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

  • 25% off
    COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask; Korean skincare product at Skinsider COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask; Korean skin product at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    COSRX

    COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask

    COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask contains natural ingredients, like propolis extract and natural beeswax to calm and nourish skin. Enriched with more than 87% of Propolis Extract and natural beeswax, this mask provides intensive hydration...

    products.retail_price €26.00
    products.price_was €26.00
    products.price_now €19.50

  • COSRX

    COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

    Formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid, COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser tackles breakouts. Tea tree oil helps fight blemishes and willow bark water and Saccharomyces ferment hydrate skin making it softer and more even. Salicylic Acid Daily...

    €13.00

  • 25% off
    COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100ml); Korean skincare at Skinsider COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100ml); Korean face exfoliator at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    COSRX

    COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100ml)

    COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains 4% of natural BHA component which gently eliminates blackheads and dead skin cells. The liquid should be treated as an essence. It effectively penetrates into the skin and cleans up clogged pores making them...

    products.retail_price €30.00
    products.price_was €30.00
    products.price_now €22.50

  • 25% off
    COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser; Korean skincare at Skinsider COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser; Korean face cleanser at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    COSRX

    COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser

    COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser is a gentle cleanser with mildly acidic ph softly removes wastes and leaves skin hydrated all day long. It will protect your skin barrier and will not strip your skin from its natural oils. It's also formulated to...

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

  • 20% off
    COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser (150ml); Korean skincare at Skinsider COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser (150ml); Korean skincare at Skinsider
    Add to Cart

    COSRX

    COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser (150ml)

    COSRX AC Calming Foam Cleanser is a perfect daily cleanser that not only combats breakouts but also heals damaged skin. The creamy foam cleanser is formulated with Cosrx's unique CentellAC-Rx Complex which optimizes the natural regeneration of the skin...

    products.retail_price €14.00
    products.price_was €14.00
    products.price_now €11.20

  • Klairs

    Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Facial Toner (180ml)

    The Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Facial Toner is a lightweight, moisturizing toner for all skin types, specifically oily and sensitive. Now, this beauty is available in a renewed and eco-friendly packaging! It is fragrance-free and made without...

    €23.00

  • URANG

    URANG S.O.S. Multi Balm (15ml)

    Urang S.O.S. Multi Balm is a multi balm which contains 95.5% organic ingredients. It has strong nourishing properties and it softens, heals and strengthens skin. Safe and gentle, even for babies, Urang Multi Balm is made of organic seed oils packed with...

    €25.00

  • Klairs

    Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist (125ml)

    Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist is a part of the fundamental line. It is a Green Tea Water based mist, formulated with rice, cucumbers, okra, and mugwort which is effective for intensive hydration and antioxidant care. With the premium formulation, the...

    €28.00

  • Klairs

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask (90ml)

    Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask is a lightweight overnight mask packed with vitamin E which is an antioxidant famous for its anti-ageing properties. It is a great solution for smoother, balanced and brighter skin. The Mask has a unique pudding-like...

    €28.00

  • 20% off
    COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner (150ml); Korean skincare at Skinsider COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner (150ml); Korean face toner at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    COSRX

    COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner (150ml)

    COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner is a daily boosting toner that will bring life to any dull skin. This non-rich, non-heavy, non-sticky essence-like toner leaves the skin light and smooth. COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner is a daily boosting toner that creates...

    products.retail_price €18.00
    products.price_was €18.00
    products.price_now €14.40

  • URANG

    URANG Pink Everlasting Ampoule (35ml)

    Urang Pink Everlasting Ampoule is here in upgraded and vegan version! This syrupy-type ampoule is addressing concerns of the ageing skin. Jina Lee, CEO of Urang, spent almost three years to develop this yet another amazing product within Urang line. The...

    €59.00

  • COSRX

    COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule (40ml)

    COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule provides pure hydration without any irritation. A lightweight, fast-absorbing ampoule delivers immediate, pure hydration even for angry, red acne skin. B5 which is known as panthenol is the key ingredient of...

    €23.00

  • COSRX

    COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

    COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream was created to provide cooling relief for heated angry skin. It is a gelly, cooling, non-oily gel-cream moisturizer that immerses skin in hydration. B5 which is known as panthenol is the key ingredient of...

    €23.00

  • Benton

    Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack

    Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack offers multiple benefits. It helps to achieve a more even and brighter skin tone and tackles wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, the mask provides pore care and deep hydration. This sheet mask is made of pure...

    €2.70

  • 25% off
    Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser
    Out of stock

    Sioris

    Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser

    Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser is a low pH, 100% natural cleanser. It is formulated by fresh and organic ingredients. It's hero ingredient, organic green plum water is full of nutrients and minerals to rejuvenate the skin. In addition, macadamia...

    products.retail_price €22.50
    products.price_was €22.50
    products.price_now €16.88

  • 20% off
    Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (150ml); Korean skincare at Skinsider Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (150ml); Korean skincare product at Skinsider
    Out of stock

    Some By Mi

    Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (150ml)

    Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is infused with AHA, BHA and PHA. This toner works as an effective exfoliator and leaves the skin cleaner and more radiant than before. Low pH toner suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. AHA...

    products.retail_price €17.50
    products.price_was €17.50
    products.price_now €14.00

  • Klairs

    Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum (80ml)

    Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum is a gentle serum with a concentrated yet light texture formula which is made of rich, hydrating ingredients. Therefore, by replenishing your skin's moisture levels, your skin will glow and look smoother and...

    €24.00

  • URANG

    URANG Brightening Blue Oil Serum (30ml)

    Urang Brightening Blue Oil Serum will be your favourite formula to eliminate spots and pigmentation. It contains only four ingredients. This is your go-to product if you want to eliminate spots caused by the sun, hormones or acne scarring. It...

    €53.00