22ND JAN 2025
How to identify your skin type

Skinsights > How to identify your skin type
Skin science 101: How to identify your skin type
- What’s your skin type? Oily? Dry? A little bit of both? Figuring it out can feel like one of life’s great mysteries. But here’s the thing: knowing skin type is the first – and smartest – step towards achieving that infamous “glow” everyone’s always talking about. At ilik, we know that skincare should be as unique as you are. So, let’s cut through the clutter and help you understand your skin – no PhD required.
Why knowing Your Skin Type is Non-Negotiable
- Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight – your skin type is the blueprint for your skincare routine. Using the wrong products is like wearing your Louboutin’s on a hike – a recipe for disaster (and pain). And plot twist: your skin changes over time. Acne in your 20s might give way to pigmentation woes in your 30s and fine lines in your 40s. That’s why understanding your skin type isn’t just important – it’s essential.
The five main skin types (and how to tell which one’s yours)
1. Oily skin
- Does your skin shine brighter than your future? Congratulations, you’re rocking oily skin. Large pores, shiny complexion, and the occasional breakout are all part of the package.
2. Dry skin
- Does your skin feel tight or flaky, especially after washing? Then you likely fall into the dry skin category. Your skin craves hydration and struggles to hold onto moisture.
3. Combination skin
- Dry cheeks, oily forehead? Yep, you’ve got combination skin. It’s the overachiever of skin types, demanding tailored care for different zones.
4. Sensitive skin
- Redness? Irritation? Skin that throws a tantrum at the slightest provocation? Welcome to sensitive skin. Sensitive skin requires extra care and fewer irritants.
5. Normal skin
- Neither too oily nor too dry, and barely a blemish in sight? Lucky you! You’ve hit the skin jackpot.
How to know your skin type in three easy steps
- 1. Cleanse and wait: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Don’t apply any products. Wait for about 30 minutes to observe how your skin feels.
- 2. Assess your skin: Does it feel tight? Is it shiny or balanced? This will give you a clue about dryness, oiliness, or a combination of both.
- 3. Trial and error: Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products over time.
Tailoring skincare to your skin type
- Here’s the deal: cookie-cutter skincare routines just don’t, well, cut it. That’s why ilik creates prescription skincare tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re battling acne, banishing pigmentation, or fighting signs of ageing, our science-backed formulas are here to save the day – and your skin.
FAQs
Can my skin type change over time?
- Absolutely! Hormonal shifts, weather changes, and ageing can alter your skin type. That’s why it’s important to reassess your skin regularly.
What if I have more than one skin concern?
- You’re not alone. Most of us are juggling a mix of issues. That’s why ilik’s custom solutions are designed to tackle multiple concerns at once – like a multitasking miracle.
Ready to take control of your skin?
- With so much money spent on marketing, the skincare industry can be overwhelming. But with ilik, we’re not just a pretty face. Our personalised skincare takes the guesswork out of the equation – using science not spin – to help you achieve results you can see (and brag about).