Free 60-Second Quiz

What's your skin type?

Answer 7 quick questions about how your skin behaves and we'll tell you whether you're dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive — plus what your routine should focus on.

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What defines your skin
    What your routine should focus on
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      A skin type is a starting point. DermLens AI reads your actual skin from a selfie and builds a personalised AM/PM routine — clinical Skin Score, biological Skin Age, and product recommendations in 60 seconds.

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      The 5 skin types, explained

      Your skin type describes how your skin behaves by default — specifically how much oil (sebum) it produces and how reactive it is. Knowing your type is the foundation of an effective routine: it determines which cleanser won't strip you, which moisturiser won't leave you greasy, and which actives your skin can tolerate. The most reliable way to identify your type is to watch how your skin feels a few hours after cleansing, before you apply anything.

      Normal skin

      Balanced skin that's neither noticeably oily nor dry. Pores are small to medium, breakouts are infrequent, and the skin tolerates most products well. Normal skin still needs sun protection and hydration to stay that way.

      Tells: comfortable after cleansing, even tone, rarely reactive, low maintenance.

      Dry skin

      Skin that produces less oil than it needs, so it can feel tight, rough, or flaky — especially after cleansing or in cold weather. Dry skin benefits from gentle, non-stripping cleansers and richer moisturisers, and pairs well with hyaluronic acid to hold water in. Note that dry (a type) is different from dehydrated (a temporary lack of water that any type can have).

      Tells: tight or flaky after washing, small pores, dullness, sensitivity to harsh actives.

      Oily skin

      Skin that overproduces sebum, looking shiny across the face — particularly the forehead, nose, and chin. Pores are often visible and breakouts more common. Oily skin does best with lightweight, non-comedogenic products and ingredients like niacinamide that help regulate oil. It still needs moisturiser — skipping it can make oiliness worse.

      Tells: shiny by midday, enlarged pores, frequent breakouts, makeup slides off.

      Combination skin

      The most common type — an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal-to-dry cheeks. The challenge is treating two areas with different needs, which often means lighter products on the T-zone and richer ones on the cheeks. Getting your routine order right matters most for this type.

      Tells: shiny T-zone but dry or normal cheeks, mixed pore sizes, breakouts mostly on the nose and forehead.

      Sensitive skin

      Skin that reacts easily — with redness, stinging, burning, or itching — to products, weather, or friction. Sensitivity can overlay any of the other four types. The priority is protecting and repairing the skin barrier, using fragrance-free formulas, and introducing actives slowly. Learning to read ingredient labels is especially valuable here.

      Tells: frequent redness or stinging, reacts to new products, flares in heat/cold, easily irritated.

      Skin type FAQs

      How do I know what my skin type is?

      The most reliable method is to cleanse your face, apply nothing, and observe it a few hours later. Tight or flaky means dry; shiny all over means oily; shiny only in the T-zone means combination; comfortable and balanced means normal; and stinging or redness points to sensitive skin. The quiz above walks you through the same logic in 60 seconds.

      Can your skin type change over time?

      Yes. Skin type is partly genetic but shifts with age, hormones, climate, and the products you use. Skin usually gets drier with age as oil production slows, and can turn temporarily sensitive after over-exfoliation. Re-check your type once or twice a year, or whenever your skin starts behaving differently.

      What's the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

      Dry skin is a type — it lacks oil and is usually long-term. Dehydrated skin is a condition — it lacks water and can affect any type, including oily skin. Dehydrated oily skin can look shiny yet feel tight. Dry skin needs richer, oil-based moisturisers; dehydration needs water-binding humectants like hyaluronic acid.

      Is this quiz a substitute for a dermatologist?

      No — it's an educational starting point. For a far more precise read, DermLens AI analyses your actual skin from a selfie across five clinical metrics and builds a personalised routine. For medical skin concerns, always consult a qualified dermatologist.