How to Find Your Skin Type (and Why It Matters)

Hey love,

If you’ve ever felt like your skincare isn’t quite working — your moisturizer feels too heavy, your cleanser leaves your face tight, or your skin is randomly breaking out — you’re not alone. The truth? Most of us are using the wrong products because we don’t really know what our skin type is.

And I totally get it. The beauty world can be overwhelming. But let’s break it down together — no stress, no complicated jargon. Just real talk, so your skin can finally get what it needs. 💋

🌿 Why Skin Type Even Matters

Think of skincare like picking out an outfit. You wouldn’t wear a thick wool sweater on a hot summer day, right? (Unless you want to melt 😅) Same goes for your skin. Using products that aren’t made for your skin type can throw everything off balance.

🔹 Got oily skin and using rich creams? Clogged pores incoming.
🔹 Dry skin but scrubbing your face with foaming cleansers? Hello, flakiness and irritation.
🔹 Sensitive skin and trying trending exfoliants? Ugh, redness and burning — no thank you.

Knowing your skin type helps you pick exactly what your skin needs, so you’re not guessing anymore.

🔍 The 5 Skin Types — And What Yours Might Be

Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee:

Skin Type	Key Traits	Feels Like
Oily	Shiny, large pores, breakouts	Greasy by midday
Dry	Flaky, dull, tight	Rough, itchy after cleansing
Combination	Oily in T-zone, dry elsewhere	Both greasy & tight 😅
Normal	Balanced, smooth, clear	Comfortable all day
Sensitive	Easily irritated, redness, stinging	Reactive to lots of products

🪞The “Bare-Faced Hour” Test – Try It Tonight!

Here’s how to figure out your type without buying anything:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (just something basic).
Pat dry — don’t apply anything.
Set a timer for 1 hour.
After that hour, check in with your skin:

💧 Does it feel tight or look flaky?
→ Dry skin

🌟 Is it shiny on your forehead, nose, and chin (aka the T-zone)?
→ Oily skin

🌀 A little of both — shiny T-zone but dry cheeks?
→ Combination

😌 Still feels soft, smooth, and happy?
→ Normal skin

😣 Any redness, stinging, or hot spots?
→ Sensitive skin

💡 Extra Clues from Your Daily Routine:

Makeup slides off halfway through the day? Oily skin.
Foundation looks patchy or cracks? Dry skin.
You react to new products super quickly? Sensitive.
You never think about your skin because it’s just... fine? That’s normal! (Lucky you!)

🛍️ Now That You Know Your Type — What’s Next?

Here's your glow-up cheat sheet:

Oily → Look for lightweight, gel-based products. Salicylic acid is your BFF.
Dry → Go rich and creamy. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are gold.
Combo → Balance is key. Use targeted care (like oil-control toner just on your T-zone).
Normal → You lucky glow queen. Maintain with gentle, balanced products.
Sensitive → Fragrance-free and minimal ingredients. Always patch test first!

💬 Hellen’s Real Talk:

Girl, skincare isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection — listening to your skin and giving it love, not punishment. Once you know your skin type, it’s like unlocking a whole new level of self-care. You’ll start to see the difference, and honestly? You’ll feel it too. 💕

You got this. And Glow by Hellen has your back every step of the way. 🌸

xo,
Hellen

🧴 P.S. Ready to shop for your skin type? Browse our hand-picked Glow by Hellen skincare collection tailored just for you.