how to figure out your skin type (according to an esthetician)
Expert Answer: Your skin type is determined by how much oil your skin naturally produces, how well your barrier retains moisture, and how your skin reacts throughout the day — not just how it feels after cleansing.
“What’s my skin type?”
As a licensed esthetician, this is one of the most common questions I hear. And while it sounds simple, many people have been mislabeling their skin for years — often because they’re relying on outdated tests or surface-level symptoms.
Understanding your true skin type is the foundation of effective skincare. When you know how your skin naturally behaves, you can choose products that support it instead of constantly trying to “fix” it.
Why Knowing Your Skin Type Actually Matters
Your skin type determines how your skin responds to ingredients, weather, stress, hormones, and even water quality — which matters a lot here in sunny, humid Punta Gorda.
Using products designed for the wrong skin type can lead to:
- Chronic dryness or dehydration
- Excess oil production and congestion
- Increased sensitivity or irritation
- Breakouts that never fully resolve
When skincare works, it’s because it’s aligned with your skin’s natural needs — not fighting against them.
Normal Skin
Balanced, resilient skin that is neither overly oily nor dry. Typically tolerates most ingredients well with minimal sensitivity.
Dry Skin
Lacks oil, often feels tight or rough, and may appear dull. Benefits from barrier-repairing and lipid-rich formulas.
Oily Skin
Produces excess sebum and may look shiny by midday. Still needs hydration — just in lightweight textures.
Combination Skin
Oilier through the T-zone with drier cheeks. One of the most common skin types seen in the treatment room.
Sensitive Skin
Reacts easily with redness, stinging, or flushing. Can exist alongside dry, oily, or combination skin.
How to Figure Out Your Skin Type at Home
Here’s a simple, esthetician-approved way to observe your skin without overanalyzing it:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
- Do not apply any skincare products
- Wait 30–60 minutes
- Observe how your skin feels and looks
If your skin feels tight or flaky, you likely have dry skin. If you notice shine across most areas, oily skin. If shine appears only in the T-zone, combination. If redness or discomfort develops, sensitivity is a key factor.
Still unsure? That’s completely normal — especially if your skin changes with seasons, stress, or hormones.
Why Skin Type Isn’t Always Static
Your skin type can shift over time. Age, climate, medications, lifestyle, and even the products you’ve been using can temporarily change how your skin behaves.
This is why I focus less on rigid labels and more on understanding patterns — how your skin responds daily, monthly, and seasonally.
Not Sure What Your Skin Type Is?
Our AI-powered Skin Quiz combines esthetician insight with intelligent analysis to help identify your true skin type and build a routine that actually works.
Take the ästhetik AI Skin QuizReady to Support Your Skin Properly?
Once you understand your skin type, everything becomes easier — product selection, consistency, and long-term results.
Explore our botanical, barrier-supportive skincare or visit us in Punta Gorda for a customized facial experience designed around your skin’s true needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Type
Can my skin type change over time?
Yes. Skin type can change due to age, climate, hormones, medications, and lifestyle — which is why regular reassessment is important.
Is acne a skin type?
No. Acne is a condition that can occur with oily, combination, or even dry skin. Treating acne without understanding your skin type often leads to irritation.
How do I know if I’m using products for the wrong skin type?
If your skin feels constantly tight, greasy, inflamed, or unpredictable, your routine may not be aligned with your true skin type.