Ever feel like your skincare routine is a bit of a guessing game? You’re not alone. The key to glowing, healthy skin starts with one thing: knowing your skin type. When you understand what your skin actually needs, choosing the right products becomes a breeze — no more wasting money on trendy serums that just don’t work for you.
At Banila Co, we believe skincare should feel effortless, not overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you figure out your skin type and build a routine that actually works for you — starting with this easy-to-follow guide.
We’ll break down the five skin types, how to tell which one you have, and what your skin is secretly begging you to do (or stop doing). Let’s dive in.
In This Article:
- What Are the 5 Skin Types?
- What Is Normal Skin? Signs & Skincare Tips
- Dry Skin Type: What to Expect & How to Care for It
- Oily Skin Type: Why It Happens & Best Skincare Routine
- Combination Skin: What It Is & How to Balance It
- Sensitive Skin: How to Tell & What to Avoid
- How to Figure Out Your Skin Type at Home
- Final Thoughts on Finding Your Skin Type
What Are the 5 Skin Types?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) identifies five main skin types — and understanding yours is the first step to building a routine that actually works.
- Normal – Balanced, not too oily or dry. Think of it as skin that minds its own business.
- Dry – Tight, flaky, or rough skin that craves moisture.
- Oily – Shiny and breakout-prone, especially in the T-zone.
- Combination – Oily in some areas (usually the T-zone), dry or normal in others.
- Sensitive – Reacts easily to products, weather, or even stress. Can overlap with any of the above.
Each type has its own set of needs and pet peeves, so let’s take a closer look.
What Is Normal Skin? Signs & Skincare Tips
How It Feels
Your skin feels soft, even, and not too oily or dry. You rarely break out, and products usually don’t irritate you.
What It Needs
Keep it simple and consistent. Maintain balance with hydrating cleansers and antioxidant-rich products.
What to Avoid
- Getting complacent — even balanced skin needs care!
- Using harsh ingredients just because you can
Try From Banila Co:
- Clean It Zero Original Foam Cleanser – perfect for everyday cleansing and keeping your skin feeling fresh and balanced
- Dear Hydration Skin Softening Toner – gives skin a hydration boost post-cleanse and preps it beautifully for the next steps
Dry Skin Type: What to Expect & How to Care for It
How It Feels
Dry skin often feels tight, especially after cleansing. It may look dull or rough, and flaking can be an everyday issue.
What It Needs
Hydration, nourishment, and gentle care. Dry skin benefits most from creamy cleansers, rich moisturizers, and barrier-repairing ingredients like Ceramides and Fatty Acids.
What to Avoid
- Harsh exfoliants and foaming cleansers
- Alcohol-heavy toners
- Skipping moisturizer
Try From Banila Co:
- Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing – removes makeup without stripping natural oils
- Miss Flower & Mr Honey Cream – ultra-rich and packed with hydrating goodies
Oily Skin Type: Why It Happens & Best Skincare Routine
How It Feels
Your face gets shiny quickly, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin. You might deal with frequent breakouts or enlarged pores.
What It Needs
Balance. Look for lightweight hydration and ingredients that regulate oil production without over-drying, like Niacinamide, Green Tea Extract, and Betaine Salicylate.
What to Avoid
- Over-washing or using stripping cleansers (this makes skin produce even more oil!)
- Heavy creams or oils that can clog pores
Try From Banila Co:
- Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Pore Clarifying – removes excess oil and makeup without disrupting your skin
- Clean It Zero Green Peel Toner Pad – infused with LHA, Tea Tree Extract, and soothing botanicals to gently exfoliate and calm
Combination Skin: What It Is & How to Balance It
How It Feels
A mix of dry and oily. Usually oily in the T-zone and drier on the cheeks. It can feel confusing to care for.
What It Needs
Balance and targeted care. Gel-textured products and lightweight layers work great. Focus on gentle hydration and don’t be afraid to treat different areas with different products.
What to Avoid
- Using products meant for just oily or just dry skin across your entire face
- Skipping moisturizer because of oily areas
Try From Banila Co:
- Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original – gentle, hydrating, and works well for both dry and oily zones
- Miss Flower & Mr Honey Propolis Rejuvenating Ampoule – nourishing without being greasy
Sensitive Skin: How to Tell & What to Avoid
How It Feels
Your skin reacts easily to new products, weather changes, or even stress. Redness, itching, or stinging are common.
What It Needs
Calm and consistency. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and gentle formulations are your best friends. Look for soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Panthenol, and Madecassoside.
What to Avoid
- Fragrance, essential oils, and alcohol
- Constantly switching products or over-exfoliating
Try From Banila Co:
- Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm – fragrance-free and ultra-gentle
- Overnight Soothing Cica Sleep Mask – with 76% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and Panthenol, calms, moisturizes tired skin overnight
How to Figure Out Your Skin Type at Home
If you're still scratching your head wondering “Okay, but what is my skin type?” — don’t worry. You don’t need a fancy skin scanner or a dermatologist on speed dial to figure it out.
Here’s a super simple at-home test you can try:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat it dry and leave it completely bare — no toner, no moisturizer, nothing.
- Wait for about an hour.
- Take a good look (and feel) at your skin:
No noticeable dryness or oiliness? Lucky you — that sounds like normal skin.
Tight, flaky, or rough? You likely have dry skin.
Shiny all over? That’s a classic sign of oily skin.
Shiny in the T-zone but dry or normal on the cheeks? You’ve got combination skin.
Redness, itchiness, stinging, or burning? You’re probably dealing with sensitive skin.
You can also grab a piece of tissue or blotting paper and gently press it around your face — especially your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Oily areas will leave translucent spots behind, helping you pinpoint where your skin’s producing more oil.
Still unsure? No stress. Your skin can also change over time due to weather, hormones, or skincare habits — so it's totally normal to feel in-between.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type helps you build a skincare routine that actually works — no more guesswork, no more wasted products. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or something in between, Banila Co has something to support and balance it beautifully.
Ready to build your perfect routine? Explore Banila Co’s korean skincare essentials and find the perfect match for your skin type.
