Now shipping to the EU from our EU warehouse.

Skin Types

Skin Types

Understanding your skin type and its specific needs is crucial for creating effective skin routines. There are four main skin types, including oily skin, combination skin, normal skin, and dry skin. 

However, that is not all. Every skin can also have conditions which usually are triggered by external factors and can be seasonal. One of the most frequent skin concerns are sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and dullness.

Going back to your skin type, it can change as you age. With mostly oily skin in your teens to dry skin as you mature. Hormones and genetics are playing the main role in your skin type. Hence, as you age, it is crucial to know what your skin type is and how to correctly identify it.

Want to know more? Keep on reading as our K-Beauty skincare experts at Skinsider can help you with identifying your skin type and suitable products for your needs.

Why it is important to know your skin type?

By correctly identifying your skin type, you will be able to create a personal skincare routine which will help you achieve your skincare goals with minimum effort. Healthy skin is a happy skin and it boosts confidence.

What skin type do I have?

If you’re wondering what your specific skin type is, and how to correctly identify it, we have an answer here for you. First do a short test at home.

It will allow you to understand what kind of skin you have by just observing how your skin behaves after cleansing. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Then gently pat it dry. If after 30 minutes:

  • your skin appears shiny, you probably have oily skin.
  • your skin feels tight and is flaky, you have dry skin. 
  • your skin is shiny only in your T-Zone, you  have combination skin.
  • your skin feels comfortable, but not oily, you have normal skin.

Combination skin

This is probably the most common skin type. If you have combination skin it means that different parts of your face have different needs and therefore need a different approach to skincare. Usually, a combination skin type has oily and blemish-prone skin on the T-Zone and normal to dry skin around the cheeks.

Going into further analysis, the main features of combination skin are:

  • Shiny or even greasy skin with enlarged pores on T-zone.
  • More prominent blackheads on your T-zone, especially nose.
  • Normal to dry skin in other areas of your skin.

Read more tips on combination skin types and shop Korean skincare for combination skin here.

Oily skin

Oily skin usually presents itself in a form of shiny face. It is blemish-prone as it produces more sebum that it needs. Blackheads, white heads, cystic acne usually go hand in hand with oily skin.

The main features of oily skin are:

  • Shiny and greasy skin around your face.
  • Enlarged pores around the nose.
  • Easily develops blemishes.

If you would like to explore more about the oily skin, check out Top Skincare Tips for Oily Skin.

Ready to shop? Check our K-beauty products for oily skin.

Normal skin

Normal skin may seem to be the least demanding skin type out of them all. Your skin is neither too dry nor too oily. And yes, we will allow ourselves to say that: If your skin is normal, it means you are lucky, as your skin may have some imperfections and like every skin it has its needs. However, your focus should be on keeping skin balanced and hydrated at minimum effort.

The main features of normal skin are:

  • Skin texture tends to be even, without dry patches or oiliness.
  • Pores are not enlarged.
  • The T-Zone can become oily or dry depending on external factors but at the same time it can be managed easily with small tweaks in your routine.

Get Skinsider in-depth overview on cult K-beauty brands and shop Korean cosmetics for normal skin.

Dry skin

Itchy, flaky, patchy skin? These are the symptoms of dry skin. They are created by a lack of moisture and natural lipids in your skin. Dry skin can become sore if aggravated. Over time dry skin feels tighter but is losing its elasticity. This means the skin is becoming dull and can age faster. Replenishing the skin and bringing moisture to the deeper layers of the skin are crucial in rebuilding the natural skin barrier.

The main features of dry skin are:

  • Feels tight and itchy.
  • Can be rough and flaky.
  • Dullness.

Shop K-Beauty products for dry skin.

Dry vs dehydrated skin

Did you know that your skin may not be dry but dehydrated? Yes, you heard us right, dehydrated skin does not have to be dry.

Looking to learn more about one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare? Discover Skinsider in-depth analysis of "The Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin" here.

We hope you have found this guide helpful. If you are looking to create a bespoke skincare routine for your oily, combination, normal or dry skin type ask a question to our skincare experts. 

Ready to explore more? Shop Korean skincare products for all skin type at Skinsider

  • 20% off
    New
    MIXSOON Bean Cleansing Oil; Korean cosmetic MIXSOON Bean Cleansing Oil; Korean face oil cleanser
    Add to Cart

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Bean Cleansing Oil

    Discover the secret to effortlessly clean and hydrated skin with Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil! Infused with fermented bean essences like Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract and Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, this cleansing oil is packed...

    products.retail_price €21.00
    products.price_was €21.00
    products.price_now €16.80

  • 20% off
    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil; Korean face cleanser SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil; Korean skincare product
    Add to Cart

    SKIN1004

    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

    The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil is an all in one cleanser that is able to remove base makeup and color makeup like lipstick and mascara. No need for multiple cleansing. Finish off washing your face quickly and simple with this...

    products.retail_price €23.00
    products.price_was €23.00
    products.price_now €18.40

  • 20% off
    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam; Korean cosmetic SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam; Korean skincare product
    Add to Cart

    SKIN1004

    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

    SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam is a gentle cleansing foam to cleanse skin for brightness without dryness. Containing Madagascar centella and baking soda to provide a soothing yet natural cleanse, this ampoule foam cleanser delivers both...

    products.retail_price €19.00
    products.price_was €19.00
    products.price_now €15.20

  • 20% off
    Make prem Safe me. Relief moisture cleansing foam; Korean face cleanser Make prem Safe me. Relief moisture cleansing foam; K-beauty cleanser
    Add to Cart

    Make p:rem

    Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam

    Meet your new favorite gentle cleanser. Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam is a slightly acidic cleansing foam which is effectively removing makeup residue and impurities. Infused with hydrating and soothing extracts from raspberry,...

    products.retail_price €17.00
    products.price_was €17.00
    products.price_now €13.60

  • 20% off
    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil; Korean oil cleanser Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil; Korean cleanser
    Out of stock

    Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil helps remove waste from the skin through gently dissolving and emulsifying wastes. Glycine Soja oil is a base of the cleanser because it is very gentle and yet effective in removing skin dirt, sebum and makeup...

    products.retail_price €24.00
    products.price_was €24.00
    products.price_now €19.20

  • 15% off
    Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam 150g; Korean face cleanser for acne skin Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam 150g; Korean face cleanser
    Out of stock

    Heimish

    Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam 150g

    Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam is a functional foam cleanser that helps to relieve acne-prone skin. It gently removes sebum and impurities while providing a moist feeling without drying skin.The cleanser contains salicylic acid, which...

    products.retail_price €15.00
    products.price_was €15.00
    products.price_now €12.75

  • 15% off
    Mary & May Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Cleansing Foam; Korean cosmetics Mary & May Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Cleansing Foam; Korean skincare product
    Out of stock

    Mary & May

    Mary & May Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Cleansing Foam

    Mary&May Houttuynia Cordata + Tea Tree Cleansing Foam contains 40.7% Houttuynia Cordata and 6.8% Tea Tree extract, Creamy facial cleanser for pore cleasing and trouble care. The cleanser infused with 40.7% Houttuynia Cordata and 6.8% Tea Tree...

    products.retail_price €14.00
    products.price_was €14.00
    products.price_now €11.90

  • 15% off
    AXIS-Y Quinoa One-Step balanced Gel Cleanser; Korean skincare cleanser AXIS-Y Quinoa One-Step balanced Gel Cleanser; Korean skincare product
    Add to Cart

    AXIS-Y

    AXIS-Y Quinoa One-Step balanced Gel Cleanser

    Axis-Y Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser gently cleanses the skin, including makeup, whilst also providing much needed hydration. Despite being gentle, it effectively removes the environmental toxins and reinforces the skin’s natural...

    products.retail_price €20.00
    products.price_was €20.00
    products.price_now €17.00

  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

    Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser contains mung bean extract and plum water, a natural herbal ingredient, and helps remove dead skin cells and sebum. It gives the skin a fresh feel while also keeping it moist and healthy. This is a light...

    €15.00

  • 20% off
    Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm; Korean Cleanser at Skinsider Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm; Korean face Cleanser at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Pyunkang Yul

    Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm

    Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm contains plant-derived ingredients to give your face a deep and thorough cleanse. It removes all traces of makeup and impurities. Green tea seed oil is rich in vitamins and catechins is here to regulate sebum and...

    products.retail_price €17.00
    products.price_was €17.00
    products.price_now €13.60

  • Heimish

    Heimish All Clean Balm 50ml

    Heimish All Clean Balm will bring your double cleansing routine to a brand new level.   It is a solid balm that transforms into a silky oil cleanser on the skin and then turns into a milky texture while rinsing. The soft and lightweight...

    €7.50

  • Aromatica

    Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet

    Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet is a vegan-friendly unique cleanser that removes impurities and dissolves make up using only natural ingredients. It does not strip the skin from its natural moisture. The plant-derived Canola Oil and Organic...

    €26.00

  • 20% off
    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil; Korean skincare at Skinsider Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil; Korean face cleanser at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Haruharu Wonder

    HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil is a gentle, lightweight oil cleanser which will be a perfect first step in you double cleansing routine. An unscented, moisturizing and gently deep cleansing oil for every day use. A non-irritating...

    products.retail_price €22.00
    products.price_was €22.00
    products.price_now €17.60

  • 25% off
    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel; Korean skincare at Skinsider Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel; Korean face cleanser at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Haruharu Wonder

    HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel

    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel is a gently cleansing and balancing gel cleanser that uses soap-free, coconut-derived surfactants to remove dirt and oil from the skin's surface. Fermented black rice extract moisturizes and...

    products.retail_price €16.00
    products.price_was €16.00
    products.price_now €12.00

  • 20% off
    Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Foam 100ml; Korean skincare at Skinsider Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Foam texture; Korean face cleanser at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    Some By Mi

    Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Foam 100ml

    The Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam is an acne-clearing cleanser to help refine skin texture and control excessive oil. Formulated with AHA, BHA and PHA to remove dead skin cells and clear the pores, while Truecica™...

    products.retail_price €15.00
    products.price_was €15.00
    products.price_now €12.00

  • 20% off
    Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam; Korean skincare at Skinsider Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam; Korean face cleanser at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Pyunkang Yul

    Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam 100ml

    Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is perfect for all skin types including sensitive skin. It cleanses deeply the skin without stripping it from its natural oils. It gently removes dirt, impurities and makeup. Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep...

    products.retail_price €12.50
    products.price_was €12.50
    products.price_now €10.00

  • 20% off
    Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm renewed; Korean cleansing balm Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm renewed; K-beauty cleansing balm
    Out of stock

    Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

    Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is here with its renewed vegan-friendly version.  It is a cleansing balm that has a sherbert-like texture and gently melts away makeup, dirt, and excess oil without irritating or drying out skin. Powered by...

    products.retail_price €20.00
    products.price_was €20.00
    products.price_now €16.00

  • 15% off
    Heimish All Clean Green Foam pH 5.5 - 150g; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Heimish

    Heimish All Clean Green Foam pH 5.5 - 150g

    Heimish All Clean Green Foam is a low pH, gentle everyday cleanser. It is a cleansing gel that keeps skin's optimal pH balance and effectively removes impurities.  The amazing formula of the cleanser includes Centella Asiatica and witch hazel which...

    products.retail_price €12.00
    products.price_was €12.00
    products.price_now €10.20

  • Klairs

    Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

    Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil is a daily cleansing oil with a light and spreadable texture. It easily melts away makeup, excessive sebum and quickly emulsifies to leave a fresh and hydrating finish. This daily, fragrance-free oil cleanser is a...

    €25.00