SKN.COACH
Skin Types Guide

Know Your Skin Type

Your skin type is the foundation of your routine. Dry, oily, combination, or sensitive—once you understand what you're working with, everything else clicks into place.

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Answer a quick question to find the right guide for your skin type.

Question 1 of 1

How does your skin feel 2-3 hours after washing?

You likely have dry skin

Your skin doesn't produce enough sebum, so it needs extra hydration and moisture-locking ingredients. Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and rich moisturizers.

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You likely have oily skin

Your skin produces excess sebum, which can lead to shine and clogged pores. Focus on lightweight, non-comedogenic products and gentle oil control—don't over-strip your skin.

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You likely have combination skin

Your skin has different needs in different areas. You might need lighter products on the T-zone and richer ones on dry areas—or a balanced routine that works everywhere.

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You likely have sensitive skin

Your skin barrier may be compromised or naturally reactive. Focus on minimal, fragrance-free products and introduce new actives slowly. Patch testing is your friend.

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All guides & resources

Routines and ingredient guides for every skin type.

Routines by Skin Type

Dry Skin Routine Build a hydrating routine that actually works
Soon
Oily Skin Routine Control shine without over-drying
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Sensitive Skin Routine Minimal, gentle products for reactive skin
Soon

Key Ingredients

Ceramides: What They Do The barrier-building ingredient explained
Soon

Related Resources

Skin Barrier Hub When your barrier is damaged, skin type shifts
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Routine Order Hub How to layer products correctly
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Starter routine (all skin types)

The basics everyone needs—adjust textures for your type.

Morning (AM)

  1. 1 Gentle cleanser — or just water if you're dry
  2. 2 Moisturizer — gel for oily, cream for dry
  3. 3 SPF 30-50 — lightweight for oily, hydrating for dry

Evening (PM)

  1. 1 Oil cleanser — removes sunscreen, makeup
  2. 2 Water-based cleanser — gentle, non-stripping
  3. 3 Treatment (optional) — add actives once tolerated
  4. 4 Moisturizer — match to your skin type needs

Ingredients by skin type

What works best for your specific skin type.

Ceramides (Dry) ✓

Rebuild the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Look for ceramide-heavy moisturizers, especially in winter.

Hyaluronic Acid (Dry) ✓

Draws water into skin. Apply to damp skin and layer a moisturizer on top to seal it in.

Squalane (Dry) ✓

Lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural oils. Great for dry skin without feeling heavy.

Niacinamide (Oily) ✓

Regulates sebum, minimizes pores, and calms inflammation. 5-10% works well.

Salicylic Acid (Oily) ✓

Oil-soluble BHA that cleans inside pores. Use 2% a few times per week.

Lightweight Gel Moisturizers (Oily) ✓

Even oily skin needs moisture—just in a lighter format. Don't skip this step.

Centella Asiatica (Sensitive) ✓

Soothing, anti-inflammatory. Found in many K-beauty products. Great for reactive skin.

Azelaic Acid (Sensitive) ✓

Gentle multi-tasker: anti-inflammatory, brightening, and safe for rosacea-prone skin.

SPF (All Types) ✓

Non-negotiable for everyone. Choose a texture that works for your type so you'll actually use it.

What not to do

Common mistakes that make skin type issues worse.

Using harsh cleansers. Stripping your skin triggers more oil production (oily skin) or damages the barrier (dry/sensitive). Choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers.

Skipping moisturizer if you're oily. Dehydrated oily skin produces even more oil. Use lightweight, oil-free moisturizers—but don't skip them.

Over-exfoliating. Daily scrubs or too many acids damage the barrier, causing sensitivity and breakouts regardless of skin type.

Assuming your skin type never changes. Age, climate, medications, and hormones all affect skin. Reassess periodically.

Introducing too many products at once. When something goes wrong, you won't know what caused it. Add one new product at a time.

Ignoring sensitive skin signs. If products consistently cause redness, stinging, or breakouts—that's your skin telling you something. Listen to it.

When to see a dermatologist

Some situations need professional evaluation.

Schedule a consultation if:
  • You can't figure out your skin type despite trying different approaches
  • Your skin is extremely dry, oily, or sensitive despite consistent care
  • You have persistent redness, flaking, or irritation that won't resolve
  • Products that should work for your type consistently cause reactions
  • You suspect an underlying condition (rosacea, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis)
  • Your skin type changed suddenly without obvious cause

Common questions

Quick answers to frequently asked questions about skin types.

How do I know my skin type?
The simplest test: wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and wait 30-60 minutes without applying anything. If your skin feels tight and flaky, it's dry. If it looks shiny all over, it's oily. If it's oily in the T-zone but dry on cheeks, it's combination. If it often reacts to products with redness or irritation, it's likely sensitive.
Can your skin type change?
Yes. Skin type can shift due to age, hormones, climate, medications, and skincare habits. Oily skin often becomes drier with age. Over-exfoliation can make normal skin sensitive. Seasonal changes affect hydration levels. Reassess your skin type every few years or when you notice consistent changes.
Is combination skin the most common?
Combination skin is very common, but so are oily and dry types. The "most common" type varies by region, climate, and age group. What matters is understanding YOUR skin—not fitting into a category. Many people have characteristics of multiple types.
Do I need different products for different skin types?
Somewhat. The core routine (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen) stays the same, but textures and formulations differ. Oily skin benefits from gel moisturizers and lightweight SPF. Dry skin needs richer creams. Sensitive skin requires minimal, fragrance-free formulas. The actives you add depend on your concerns, not just skin type.
What if my skin is both oily and dehydrated?
This is common! Oily-dehydrated skin produces excess oil but lacks water. It often happens when people over-cleanse or skip moisturizer. The fix: gentle cleanser, hydrating toner or serum (hyaluronic acid), and lightweight moisturizer. Don't strip the oil—add hydration.
Is "normal" skin actually a thing?
Yes, but it's less common than marketing suggests. Normal skin is balanced—not too oily, not too dry, rarely reactive. If you have it, maintenance is easier. But most people have at least mild tendencies toward one type or deal with occasional issues.
Should I use products labeled for my skin type?
Labels can be helpful starting points, but they're not rules. "For oily skin" usually means lightweight texture. "For dry skin" usually means richer formula. Focus on ingredients and how products feel on YOUR skin. Many products work across skin types.
How often should I reassess my skin type?
Do the bare-face test seasonally, or whenever your current routine stops working. Major life changes (hormones, moving to a new climate, starting medication) are also good times to check. Your skin today may not be the same as a year ago.

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