From Blotting Sheets to Pore Checks: 4 Ways to Know Your Skin Type

Understanding your skin type is the first step in building an effective skincare routine. Whether you’re struggling with breakouts, dullness, or irritation, identifying your skin’s natural behaviour helps you choose the right products and avoid common pitfalls. Not sure where to begin? From simple at-home tests to observation-based clues, here are four easy ways to determine your skin type—no dermatologist required.

1. The Bare-Faced Test

The bare-faced test is one of the simplest and most revealing methods to understand your skin type. Here’s how to do it:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

Pat dry and leave your skin bare—no moisturiser, toner, or serum.

Wait for about an hour and observe.

What to look for:

Tightness or flakiness: You likely have dry skin.

Shininess in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin): You probably have combination skin.

Full-face shine and possible greasiness: This suggests oily skin.

No noticeable dryness or oiliness: You’re one of the lucky ones with normal skin.

2. The Blotting Sheet Method

Blotting sheets aren’t just for mid-day touch-ups—they’re a handy diagnostic tool too. This method is perfect for those who need a quick answer on the go.

How to try it:

Gently press a blotting sheet on different areas of your face—forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

Could you hold the sheet up to the light to look over the oil residue?

The results:

Minimal oil: Likely dry skin.

Oil from forehead and nose only: You probably have combination skin.

Oil all over: This points to oily skin.

Slight oil from all areas: Suggests normal skin.

3. Pore Size & Visibility

Your pores can reveal a lot about your skin. Take a look in a magnifying mirror or natural light.

What to note:

Large, visible pores, especially around the nose and cheeks: Usually indicates oily or acne-prone skin.

Tiny, barely noticeable pores: Often a sign of dry or normal skin.

Visible pores in the T-zone but smaller elsewhere: Typically, combination skin.

Pro tip: Enlarged pores are often linked with increased oil production, so pay attention to where they’re most noticeable.

4. Skin Response to Products

Think back to how your skin reacts after applying skincare products.

Tightness, tingling, or flaking after cleansing: Could mean dry or sensitive skin.

Frequent breakouts or a greasy feel soon after moisturising: Likely oily or acne-prone skin.

Irritation from strong ingredients like retinol or acids: Suggests sensitive skin.

No major reactions or discomfort: Points to normal skin.

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Using products that don’t align with your skin type can lead to more harm than good—think breakouts, irritation, or overly dry patches. On the flip side, targeting your skin’s unique needs helps you:

Choose the right moisturiser (gel vs. cream)

Select effective cleansers (foaming for oily, hydrating for dry)

Avoid ingredients that trigger reactions

Create a balanced routine that supports your skin’s natural functions

Final Thoughts

Determining your skin type doesn’t require fancy tools or a dermatologist visit—just a few thoughtful observations and simple tests. Whether you’re blotting, observing your pores, or watching how your skin reacts to products, these four techniques can point you in the right direction. Once you understand your skin type, you can start tailoring your routine and investing in products that work.

Explore more skin health tips and lifestyle guides at TodaysLifestyle.co.uk—because better skin starts with smarter self-care.