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Here’s How To Determine Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is essential for achieving healthy and luminous skin. Here are some simple steps to find out your skin type.

In our quest for youthful and fresh-looking skin, we often splurge on the trendiest skincare products available on the market. But do you wonder why you are not getting the dramatic results that these products claim to deliver? The “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t apply to skincare. Since we all have different skin types, we must opt for products or treatments designed specifically for our skin type. But how do we determine our skin type?

How to find out your skin type?

Everyone’s skin is unique. Here’s how you can evaluate your skin at home to determine your skin type:

The Bare-Faced Method

You can easily determine your skin type by carefully studying your bare skin. Just follow these simple steps:

  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. 
  • Gently pat dry your face, and don’t apply any skincare products.
  • Observe your face after 30 minutes.
  • Excessive shine and greasiness indicate oily skin, whereas; tightness and flakiness are characteristic of dry skin. You likely have combination skin if it has both oily and dry patches. Irritation indicates sensitivity.  

What are the different skin types?


Observe your face in the mirror. If your skin appears greasy and shiny skin; especially in the T-zone, you have an oily skin type. People with oily skin types would also have visibly large, clogged pores, thus more prone to acne due to overproduction of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. However, there is a big advantage for people with oily skin types. Oily skin ages more gracefully than dry skin because the oils keep the skin supple, which makes it less likely for wrinkles to develop. If you have this skin type, you must avoid heavy creams and opt for light, water-based skin care products. 

Recommended treatment: Chemical peels are an excellent option for those with oily skin as they unclog your large pores and reduce excessive sebum production. If you are struggling with open pores and breakouts, you must try VI Peel at Biolite.


Combination skin is more tricky to navigate as you have to deal with conflicting concerns simultaneously. Some parts of your face feel greasy, look shiny and prone to breakouts, while others may feel dry and taut. Your T-zone, particularly your forehead, nose and chin, may have one type of skin—possibly oily—while the rest of your face may have a different skin type, usually flaky or dry. Medium pores, an even and smooth texture, good blood flow and a healthy color are all characteristics of this skin type. If you have a combination skin type, you must stick to light, water-based products. Incorporate salicylic acid-based products into your skincare routines to keep the breakouts at bay.

Recommended treatment: Exfoliation is crucial for dry skin as it helps slough off the dry, dead skin and unclogs your pores. Therefore, you must try dermaplaning as it exfoliates your skin and keeps it hydrated and radiant. 


If your skin feels tight and stretched all year round, you might have a dry skin type. Lack of shine and greasiness is another indicator of dry skin. You will be more prone to fine lines, flaking and red patches if you have dry skin. If you have dry skin, avoid harsh products containing salicylic acid, tea-tree oil or alcohol. Instead, reach out for gentle, intensely hydrating products.

Recommended treatment: HydraFacial is one of the best treatments for dry skin as it gives your skin a burst of hydration and leaves you with a healthy, dewy complexion. 


Can you see thin, tiny capillaries present on the surface of your skin? You might have sensitive skin. Since skin sensitivity stems from a disruption in the skin’s barrier, people with this skin type are extremely sensitive to a variety of stressors, including heat and sunlight; in fact, just touching the face can cause it to become red or break out. We recommend going for products that do not contain alcohol or fragrances as they can cause skin irritation. 

Recommended treatment: If you have sensitive skin, we highly recommend the Red Carpet Facial at Biolite. This facial gently exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes your skin without causing any skin irritation. 

To learn more about different skin types, visit Biolite or schedule an appointment with us. You can speak to us on +971 4 346 6641, email on, or schedule an appointment here.

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