If you want skincare products that actually work (instead of piling up like unused gym memberships), you first need to determine your skin type. Why? Because your skin barrier, sebum production, and even pore size dictate which skincare routine and products will give results. Guessing here is like putting diesel in a Tesla — wrong fuel, wrong outcome.

Here’s everything you need to know about the different skin types, how to pinpoint your own, and why it matters for healthy, glowing skin.

Different Skin Types

There are five basic skin types — each with unique attributes, values, and care requirements. Recognizing them helps you avoid skincare disasters (like using a harsh toner on already dry skin).

• Normal Skin
  Balanced oil production and good circulation. No excessive dryness or oiliness. Basically, the “best of” both worlds.
• Oily Skin
  Triggered by excess sebum from sebaceous glands. Appears shiny, prone to acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores.
• Dry Skin
  Low sebum levels → feels tight, often flaky, rough, or even itchy. Needs hydration and barrier repair.
• Combination Skin
  The ultimate “can’t decide” skin. Usually an oily T-zone (forehead + nose) with dry cheeks and chin.
• Sensitive Skin
  The drama queen of skin types. Easily irritated by products, UV rays, weather, or even spicy food. Often linked with eczema, allergies, or asthma.

How to Identify Your Skin Type

The simplest way is the Wash Test — a dermatologist-approved, no-cost experiment.

1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
2. Wait 30–60 minutes with no moisturizer or serum.
3. Observe your skin texture, shine, and tightness.

Signs to watch for:

• Shiny all over + large pores → Oily Skin.
• Tightness, especially when smiling → Dry Skin.
• Shiny T-zone but dry cheeks → Combination Skin.
• Even, balanced feel with no extremes → Normal Skin.

Pro tip: A blotting paper test can also reveal oil levels by dabbing your forehead, nose, and cheeks.

Visit a Medical Spa to Learn More

Still unsure? A dermatologist or medical spa professional can provide advanced skin analysis tools (like digital skin scanners) to evaluate your hydration, oil levels, and sensitivity thresholds.

At Canadian Beauty College, you can:

• Book a consultation with a cosmetology student or licensed professional.
• Try a specialized facial tailored to your skin profile.
• Learn how to pick the best products for your unique skin classification.

Beyond Skin Type: Professional Treatments

Once you know your skin type, the right care unlocks better results. At our GTA campuses, we offer:

• Facials customized by skin type (hydrating, clarifying, barrier-repair).
• Botox for fine lines and wrinkles.
• Massage therapy to improve circulation and relaxation.
• Makeup consultations to match your skin tone and condition.

📞 Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience professional care that actually matches your skin’s needs.

Why This Matters

Knowing your skin type is the foundation of any skincare routine. Without it, you risk wasting money, irritating your skin, or accelerating issues like acne or premature aging.

✅ By identifying whether you’re oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive, you’ll:

• Choose the best moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen.
• Build a routine that balances oil and hydration.
• Avoid common mistakes (like over-exfoliating sensitive skin).
• Invest in treatments that bring real, long-term value.