QUIZ
Answer 5 questions to identify your skin type and get a personalized skincare strategy.
What Is Skin Type: Why Accurate Classification Matters
Skin type is determined by the combination of sebum output, water retention capacity, and skin barrier function. Baumann’s (2006) skin type classification system defines 16 subtypes formed by the intersection of these three parameters — far beyond the simplified four-category model.
Getting your skin type wrong leads to real problems. Treating combination skin as oily — using aggressive degreasing products — triggers rebound sebum in the T-zone while dehydrating the cheeks at the same time.
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The Science Behind the 4 Basic Skin Types
| Skin Type | Sebum Output | Water Retention | Barrier Function | Hallmarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Low | Low | Weak | Tightness, flaking, fine lines |
| Oily | High | Normal+ | Strong | Shine, enlarged pores, breakouts |
| Combination | High (T-zone) / Low (cheeks) | Zone-dependent | Zone-dependent | T-zone shine + cheek dryness |
| Sensitive | Variable | Low | Very weak | Redness, itch, stinging, reactivity |
Dry vs. Dehydrated: The Most Common Confusion
Dry skin is a skin type with chronically low sebum production. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition of insufficient water content. Oily skin can become dehydrated. Feeling tight after cleansing alone is not sufficient evidence of dry skin type.
Before You Take the Quiz
For the most accurate result, take the quiz under these conditions:
- 1–2 hours after cleansing — no skincare products applied
- Avoid extreme temperatures — don’t test right after heavy heating or AC
- Skip the test 1 week around menstruation (for those who menstruate) — hormones significantly alter sebum output
- Normal indoor environment — moderate humidity and temperature
Youn et al. (2005) found that sebum secretion can vary by up to 37% depending on season, time of day, and ambient temperature. Standardizing test conditions matters.
Routine Strategy by Skin Type
Dry Skin
- Cleanser: Cream or milk formula, lukewarm water
- Hydration: Ceramide + multi-weight hyaluronic acid layering
- Moisturizer: Rich cream with ceramides and squalane
- SPF: Cream-type preferred
Oily Skin
- Cleanser: Foaming cleanser; BHA cleanser twice weekly
- Sebum control: Niacinamide 4–5%, zinc-containing products
- Moisturizer: Oil-free hydration gel
- SPF: Hydrating gel-type SPF
Combination Skin
- Treat T-zone and cheeks with different products
- Toner pads: BHA on T-zone, hyaluronic acid toner on cheeks
- Moisturizer: Gel (T-zone) + cream (cheeks) separately
Sensitive Skin
- Minimize ingredients: 5-or-fewer-ingredient cleanser first
- Barrier support: Ceramides + panthenol + madecassoside
- New products: 48-hour patch test behind ear before full use
FAQ
Q. Does skin type change over time? Yes. It’s common for oily skin in your 20s to shift to combination in your 30s and dry in your 40s. Pregnancy, menopause, seasonal changes, and environmental factors all alter skin type. Reassess every 6 months.
Q. Is sensitive a skin type or a condition? Both. There is structural sensitivity — a genetically weak barrier — and acquired sensitivity caused by over-exfoliation, UV damage, or a disrupted routine. The quiz detects both.
Q. My result shows combination. How do I build a routine? Combination is the most common skin type (approximately 40–50% of Korean women). The key is to manage the T-zone and cheeks with different products. Use the Routine Builder to design a zone-specific routine.
Key Takeaways
- Skin type is determined by the intersection of sebum output, water retention, and barrier function
- Dry (type) and dehydrated (condition) are different — even oily skin can be dehydrated
- Test 1–2 hours after cleansing, with no products applied, for accurate results
- Skin type changes with age, hormones, and season — reassess every 6 months
- Combination skin requires separate product strategies for T-zone vs. cheeks