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

  • 30% off
    Real Barrier Aqua Soothing Ampoule 30ml; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Real Barrier

    Real Barrier Aqua Soothing Ampoule 30ml

    Real Barrier Aqua Soothing Ampoule is a unique, oil-free formulation perfect for those who have skin that produces excess oil, but lacks moisture. It is containing 5 different forms of Hyaluronic Acids ( Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans,...

    products.retail_price €22.00
    products.price_was €22.00
    products.price_now €15.40

  • 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

  • 20% off
    Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Gel; Korean skincare at Skinsider Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Gel; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Benton

    Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Gel

    Benton Goodbye Redness Centella Gel was designed for sensitive skin that suffers from unwanted redness. With a non-sticky texture, the formula absorbs into the skin quickly. It gives a natural finish and makes skin feel soothed and comforted. Benton...

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

  • 20% off
    Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Benton

    Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

    Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream will hydrate, soothe, and improve the skin's texture. It is infused with K-Beauty's best-kept beauty secret, Snail Filtrate Secretion, and a cocktail of Bee Venom, EGF and Hyaluronic Acid. Snail Filtrate...

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

  • MISSHA

    Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence

    Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence is a multi-tasking essence that provides moisturizing, hydrating, brightening, soothing and balancing properties. Artemisia provides total care is for sensitive skin that needs soothing. The brand used...

    €28.00

  • 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

  • 20% off
    Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner; Korean skin toner at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    Isntree

    Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

      Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner contains organic green tea from clean Jeju island that is rich in vitamin, catechin, and tannin.   It is perfect to calm the skin. This toner's anti-oxidizing qualities not only soothes but also revitalizes...

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

  • 20% off
    COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence; Korean skincare at Skinsider COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    COSRX

    COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence

    COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence provides elasticity and radiance to your skin. This essence maximizes skin elasticity with COSRX's Snail Complex ingredients. Snail Secretion Filtrate & Niacinamide(Triple Snail Complex 74.3% / Niacinamide...

    products.retail_price €30.00
    products.price_was €30.00
    products.price_now €24.00

  • COSRX

    COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum

    COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum is a soothing, calming, strengthening, protecting serum. With 7 cica ingredients that help calm sensitive skin, this serum provides concentrated care for irritated skin. This is a plant-based serum that consists of highly...

    €23.00

  • By Wishtrend

    By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch

    By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch is a hydrocolloid acne patch that protects the skin against dirty water, dust, and physical contact. Hydrocolloid is a key ingredient. It pampers acne and blisters and prevents scars from infection. The thin,...

    €10.00

  • 20% off
    Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel; Korean skincare at Skinsider Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel; Korean face exfoliator at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Pyunkang Yul

    Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel

    Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel will give you a smoother skin with zero irritation. This gentle exfoliator will tackle flaky skin and without irritating the skin. It will manage excessive oil production and frequent blemishes. Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel is...

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

  • 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

  • 20% off
    Isntree Chestnut Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence; Korean skincare at Skinsider Isntree Chestnut Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    Isntree

    Isntree Chestnut Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence

    Introducing the upgraded version of Isntree Chestnut Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence! Experience the ultimate solution for a clearer, smoother, and brighter complexion with the power of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and Castanea crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract...

    products.retail_price €16.00
    products.price_was €16.00
    products.price_now €12.80

  • Isntree

    Isntree Spot Saver Mugwort Gauze Mask

    Isntree Spot Saver Mugwort Gauze Mask offers a soothing, calming solution to irritated and sensitive skin. It is a great solution to tackle acne & blemishes, dryness, sensitivity & irritation. This sheet mask was designed to soothe skin, balance...

    €3.00

  • 20% off
    Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask; Korean skincare at Skinsider Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask; Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    Isntree

    Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask

    Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask is a wash-off mask that contains six types of clays including kaolin and bentonite to effectively absorb sebum. This moisturising non-drying Instree wash-off clay mask is a great solution for congested, oily, large pores...

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

  • iUNIK

    iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

    iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is a perfect solution for dull and dehydrated skin which requires soothing. This cleanser is using only 6 natural plant ingredients for healthy skin! This cleanser will allow your skin achieve oil-water balance and...

    €17.00

  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum

    Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum is enriched with naturally-derived calming & moisturizing ingredients. It contains 76.49% green tea leaf water and 2% Panthenol. The lightweight serum enriched with traditional Korean herbal medicine ingredients...

    €16.00

  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

    Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is here to provide you with glowing, radiant honey skin even for acne-prone skin. A honey-like serum is enriched with Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients which fight acne and reduce pores. Beauty of...

    €16.00

  • Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum

    Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum is a renewed version of the repair serum. It is here to restore your complexion with its luxurious, silky texture enriched with traditional Korean herbal ingredients ('hanbang'). A light-weight, but nourishing serum...

    €16.00

  • Neogen

    Neogen Real Vita C Serum

    Neogen Real Vita C Serum is enriched with 22% of Vitamin C Complex which contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (10%), Ferulic acid (100ppm), Ascorbic acid (100ppm) and tocopheryl acetate (10pm). It helps to brighten and firm the appearance of skin for...

    €24.00