The Call-On-Doc Guide to Determining your Skin Type

Your skin type determines how your skin produces oil, retains moisture, tolerates ingredients, and responds to environmental stress.

Using products meant for a different skin type can:

• Disrupt your skin barrier

• Trigger breakouts

• Increase redness or irritation

• Worsen dryness or oil production

Correct identification simplifies your routine and improves results.

Dermatologists generally classify skin into five main categories.

1. Normal Skin

Normal skin is balanced. It does not feel excessively oily or dry and rarely reacts to products.

Characteristics often include:

• Small to medium pores

• Even texture

• Minimal sensitivity

• Occasional breakouts

Normal skin still requires daily cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin produces less oil than average and often struggles to retain moisture.

You may notice:

• Tightness after washing

• Flaking or rough patches

• Dull appearance

• Increased sensitivity

Dry skin benefits from barrier-supportive ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

3. Oily Skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which can lead to shine and enlarged pores.

Common features include:

• Visible shine within hours of cleansing

• Enlarged pores

• Frequent blackheads or acne

Oily skin still needs hydration. Stripping the skin can increase oil production.

4. Combination Skin

Combination skin includes both oily and dry areas, typically an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and drier cheeks.

This type requires balanced formulations that do not overcorrect one area while neglecting another.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts easily to products or environmental changes.

Signs may include:

• Redness

• Stinging or burning

• Irritation with new products

• Reaction to fragrance

Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free, simplified routines and gradual introduction of active ingredients.

The simplest method is the “bare face test.”

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and avoid applying any products. Wait one hour.

Observe how your skin feels and looks:

• Tight and flaky suggests dry skin

• Shiny throughout suggests oily skin

• Shiny in some areas and dry in others suggests combination skin

• Comfortable and balanced suggests normal skin

• Burning or redness suggests sensitive skin

This method works best when done without recent exfoliation or strong active ingredients.

Skin type is not permanently fixed. Hormones, age, climate, medications, and stress can shift oil production and sensitivity.

For example:

• Adolescents often have oilier skin

• Skin may become drier with age

• Certain medications can increase sensitivity

Reassessing your skin seasonally helps maintain an effective routine.

Skin type describes how your skin naturally functions. Skin conditions describe temporary or medical concerns such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or hyperpigmentation.

You can have oily skin and acne. You can have dry skin and rosacea. Treating the condition should not compromise your underlying skin type.

Consider professional evaluation if:

• Acne is persistent or cystic

• Redness or irritation worsens

• You suspect rosacea or eczema

• Over-the-counter products are not helping

A medical review helps prevent unnecessary irritation and ensures targeted treatment.

Determining your skin type allows you to choose products that support — rather than fight — your skin’s natural function. Healthy skin depends on balance, barrier protection, and consistency.

If you are unsure about your skin type or are struggling with breakouts or irritation, a licensed medical provider can help guide your routine with evidence-based recommendations.

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