Skin types: how to find out your skin type and how to care for it

Good skincare doesn't start with expensive products — it starts with knowing what kind of skin you have. The same cream can be perfect for dry skin and cause breakouts on oily skin. In this article you'll learn how to find out your skin type at home and how to build a routine that suits it.

A simple test at home

1. Wash your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
2. Pat it dry with a towel and don't apply anything.
3. Wait 30–60 minutes, then look at your skin in the mirror.

How to read the result:

• Dry: skin feels tight, and you may notice flaky patches.
• Oily: the whole face looks shiny and pores are clearly visible.
• Combination: the forehead, nose and chin (the T-zone) shine, while the cheeks are normal or dry.
• Normal: skin feels comfortable — neither tight nor shiny.
• Sensitive: skin reddens, stings or itches easily, especially after new products.

A basic routine for everyone

Whatever your skin type, daily care rests on three essential steps:

1. Cleanse — morning and evening, with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin.
2. Moisturise — a cream or gel that helps the skin hold on to water.
3. Protect from the sun — every morning, including in winter and on cloudy days.

Everything else — serums, masks and exfoliants — builds on this foundation and should be tailored to your skin type and needs.

Care by skin type

Dry skin

Dry skin needs its protective barrier restored. Choose a creamy, gentle cleanser and a rich moisturiser. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and shea butter. Avoid hot water and alcohol-based toners.

Oily skin

Oily skin needs hydration just as much as other types — only in a lighter texture. Use a gel cleanser and a non-comedogenic moisturiser, meaning one that doesn't clog pores. Niacinamide helps regulate oil, and salicylic acid (BHA) keeps pores clear. Don't over-dry your skin — it will respond by producing even more oil.

Combination skin

Combination skin needs care by zone: lighter, oil-balancing products on the T-zone and more nourishing ones on the cheeks. A hydrating gel-cream that suits both zones is also a good choice.

Normal skin

Normal skin needs a simple, consistent routine. The key is not to upset the balance: don't overload your skin with lots of active ingredients at once, and never skip sun protection.

Sensitive skin

For sensitive skin, less is more. Choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free products, and patch-test anything new on a small area first — behind the ear, for example. Introduce active ingredients gradually, one at a time.

A quick ingredient glossary

• Hyaluronic acid — holds water in the skin and supports hydration;
• Ceramides — restore the skin's protective barrier;
• Niacinamide — regulates oil and evens out skin tone;
• Salicylic acid (BHA) — clears pores; good for oily and blemish-prone skin;
• Glycolic acid (AHA) — exfoliates the surface and refreshes the complexion;
• Vitamin C — an antioxidant that adds radiance;
• Retinol — supports skin renewal. Start slowly, use it in the evening and always pair it with daily sun protection.

When to see a professional

If home care isn't giving you the results you want, your skin needs professional attention. A cosmetologist will assess your skin, choose a suitable treatment and advise you on your daily routine too. At SANLE, cosmetology treatments — including LED phototherapy — are done by Neli; a cosmetology treatment costs 300₾.

For severe or persistent acne, strong irritation or any new growths on the skin, please see a dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions