Understanding Your Skin Type: Oily, Dry, Combination, or Sensitive?

Your skin is unique, and understanding your skin type is the first step in creating a skincare routine that works for you. Whether your skin tends to be oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, identifying your skin type can help you choose the right products and prevent unnecessary irritation.  

In this blog, we’ll break down the four main skin types - oily, dry, combination, and sensitive – discussing what they are, how to identify them, and the best skincare tips for each.

1. Oily Skin  

What it is:  

Oily skin produces excess of sebum, the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands. This can make your skin appear shiny, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and may lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

How to know if you have it:

If you notice that your face gets shiny a few hours after washing, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), or you struggle with frequent breakouts, you likely have oily skin. Enlarged pores and blackheads are also common in oily skin types.

Best skincare tips for oily skin:

• Use a gentle foaming cleanser  
• Incorporate salicylic acid to deep clean pores  
• Use an oil-free moisturiser
• Opt for mattifying products  

2. Dry Skin

What it is:  

Dry skin lacks moisture, which can lead to a rough, flaky texture. It can feel tight and look dull, with the potential for increased sensitivity and irritation.  

How to know if you have it:

If your skin feels tight after washing, looks flaky, or feels rough to the touch, you probably have dry skin. Dry patches may appear on your cheeks or around your mouth, and makeup can look patchy or cakey.  

Best skincare tips for dry skin:

• Hydrate with a rich moisturiser
• Avoid hot water  
• Gentle exfoliation  
• Apply a hydrating serum  

3. Combination Skin  

What it is:

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like. It's when your skin has different characteristics in different areas. More often than not, the T-zone is oily while the cheeks and under-eye area may be dry or normal.  

How to know if you have it:

If your skin feels dry or tight in some areas (like the cheeks) but gets oily in others (usually the T-zone), then you likely have combination skin. You may also notice uneven skin texture, where certain areas feel rough while others are shiny.  

Best skincare tips for combination skin:

• Use both lightweight and heavier moisturisers for different parts of the face  
• Opt for gentle cleansers that don’t over dry or cause excess oil production  
• Use a mattifying primer  

4. Sensitive Skin  

What it is:

Sensitive skin is easily irritated by environmental factors, skincare products, or even internal triggers. This type of skin often feels uncomfortable, reddens quickly, and is prone to reactions like itching or burning.

How to know if you have it:

If your skin gets red or inflamed after using certain skincare products, environmental factors (like wind or sun), or after washing your face, it’s a sign you have sensitive skin. Other symptoms can include dryness, burning, or stinging sensations when applying certain products.

Best skincare tips:

• Choose fragrance-free products  
• Use soothing ingredients  
• Avoid harsh exfoliation  
• Patch-test new products
• Use prescription treatments like our prescription anti wrinkle cream  

Find Your Perfect Skincare Match  

Understanding your skin type is essential for building an effective skincare routine. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, the right products can help address your specific needs.

Here at MiQuest, we offer personalised skincare advice and prescription treatments to help you achieve your best skin yet. Not sure which skin type you have or which products to use? Get in touch with our team today for expert guidance tailored to your unique skin concerns.