How can you determine your skin type?

Choosing skincare products without knowing your skin type is a bit like buying shoes without knowing your size. Skin type is the starting point for any effective skincare routine: it guides you in choosing the most suitable textures and active ingredients. Yet many people get their skin type wrong.

Knowing your skin type allows you to choose skincare products that are truly suited to your needs, rather than risking an imbalance in your skin with unsuitable products. Here's how to easily identify it—and why it can change.

Why is it important to know your skin type?

Skin type is a fundamental characteristic largely determined by genetics, particularly by the amount of sebum produced and the quality of the skin barrier. It determines how the skin behaves on a daily basis and, therefore, which skincare products are best suited for it.

It should not be confused with a temporary skin condition. Skin can be temporarily dehydrated (due to a lack of water, not sebum) or reactive at a given time, regardless of its basic type. Clearly distinguishing between skin type and its current condition helps avoid many mistakes in your skincare routine.

The Main Skin Types

Traditionally, there are four main skin types, to which sensitivity is another factor to consider.

Normal skin is balanced: comfortable, neither too oily nor too dry, with a fine texture and few imperfections. Dry skin produces little sebum: it feels tight, may appear rough or dull, and its skin barrier is often more fragile. Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum, a noticeable shine, visible pores, and a tendency toward blemishes. Combination skin, the most common type, combines an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with normal to dry cheeks.

In addition to these types, there is also the issue of sensitivity. Sensitive or reactive skin, prone to redness and discomfort, can occur regardless of skin type. Modern dermatological classifications, in fact, take several factors into account at once—such as whether the skin is oily or dry and whether it is sensitive or resilient—to better describe the reality of each individual’s skin.

How do you determine your skin type?

The simplest test is the clean-skin test. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, then don’t apply any products and wait about thirty minutes. Then observe your skin: if it feels tight and looks rough, it’s on the dry side; if shine appears only in the T-zone, it’s combination skin; if your entire face is shiny, it’s on the oily side; if it feels comfortable and balanced, it’s normal.

You can also use the blotting paper test by gently pressing it against different areas to see how much sebum is present. An important point: subjective impressions do not always reflect the actual level of sebum secretion. It is therefore best to observe objectively over several days and, if in doubt, rely on a diagnosis from a professional.

Skin type can change

Skin type isn't set in stone. It can change with the seasons, the climate, age, hormonal fluctuations, or even stress. Skin that tends to be oily during adolescence may become drier over the years, and even the same skin type may become more dehydrated in the winter. It’s therefore a good idea to reassess your skin type from time to time, rather than sticking to one classification once and for all.

Tailoring Your Skincare Routine to Your Skin Type

The PERS method was designed to suit all skin types, including the most sensitive. The choice comes down mainly to texture. For combination or oily skin—or simply for those looking for light hydration—the PERS Light Cream—fresh and fluid—is ideal. For drier or uncomfortable skin, the PERS Rich Cream, which is more nourishing, provides greater comfort. The PERS Soothing Cleansing Gel, which is gentle and soap-free, is suitable for all skin types.

If you're unsure about your skin type or which skincare products to choose, you can take the PERS skin assessment—designed by Magali Calmon, co-founder of PERS and a skin expert—to get personalized recommendations.

Key Takeaways

Knowing your skin type (normal, dry, oily, or combination)—and keeping sensitivity in mind—is the foundation of a successful skincare routine. A simple test—examining your skin after cleansing—is often enough to determine your skin type, provided you observe it objectively. Keep in mind that skin type can change over time and with the seasons, and that a temporary condition like dehydration should not be confused with your underlying skin type. Once you’ve accurately identified your skin type, it becomes easy to choose the right skincare products for more balanced and comfortable skin.

Scientific Sources