Understanding Your Skin Type & Its Importance

Understanding Your Skin Type & Its Importance

There’s a saying we all know, ‘knowledge is power.’ And when it comes to your skin, this couldn’t be more true! The more you understand your skin, its type, tendencies, and its needs, the better equipped you will be to take care of it. Trust us, once you start tailoring your skincare routine to your specific needs, you will see (and feel) the difference.

But let’s start with the basics: Do you know your skin type? Wondering how to figure out if you have dry, oily, or combination skin? No worries, this guide has you covered!

Why is it important to know your skin type? Simple as that! It helps you choose the right products. For instance, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you will want to stick to oil-free gels or water-based moisturizers. On the other hand, sensitive skin needs products that avoid harsh chemicals and allergic fragrances. The right products can work wonders, and your skin will thank you for it!

The 4 Primary Skin Types

Let’s start with the basics. Here are the four main skin types:

Dry Skin: Dry skin tends to lose moisture easily. It feels tight, flaky, and dull. You might notice rough patches or overall lackluster skin. If your skin always feels like it needs hydration, it’s likely dry.

Oily Skin: If your skin feels slick or looks shiny, you likely have oily skin. Enlarged pores and acne are also common signs. Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

Combination Skin: Combination skin is just a mix of dry and oily areas. Most people fall into this category. Typically, the T-zone is oily, while the cheeks and other areas may feel dry or normal. 

Balanced Skin: Often referred to as “normal skin,” balanced skin is well-hydrated with little to no oiliness or dryness either. It’s the unicorn of skin types, good texture, healthy appearance, and minimal issues.

Skin Conditions & Subtypes

Beyond the primary skin types, there are also specific conditions and subtypes. Let’s break it down:

  • Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to new products, irritants , harsh actives like sulphates, silicones, etc. Think redness, itching, or stinging.
  • Acne-Prone Skin: More prone to clogged pores, breakouts, and blemishes. Increased oil production and irregular skin cell turnover often play a role.
  • Mature Skin: Shows signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of elasticity.

Keep in mind, some of these conditions may overlap. For example, oily skin often pairs with acne-prone tendencies, while mature skin is commonly linked to dryness.

How to Determine Your Skin Type

If you’re still scratching your head, here are some easy ways to figure it out:

The Clean Face Test
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and wait 20 to 30 minutes. Pay attention to how your skin feels:

  • If it feels tight or flaky, you have dry skin.
  • If it’s slick or shiny, it’s oily skin.
  • If it feels well-moisturized, it’s balanced.
  • If it’s oily in some areas (like your T-zone) and dry in others, it’s combination skin.

The Blotting Paper Test

After washing your face and waiting for 30 minutes, gently dab your face with blotting paper or tissue. Here’s what to look for:

  • Oil stains = oily skin.+
  • Rough, flaky areas = dry skin.
  • Both oil and dryness in different areas = combination skin.
  • Little to no oil or dryness = balanced skin.

The T-Zone Check


Take a closer look at your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Here’s what you’ll notice:

  • Consistent oiliness in the T-zone and beyond = oily skin.
  • Oiliness only in the T-zone = combination or balanced skin.
  • Minimal oil, even in the T-zone = dry skin.

The Pore Test


Examine your pores in a well-lit area. Large, visible pores across your face indicate oily skin. Small or barely visible pores mean dry or balanced skin. If your pores are visible in the T-zone but smaller elsewhere, you likely have combination skin.

Final Thoughts

Your skin type is largely determined by genetics, but factors like diet, lifestyle habits, product use, stress, and the environment can also play a role. Once you know your type, you can build a skincare routine that works with your skin, not against it. So, grab a mirror, do the tests, and get to know your skin better. After all, the first step to glowing, healthy skin is understanding it. Hope this guide helps! 

Also, don’t forget to take a look at CITTA’s range of skincare products thoughtfully curated for Indian skin needs.

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