What is my skin type?

Discover the various skin types and find out what is your individual skin type below!

What Is My Skin Type? Learn About The 6 Skin Types

We at NIVEA understand that it can be hard to assess which skin type you are and how best to nurture each skin type. Skin types can range in multiple forms; combination, dry, sensitive, blemished or mature; the list can seem quite bewildering. And even then, it is often never that clear. We have created an easy way for you to answer the big question: “what type of skin do I have”?

Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin...What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

NIVEA has products and advice for all different skin types. Explore the full range to see how our products can benefit you.

Everyone can benefit from a regular, daily skincare routine targeted at its needs, no matter what skin type. Understanding “what is my skin type” is key to adopting the proper skincare routine for your particular skin type. Sometimes our skin type doesn’t fall into a convenient bracket; it may straddle a few different skin types, or change depending on the season, outside factors and lifestyle changes. Read on to explore different skin types and learn more about giving your skin the care it needs with our skin type test.

TAKE OUR TEST TO FIND OUT: WHAT IS MY SKIN TYPE?

Whether you have any imperfections or skin concerns that bother you, all different skin types should try our routine builder for a genuinely bespoke, helpful skincare routine. To find out “what is my skin type” out of the different skin types, all you need to do is answer a few simple questions about your skin concerns and lifestyle. Our tool then analyses your unique skin features and constructs a personalised routine adapted to your needs.

What you’ll get from NIVEA Routine Builder:

Bespoke skincare routine for your skin type
Tailored product suggestions
Problem area analysis
Lifestyle suggestions

DISCOVER YOUR SKIN TYPE NOW

What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

Skin Type 1: Combination Skin

Combination skin tends to have two skin types across the face: normal to dry skin around the cheeks and chin, as well as oily and blemished skin around the forehead and nose. Combination skin tends to shine and form blemishes, particularly on oily T-zones. By contrast, the cheek area is normal to dry. This can make your skincare routine more difficult, as you will need to look after all areas of the face.

Tips if the answer to “ what is my skin type” is: Combination skin

To cleanse your skin, oily areas need to be cleansed of oil, whilst ensuring drier areas do not dry out further. To help, provide your skincare routine beginning with a delicate cleanser and finish with an oil-free moisturiser. A hazelnut-sized amount of moisturiser is enough and use sparingly on the oilier T-zone area, concentrating on the drier areas. Mattifying Day Cream is designed for combination skins, reducing shine while also hydrating those areas that need it.

If you are unsure, choose a product that is especially suited for combination skin. We have a wide range of products designed for combination skins.

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What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

Skin Type 2: Dry Skin

If your skin looks dry and flaky, it is highly likely that you have dry skin. Dry skin lacks moisture and lipids - i.e. fats. It is, therefore, less elastic and so feels tighter. This can even lead dry skin to begin to itch and even become sore. Dry skin is particularly susceptible to environmental influences, such as sunlight or wind. It is important to protect yourselves with sunscreen and appropriate clothing, such as sun hats. Restorative and hydration creams can be used to help restore the moisture stores and strengthen skin's protective barriers.

This is what dry skin is like:

tight and tends to itch
rough and flaky appearance
reacts quickly to external influences such as temperature.

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Tips if the answer to “ what is my skin type” is: Dry skin

Many lifestyle factors can help you alleviate the unwanted symptoms of dry skin:

Firstly, ensure your skincare routine is optimised to help relieve dry skin, such as avoiding harsh cleansers and using deeply hydrating moisturisers. Enriched with natural almond oil, we have a range of day creams that are soothing and hydrating for dry and sensitive skin types.
Drinking at least 2 litres of still water a day will also greatly benefit your skin.
Day creams with a sun protection factor will help protect your skin from UV radiation, which could further dry skin out.
A serum is a perfect addition to your moisturising care. Care products with natural oils can help to relax your skin. Serum is a great way to target particular skin concerns and they also help prep the skin for moisturiser, allowing the skin to absorb more of its hydrating benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a boon to all skin types, but dry and sensitive skins can particularly benefit from it. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant - that is, it has the power to draw water molecules into the skin and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This means it can keep skin hydrated for longer and is a must have in dry skin types’ bathroom cabinets.

What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

Skin Type 3: Normal Skin

If you are fortunate enough to have a fine-pored and even complexion, chances are that either your skin type is normal skin, or your skincare routine is perfect for your skin's needs. However, to keep its healthy appearance, normal skin needs moisture and protection too and it is important to have a regular skin care routine. The better care you take of your skin now, the more likely it is that it will stay balanced and healthy. Cleanse and moisturise your face everyday, and deeply exfoliate at least once a week to remove dirt and dead skin cells.

This is what normal skin is like:

Fine-pored, unproblematic
Well circulated and elastic
Does not feel tight or uncomfortable after you wash
No visibly oily or flaky, scaly area

Tips if the answer to “ what is my skin type” is: Normal skin

Regular day and night care keeps your skin fresh, such as a good micellar face wash that leaves you with healthy-looking and fresh feeling skin.
Gentle exfoliation removes impurities and dead skin cells, to ensure your face is clear and ready for application.
By gently massaging in your face cream, you will also boost your circulation. Opt for a light day cream with added SPF. If you have a normal skin type, you are less likely to have to change up your day/night routine as you won’t need the overnight heavy hitters that target skin type concerns. But whatever your skin type, skin loves to feel hydrated, so usea nourishing overnight moisturiser.
Eye care - even normal skin types will notice stress, tiredness and age around the eyes and can benefit from a hydrating dose of eye cream.

What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

Skin Type 4: Blemished Skin

People with blemished skin also tend to have sensitive skin and it tends to produce more sebum than necessary, an oil secretion from the sebaceous glands. This can result in blackheads, spots and acne. This is often a genetic predisposition, which stress and hormonal fluctuations are responsible for. With antibacterial cleansing and care products, you can restore your skin's natural balance. If you have particularly sensitive skin, try and find gentle and soothing products for the face.

This is what blemished skin is like:

large-pored
shiny
tends to develop impurities.

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Tips if the answer to “ what is my skin type” is: Blemished skin

It is essential to cleanse the skin before bed, particularly for those with blemished skin or acne-prone skin. With this different skin type makeup should also be removed in the evening. This because it can block your pores overnight which will only increase issues with blemished skin. Blemished skins can benefit from a double cleanse, but be careful not to layer on too many ingredients as this can trigger outbreaks. Remove makeup and impurities with Micellar Water and follow up with a gentle cleanser, such as a micellar face wash gel.
Treat your skin to a gentle scrub and a face mask once a week which fights blemishes and unclogs pores.
Keep your hands off: do not squeeze blackheads or spots! This can lead to acne scars or spread bacteria across the face.
Blemished skin can be exacerbated by dryness, so don’t be tempted to skip this step. To help reduce any shining on the face, try a mattifying day cream.

What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

Skin Type 5: Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts more to external influences, such as; stress, dry air from heating systems, strong winds or UV light. If this different skin type is thrown out of balance, it feels tight, itchy and dry and develops redness. Sensitive skin can also be a leading contribution to dry skin, blemished skin, acne or blackheads. Sensitive skin therefore requires extra special care to calm it and strengthen its barriers, to help make it more resistant.

This is what sensitive skin is like:

Sensitive to environmental influences such as the sun
Tight and itchy
Often red or has broken capillaries
Blushes or flushes easily
Dry patches
Sensitive to fragranced products
Skin can break out easily

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Tips if the answer to “ what is my skin type” is: Sensitive skin

Choose a cream that provides protection against harmful environmental influences and use an SPF. Sweep your face clean with a cleansing milk that is specifically made for sensitive skin, helping to reduce the three main signs of sensitive skin - redness, tightness, dryness - and follow up with a Soothing Day Cream. On sunny days, or days when you are outside for longer, up your sun care game with a day cream containing SPF.
Gently dab your face with a towel after cleansing it rather than rubbing it vigorously.
Choose perfume-free products: fragrances can cause skin irritation.
Pay attention to your diet – hot spices are not good for your skin.

What Type Of Skin Do I Have?

Skin Type 6: Mature Skin

As we grow older, lots of different processes take place in the skin that change its appearance, structure and even how it feels. This includes reduced cell activity, slower regeneration, lower collagen production or damage caused by UV radiation. Mature skin can lack moisture and elasticity, which is often a cause of dry skin in later years of life. With innovative care products you can reduce lines, wrinkles and pigment spots. You can help to reduce undesired effects of mature skin from appearing earlier by using anti-ageing products such as day creams and night creams as early as possible.

This is what mature skin is like:

Less elastic
Lacks moisture
Lines, wrinkles or pigment spots are visible

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Tips if the answer to “ what is my skin type” is: Mature skin

Make sure you use enough sun protection: too much UV radiation makes your skin age prematurely. Apply sunscreen or a moisturiser with SPF, daily. Even if you’re not heading outside, blue light from screens can have a dehydrating and damaging effect on the skin. This extra barrier can prevent further premature damage.
Avoid lifestyle habits that accelerate the skin’s ageing process as much as possible, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and excessive sugary or fatty food consumption.
Use a special eye care cream: expression lines around the eyes are the first to appear, often nicknamed ""laughter lines"". Gently dab anti wrinkle eye cream nightly to hydrate and soothe.
Moisturising masks with high-quality oils nurture your skin and will leave your skin feeling well pampered and more relaxed.
Choose creams that support cell regeneration in your skin and pay particular attention to your nighttime routine. The skin restores while you sleep and this is the time to maximise the benefits of skin care ingredients.

How Do I Find Out What Is My Skin Type?

If you’re still not clear about different skin types and can’t answer the question ‘what is my skin type?’, then a quick test can help you understand your skin type better. All you need is a mirror, a cleanser and 30 minutes:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat dry and don’t apply any serums, moisturisers etc. After 30 minutes, check your face in the mirror:

If it is shiny all over, your skin type is likely to be oily
If your T-zone - that is your forehead, nose and chin - is shiny, it’s likely you have combination skin
Does it feel tight or is it flaky? This sounds like dry skin
And if your skin isn’t noticeable shiny, feels well hydrated and looks smooth, you mostly like have normal skin

The blotting paper method is another way to answer “what type of skin do I have”, particularly oily and dry skins. For this one, you need blotting paper (great if you have oily skin for a super quick fix). Gently pat the blotting paper over your face. Once done, hold it to the light. If there is little or no oil, you are likely to have dry skin. If the blotting paper picked up oil from the T-zone, then it looks likely it is combination, and if it’s saturated in oil, your skin type is probably oily.