Your medical guide to choosing the right care for healthy, radiant skin

Knowing your skin type is the first and most essential step before choosing any skincare product, beauty treatment, or medical procedure. Incorrect skincare can lead to skin irritation, increased pigmentation, acne, or other unwanted side effects, while proper care always begins with an accurate skin type diagnosis.

In this simplified medical guide, we'll show you how to easily determine your skin type, understand the characteristics of each type, and choose the most suitable care for healthy, radiant skin.

Why is knowing your skin type important?

Because your skin type is the primary factor that determines:

The type of skincare products that are right for you
Safe peels or cleansing treatments
Your skin's response to cosmetic treatments
The speed at which results appear or any side effects occur
💡 Choosing any treatment without knowing your skin type is like trying a treatment without a medical diagnosis.

Methods for testing your skin type:
Method 1: The face test without products (the most accurate medical method)

This is one of the most common and accurate methods.

Steps:
Wash your face with a gentle, oil-free cleanser.

Do not apply any products to your skin.

Wait 30 to 60 minutes.

Observe your skin in the mirror.

Results:
Tightening and exfoliation ➜ Dry skin
All-over shine ➜ Oily skin
Shine only on the nose and forehead ➜ Combination skin
Balanced without shine or dryness ➜ Normal skin
Redness or itching ➜ Sensitive skin
Method 2: The Tissue Test
A quick and easy method that can be done at home.

Steps:
Press a tissue against your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.

Results:
Noticeable oil in most areas ➜ Oily
Oil only in the T-zone ➜ Combination skin
No oil ➜ Dry or normal skin
Method 3: Monitoring your skin throughout the day
This method relies on daily observation, especially after going out or being exposed to heat.

Fast shine + large pores ➜ Oily
Tightening sensation after washing ➜ Dry
Noticeable unevenness between areas ➜ Combination
📌 This method is useful for confirming results and should not be relied upon solely.

Method 4: Allergy Test
This is very important, especially before using any new product.

Steps:

Apply a small amount of the product behind the ear or on the wrist.

Wait 24 hours.

Results:

Redness, itching, burning ➜ Sensitive skin
No reaction ➜ Skin tolerates the product
Fifth method: Skin type analysis by a dermatologist
This is the most scientifically accurate method, especially in the following cases:

Chronic acne
Pigmentation
Highly sensitive skin
Before cosmetic procedures (peels, laser, HydraFacial)
The doctor uses analytical devices that measure:

Oil percentage
Hydration level
Skin thickness
Skin sensitivity
Sixth method: Digital skin analysis devices
Available in some clinics or through medical apps, these provide a comprehensive report on:

Skin type
Oil and water percentage
Pores
Premature wrinkles
📌 Very useful for creating a personalized skincare plan.

What are the skin types?

Medically speaking, skin is divided into 5 main types:

Normal skin
Oily skin
Dry skin
Combination skin
Sensitive skin
Normal skin
Characteristics:

No excessive shine
No dryness or tightness
Mindless pores
Rarely develops acne
✔️ One of the most balanced skin types
✔️ Responds well to most treatments

Proper care:
Regular cleansing + moisturizing + gentle rejuvenation treatments such as HydraFacial.

Oily Skin
Signs:

Noticeable shine, especially on the forehead and nose
Large pores
Appearance of pimples and blackheads
📌 Caused by excess sebum production

Suitable Care:

Deep pore cleansing
Salicylic acid peel
HydraFacial or carbon laser treatments
Dry Skin
Signs:

Tightness or roughness
Mild flaking
Dull appearance
Premature fine lines
📌 Deficient in natural oils

Suitable Care:

Intensive hydration
Gentle fruit acid peel
Avoid harsh peels or strong lasers
Combination Skin
Signs:

Oily in the T-zone
Dry or normal on the cheeks
Blemishes in specific areas only
📌 One of the most common skin types

Suitable Care:

Balance between cleansing and moisturizing
HydraFacial treatments
Medium peels tailored to the area
Sensitive Skin
Signs:

Redness that comes easily
Itching or burning
Irritation with simple products
Pigmentation after any treatment
⚠️ It requires very special care.

Proper care:

Gentle medical products
Cold peels
Avoid harsh physical peels
Can skin type change?

Yes, skin type can change due to:

Aging
Pregnancy and hormonal changes
Weather
Lifestyle
Using unsuitable products
Therefore, it is advisable to reassess your skin type from time to time.

Common mistakes when determining skin type:
Relying on only one product
Ignoring changes in skin type with the seasons
Confusing temporary dryness with dry skin
Using oily products to treat dryness
When do you need a medical diagnosis?

Before peels
Before laser treatments
When you have pigmentation or chronic acne
If your skin is sensitive or easily affected
A medical diagnosis accurately determines your skin type and the depth of the problem, not just the external appearance.

Conclusion: Knowing your skin type is not a luxury, but the foundation of proper care. You can determine your skin type using simple home methods, but in case of skin problems or before any cosmetic procedure, it is always advisable to consult a specialist or undergo a professional skin analysis.

Important reminder: Your skin type may change with age, hormones, and climate… so reassess from time to time.