The Easy Guide to Determining Your Skin Type (and the Best Routine for Your Skin)

Caring for your skin begins with knowing your skin.

Just as a medical check-up reveals what you should eat more of and what you should cut from your diet to maintain a healthy body, identifying your skin type will help you craft a skincare routine that works best for you.

We’ve all seen products labeled “for dry skin” or “suitable for sensitive skin” but what do these phrases really mean?

How do you know – for sure – which skin type you have?

How to Figure Out Your Skin Type

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Leave skin bare - no serums, moisturizers, nothing. After 30 minutes, check for oil with a blotting sheet. Gently press the sheet all over your face and hold it up to the light to see how much oil is absorbed. You can also look in the mirror and give yourself a big smile to see how your skin feels.

If your skin feels tight and the sheet picked up little to no oil, you most likely have dry skin.

If there is shine on your skin and the sheet picked up lots of oil, you most likely have oily skin.

If there is oil on your T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin) but not on other areas, you mostly likely have combination skin.

If your skin feels comfy and the sheet picked up just a hint of oil, you most likely have normal skin.


Dry Skin

This is when your skin produces less oil than normal.

You Might Experience:

  • Tight, dull, and rough skin
  • Noticeable flaking
  • Irritation and itching
  • Loss of elasticity - leading to more visible lines

Your Nourishing Skincare Routine

When you have dry skin, you want to make sure your skin is fed plenty of moisture with a heavier cream to seal everything in.

In the AM

Cleanse with So Fresh if needed
If skin doesn’t feel oily when you wake up, simply rinse your face with water - no cleanser needed.

Spot treat with Lighten Up (for red post-acne scars) and Dark Mark Defense (for brown post-acne scars) if needed

Moisturize with Matte Hydrator
The hyaluronic acid in it holds onto water and keeps skin hydrated.

Double moisturize with Protective Moisturizer
This strengthens your skin barrier and seals in moisture.

Protect with your favorite non-comedogenic sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 35+ and a PA+++ rating.

In the PM

Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser

Cleanse with So Fresh

Spot treat with Lighten Up (for red post-acne scars) and Dark Mark Defense (for brown post-acne scars) if needed

Clear clogged pores with Clear Out if needed

Moisturize with Matte Hydrator
The hyaluronic acid in it holds onto water and keeps skin hydrated.

Double moisturize with Protective Moisturizer
This strengthens your skin barrier and seals in moisture.

 

Do you have dry or dehydrated skin?
Yes, there’s a difference! Dry skin is when your skin has too little oil and dehydrated skin is when there’s a lack of water.

This means you can have dehydrated skin even if you have oily skin. Quench thirsty skin by using a product with hyaluronic acid – such as the Matte Hydrator.

Oily Skin

This is when your skin produces more oil than you need, often leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

You Might Experience:

  • Shiny, greasy skin – especially in the T-zone
  • Enlarged pores
  • Clogged pores – leading to acne

Your Pore-purging Skincare Routine

Excess oil on skin often causes clogged pores which lead to acne. You’ll want to be extra careful and choose non-comedogenic products that won’t block pores. You can also benefit from products that are tough on sebum - such as salicylic acid.

In the AM

Cleanse with Balancing Cleanser
It’s formulated with both glycolic acid and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate skin.

Spot treat with Lighten Up (for red post-acne scars) and Matte Hydrator
This oil-free moisturizer nourishes skin without adding any shine.

Protect with your favorite non-comedogenic sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 35+ and a PA+++ rating.

In the PM

Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser

Cleanse with Balancing Cleanser
Once a week, leave the Balancing Cleanser on for 30 minutes for a gentle peel.

Remove stubborn oil with Clarifying Toner
If your skin feels extra oily, soak a soft cotton pad with the Clarifying Toner and swipe it gently across your face. The witch-hazel in the toner is a natural astringent that helps tighten pores and remove excess oil.

Spot treat with Lighten Up (for red post-acne scars) and Dark Mark Defense (for brown post-acne scars)

Clear clogged pores with Clear Out

Moisturize with Matte Hydrator
This oil-free moisturizer nourishes skin without adding any shine.


Combination Skin

As the name suggests, this is when you have a combo of oily and dry skin.

You Might Experience:

  • Dryness on the cheeks
  • Oily and shiny skin in the T-zone

Your Balancing Skincare Routine

Look for products formulated for all skin types and where possible, use different products for the different areas of your face. For example, you can cleanse oily areas with the Balancing Cleanser and wash the dryer areas with So Fresh. Dryer areas may also benefit from an extra layer of the Protective Moisturizer after you apply the Matte Hydrator.


Normal Skin

This is when your skin is well-balanced, being not too dry and not too oily.

You Might Experience:

  • Minimal skin concerns and sensitivity
  • Smooth texture
  • Few or no blemishes and breakouts
  • Barely visible pores

Your Healthy Skincare Routine

When you have normal skin, you might find you have very little skin concerns. Still, it’s important to be diligent with your routine to keep skin healthy and happy for the many years to come.

In the AM

Cleanse with So Fresh

Moisturize with Protective Moisturizer

Protect with your favorite non-comedogenic sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 35+ and a PA+++ rating.

In the PM

Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser

Cleanse with So Fresh

Moisturize with Protective Moisturizer


Sensitive Skin

Unlike the previous skin types, sensitive skin cannot be determined by the wash and blot test. But you probably are aware of whether you have sensitive skin from how it reacts to certain products. While normal skin types might have no reaction, sensitive skin types often show a negative reaction to irritants.

You Might Experience:

  • Visible redness
  • Dry and flaky skin
  • Irritation and itching
  • Stinging and burning
  • Feelings of tightness and discomfort

Your Gentle and Kind Skincare Routine

With sensitive skin, you want to be careful when using any new product. Introduce one new formula at a time to identify which ingredients irritate your skin and always do a patch test (such as on your inner forearm and behind your ear) before applying anything on your face. You’ll also want to choose gentle products that are formulated without fragrance and harsh chemicals. Try this:

In the AM

Cleanse with So Fresh

Spot treat with Lighten Up (for red post-acne scars) and Dark Mark Defense (for brown post-acne scars) if needed

Moisturize with Protective Moisturizer

Protect with your favorite non-comedogenic sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 35+ and a PA+++ rating.

In the PM

Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser

Cleanse with So Fresh

Spot treat with Lighten Up (for red post-acne scars) and Dark Mark Defense (for brown post-acne scars) if needed

Clear clogged pores with Clear Out if needed
Slowly introduce your skin to Clear Out by applying it on alternate evenings. When skin feels ready and no irritation occurs, you can start applying it every evening.

Moisturize with Protective Moisturizer

Keep in mind that your skin type can change over time depending on the seasons, your hormones, your age, and more. Check in with your skin once in a while – just as you would with your body.


Still unsure what your skin type is? We can help you figure it out and build a personalized skincare routine to help you reach your skin goals!

Get in touch with us on Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics).

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.

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See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

Based on 495 reviews
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So glad to have found these products!

Finding products that helped to control my acne without irritating my sensitive skin has always been a huge challenge. The clearly basics products have been my saviour, I can't recommend them enough ☺️

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Extra Strength Duo
Briannon Argueta
Skin Type: Combination
Comments: It's worth it. Just try it and stick with it =)
Definitely seeing improvements

I've struggled with acne for the last few years. I've tried many different topical things to clear it but nothing was working. I decided to try Clearly Basics and have definitely seen improvements! I've been using this combo for about 2 months and am loving the results so far. Obviously, my face isn't perfect yet but it's a marathon, not a sprint, and I understand that. Here's to consistency and better results as I continue my journey! I've attached some before and after pictures, all with a makeup-free face so you can see my honest progress.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent and actually works

I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

I’m in my 50’s and always had hormonal flare ups with larger pores as I age - this is a game changer and have just reordered my 3rd bottle !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

C
Power Duo*
Chuan Ling T.

Adult acne is a new thing for me- I’ve had clear skin growing up so the outbreaks were very stressful! I did everything and anything I could, from watching YouTube reviews, trying out cult products to professional advice, but nothing quite did the job. So how the power duo panned out for me was definitely a pleasant (-ly hugeeee) surprise. I do acknowledge that my acne challenges are not on the extremely severe end, but I must say, emotionally the positive outcome of using both the power duo encouraged me to wear my skin as it is again. It’s really worthwhile trying as it is also a no fuss duo; hence the currently gild of my staple skincare products.

I saw a huge reduction in new pimples and any new pimples scars healed and disappeared a lot quicker

A
Power Duo*
Anne F.

I have struggled with acne since I was 12 years old. All through my teenage and adult life my skin has been unpredictable and the breakouts have been constant and so frustrating. I’ve tried everything you could imagine but nothing worked reliably. Clear Out and lighten up have been a total game changer for me and I couldn’t be happier with the results

M
Power Duo*
Mamtha J.

Tried every product out there from proactiv to slurp! None worked, they infact aggravated the condition! Tried clearlybasics as last resort and oh boy it works! Worth every penny! First time in 20 years, stepped out without wearing base makeup! Never thought this day would come!

L
Power Duo*
Laura S.

This stuff changed my life!!!!
After reading the reviews I never thought it would work for me in the same way as it had for other people, as my skin was so bad and cystic. But after just a few months of using this and cutting down on dairy, my skin was 10 times better!
I’m still religiously using the Power Duo and don’t think I’ll ever stop 😊

I am 32 years old and still suffering from acne. I tried many things, but acne will dissappear and come back. Now I am using this product and my skin is getting better. Still I get some acne, but hopefully it clear all. But I am not sure how long I should use this product ?

Ive been using clear out for about 3 months and I have noticed a big change. Breakouts are minimal and my skin is looking and feeling much clearer. Im just about to start the clear out extra strength to try and clean out the remaining stubborn cystic bumps. Id like the pigmentation and scars to fade quicker, but Im sure they will in time. Overall Im happy with the product and can notice the change when comparing photos.

E
Power Duo
Emma Taylor

I love clearly basics so much!! My skin has cleared up amazingly, check out @myacnepage on insta or clearly basics website to see how far my skin has come while using their products. I love the power duo especially and recommend to anyone who has been struggling with acne or redness/hyperpigmentation and scarring

A
Power Duo
Amy Nuramira

"""I have been struggling with acne for 10 years. This is by far the best product. I started out with brown pigmentation (acne marks) and a lot of tiny bumps of acne on my forehead, cheek and nose (kind of like sand paper). As soon as I started the Clear Out and Lighten Up, my acne bumps got smaller and smaller. My brown pigmentation began turning lighter (reddish pinkish).
⠀⠀
Initially, when I started using it, I didn't really get a 'purge' it was just a small amount of break outs which went away in a few weeks. Now my hormonal break outs are not as terrible as before, they still appear but barely noticeable.
⠀⠀
My skin is acne free, pigmentation are still there but they've improved tremendously. The Clear Out does not dry out your skin at all, even when I apply makeup on, it's not patchy."""

Started using the Power Duo approximately 2-3 months ago, the creams have really helped to improve my skin quality, it feels so much smoother. I still have pigmentation which I will be starting to use the Dark Mark Defense for. But overall VERY happy with the Power Duo

M
Power Duo
Megan Downes

"Amazing!!

Never have I found a brand that is so gentle on my skin but works wonders.

The lighten up is the best thing for redness, the difference in just one day on my pictures below.

Can't recommend enough, especially for hormonal acne.

Thank you Clearly"

L
Power Duo
Louisa Bohm

Before I started using Clearly Basics, I was using normal pharmacy products and this obviously wasn’t enough. I was having a lot of breakouts and cysts underneath the skin. I found Clearly through a giveaway which I participated and won, and I’m so glad it gave me the opportunity to try their products. 2 months in, I was amazed how powerful the products are, especially the Power Duo, and I absolutely love them. My skin has changed so much, it heals much faster now. I definitely recommend trying.

C
Power Duo
Celeste Robinson

This company is honestly incredible! I have been struggling with really painful hormonal cystic acne for years. I was prescribed oral medication, but decided against taking it because of all the side effects. So I did some research and found Clearly Basics! I have been using the Power Duo for 3 months and the progress my skin has made has been amazing! It has cleared my skin without causing any irritation or sensitivity. I am finally at the stage where I can leave the house without makeup! My skin is clear!! The customer service is also very personal and efficient. I don’t have enough wonderful things to say about these products, they literally saved my skin.

Really lovely product range! The power duo is the first thing, after 6 years of searching, that has helped my hormonal acne. I've tried antibiotics, differin, epiduo and everything range going but my skin got burnt, the acne came back or just didn't work. Clealry have the balance just right of clearing out your pores to prevent acne and calm pigmentation without irritating the skin. Absolutely amazing stuff that has transformed my skin!

G
Power Duo
Ghina Arbid

I've had acne since I was in high school. It was coming and going, but I never got rid of it completely. Last year, I had a few months without acne at all and I thought "Okay, great. This is it." But then it started coming back. So I went to see a doctor and they gave me some prescriptions. They didn't work. I saw an ad for Clearly Basics on social media once, and I was like, "This is great! But do I trust online products like this?" And guess what? I'm back here and I trust them completely because I've seen results. I started using Clearly almost 3 months ago, had a purging period where everything was just coming out. Now I'm in my third month, and I really like the results so far. My skin has cleared up, and there aren't any large bumps underneath my skin anymore. And it's just great, honestly. I didn't expect a product I bought online to be this helpful and useful. I wouldn't go anywhere else anymore after this.

M
Extra Strength Duo
Melissa Aldana

I love what the Sensitive Skin Trio (Clear Out + Lighten Up + Protective Moisturizer) has done for my skin! I had tried so many things before trying these products out and my skin was at its worst and peeling horribly, but I noticed a difference within the first week of using these products. The So Fresh cleanser is so refreshing and it has worked so well without stripping my skin. And with the Dark Mark Defense, my dark marks have faded greatly in comparison to when I first started using it. Since starting Clearly, I have upgraded to the Clear Out Extra Strength and even with the stronger formulation, I don’t experience any sensitivity and my skin has never looked or felt better! My skin is not dull or dry, and even has a glow, and the texture of my skin has also improved significantly

C
Power Duo
Chelsey Hendriksen

"I have been using Clearly for about 5 weeks and I am blown away by results. I have no large lumps, which is awesome because they were super painful. My skin is smooth and soft and everyday I see my red scars fading. I had tried so many things from drug store brands to high end products for my cystic acne and nothing worked.
After months of struggling and literally hating my skin I can not believe how amazon it looks"

N
Extra Strength Duo
Nicole Long

I have always struggled with acne ever since I was a teenager. Constant breakouts, constant red marks, fading into acne scars that I still probably have today. I found Clearly through social media and I was really taken in by their testimonials, so I took the leap. I started with the Clear Out + Lighten Up (Power Duo), and I really was able to see that any breakouts I was having would go away faster than I've ever seen and the Lighten Up would get rid of those red marks very quickly. Eventually I moved into the Clear Out Extra Strength and I was able to really feel like I was clearing out my clogged pores and really resetting my skin. I also added the Dark Mark Defense to really target those dark marks, acne scars that I've had since I was a teenager, and I was able to see the difference within the first month, which was really exciting for me to really target those spots that have been bothering me for years!

B
Power Duo
Brittany Shanae

"I swear the Power Duo (Clear Out and Lighten Up) are a GOD-send! I've been using both consistently for 3 months now and my skin has NEVER looked or felt better! I haven't experienced a breakout since March and more than 80% of my hyperpigmentation is GONE!

I'm so grateful to have finally found a product that actually works for my skin!

If you're dealing with acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation, you should def research Clearly Basics."

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

Individual results may vary

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