it’s your job, be gentle with your skin and use actives to keep your glow going strong!

To treat particular skin concerns, you’ll need to add actives to your routine (we’ll talk about that another day). And for the love of skin, don’t forget SPF!

Skin ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Skin type isn’t forever - it shifts with hormones, weather and age, so check in with your skin regularly.

As you age, your cell turnover rate will decrease and you’ll produce less collagen and oil. Your skin will become drier, thinner and less bouncy. Love that for no one.

Hormones also affect your skin - yay! During puberty your skin might produce more oils. Pregnancy hormones can cause melasma. And menopause? You may have drier, more sensitive skin. Honestly, can’t people with uteruses just live!

Humid climates can cause oilier skin. Cold, dry air can make your skin tight and flaky.

Harsh products and lifestyle factors like stress, diet and hydration all affect skin balance.

Medical conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues or medication can also affect your skin and your skin type.

As your skin’s needs change, so should your routine. Stay flexible and listen to what your skin’s telling you!

If you still need a little help figuring out your skin type, get it touch!