Oily, dry, combination or sensitive: how to tell your skin type

Short answer: wash your face with a gentle cleanser, wait 30 minutes without applying anything, then look. Shine all over means oily. Tightness or flakes mean dry. A shiny forehead, nose and chin with normal or dry cheeks means combination. Stinging, redness or itching after many products means sensitive, which can go with any of the other types.

What each type needs

• Oily: a gel cleanser, a light moisturiser, and ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide.
• Dry: a cream or balm cleanser and a richer moisturiser with ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
• Combination: light textures overall, with extra moisturiser on the cheeks.
• Sensitive: few products, fragrance-free formulas and soothing ingredients such as centella or panthenol.

A basic routine for every type

• Morning: cleanse, moisturise, sunscreen.
• Evening: cleanse, treat if needed, moisturise.
• Add one new product at a time and try it on a small area first. Visible changes usually take a few weeks.

Skin type can change with age, season and climate, so check again from time to time.