How To Identify Your Skin Type, According To a Dermatologist

Understanding your skin type is the foundation of a healthy skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or oily to oily skin, using the wrong products can make your concerns worse. According to dermatologists, identifying your skin type helps you choose the right treatments, avoid irritation, and achieve glowing, balanced skin.

Let’s dive into how to find your true skin type, especially if you struggle with oily to oily skin, and the best ways to care for it—starting with something as basic as using a simple face wash.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Skin Type

Choosing skincare blindly can lead to clogged pores, dry patches, or excessive shine. Knowing your skin type allows you to:

• Customize your skincare routine
  
• Avoid breakouts and irritation
  
• Choose the right simple face wash and moisturizers
  
• Improve overall skin texture
  

The 5 Common Skin Types

Dermatologists classify skin into five main types:

1. Normal
   
2. Dry
   
3. Oily
   
4. Combination
   
5. Sensitive
   

If you find your skin stays consistently greasy and prone to breakouts, you might fall into the oily to oily skin category, which requires targeted care.

Identifying Oily to Oily Skin

Key Signs of Oily to Oily Skin:

• Excessive shine all over the face, not just the T-zone
  
• Enlarged pores
  
• Frequent blackheads, whiteheads, or acne
  
• Makeup slides off quickly
  
• Greasy feeling within a few hours after washing
  

People with oily to oily skin often need a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer and a simple face wash designed to remove excess sebum without stripping the skin.

Dermatologist’s Tip:

Use a simple face wash containing salicylic acid or niacinamide to deeply cleanse your pores while balancing oil levels.

At-Home Test to Identify Your Skin Type

1. Wash your face with a simple face wash.
   
2. Do not apply any product for 30 minutes.
   
3. Observe your skin in natural light:
   

• If it feels greasy all over: You likely have oily to oily skin.
  
• If only the T-zone is oily: Combination skin.
  
• If it feels dry or tight: Dry skin.
  
• If there’s no significant issue: Normal skin.
  
• If it’s red or itchy: Sensitive skin.
  

This method offers a quick and easy way to discover your skin type without expensive tools.

Caring for Oily to Oily Skin

If you’ve confirmed you have oily to oily skin, your goal is to balance sebum production—not strip it away completely.

Do’s:

• Use a gel-based simple face wash twice a day.
  
• Choose non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) products.
  
• Use a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen.
  
• Exfoliate 1–2 times a week with a BHA (salicylic acid).
  

Don’ts:

• Avoid alcohol-based toners.
  
• Skip heavy creams and occlusive oils.
  
• Don’t overwash your face—it can make your oily to oily skin worse.
  

Best Ingredients for Each Skin Type

Skin Type	Best Ingredients	Avoid
Oily to Oily	Salicylic acid, niacinamide, green tea	Mineral oils, harsh alcohols
Dry	Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter	Fragrance, foaming cleansers
Sensitive	Aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal	Retinol (unless advised)
Combination	Niacinamide, balancing formulas	Rich oils in the T-zone
Normal	Vitamin C, SPF, lightweight moisturizers	Over-exfoliation

Role of a Simple Face Wash in Daily Skincare

A simple face wash is a non-negotiable first step for every skin type, especially for those with oily to oily skin. It helps:

• Remove dirt, bacteria, and excess oil
  
• Maintain pH balance
  
• Prepare your skin for serums and moisturizers
  

Look for a simple face wash that’s sulfate-free and contains ingredients like tea tree oil or clay to control shine.

Can Your Skin Type Change?

Yes. Factors like climate, age, hormones, and medication can alter your skin type over time. Someone who had oily to oily skin in their teens may develop combination or dry skin later in life. Regularly reevaluating your skin type ensures your routine stays relevant.

Final Thoughts

Identifying your skin type—whether you have sensitive, dry, or oily to oily skin—is the first step to achieving radiant skin. A consistent routine with the right products, especially a good simple face wash, can dramatically improve your skin’s health and appearance.At EnglishBeauty.co.uk, we offer expert-backed skincare tips and curated product recommendations for every skin type. Explore our selection of gentle, effective simple face wash options for oily, dry, or combination skin today.

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