Choosing skincare products according to skin type is one of the most important steps in building an effective skincare routine. A quality product may be very suitable for one skin type but feel heavy, drying, or uncomfortable on skin with different needs. Therefore, before choosing a serum, cream, or cleanser, it's essential to understand how your skin behaves and what it truly needs.
In this guide, we will learn how to identify dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or mature skin, which active ingredients are suitable for each condition, what to be cautious about, and how to build a simple skincare routine with HL/Skin products.
It's important to remember that skin type is not always constant. Weather, age, hormonal changes, stress, medications, and skincare habits can affect oil levels, moisture, and sensitivity. Therefore, it's advisable to consider not only the general definition of skin type but also its current condition.
The most important principle: A good skincare routine doesn't have to be long. In most cases, it's best to start with gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, and only then add a serum or targeted treatment according to the skin's needs.
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How to Identify Your Skin Type?
One of the simplest ways to get to know your skin is to observe its behavior after gentle cleansing.
Gently Cleanse Your Face
Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry, without rubbing.
Wait Without Products
Wait for about 30 to 60 minutes without applying serum, cream, or oil.
Check Sensation and Appearance
Note any tightness, shine, flakiness, redness, and differences between facial areas.
Dry Skin
Dry skin typically produces less natural oil needed to maintain skin elasticity and reduce moisture loss. It may feel tight after cleansing, appear dull, and develop rough or flaky areas.
How to Identify?
- Tight sensation after cleansing.
- Rough texture or localized flaking.
- Little natural shine throughout the day.
- Feeling that moisturizer absorbs quickly.
Key Needs
- Replenishing moisture and preventing water loss.
- Supporting the skin's natural protective barrier.
- Gentle cleansing that doesn't increase dryness.
- Consistent use of day and night cream.
Recommended Ingredients for Dry Skin
Hyaluronic Acid
Helps retain water in the upper layers of the skin, providing a fuller and softer feel.
Ceramides
Support the skin barrier and help reduce moisture loss to the environment.
Squalane
An emollient ingredient that provides a pleasant feel and is particularly suitable for routines for dry-prone skin.
Aggressive cleansing, very hot water, too frequent exfoliation, and combining several strong active ingredients at once.
Recommended HL/Skin Routine for Dry Skin
Niacinamide Serum 10% gradually and according to skin reaction.
After showering, you can apply Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion, especially to dry-prone areas like the hands, elbows, and shins.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by increased natural oil production. Shine can appear all over the face or be particularly prominent on the forehead, nose, and chin. Sometimes there is a tendency for enlarged pores, blockages, and pimples, but even oily skin can be dehydrated and lacking water.
How to Identify?
- Shine that appears shortly after cleansing.
- Pores that appear more prominent.
- Tendency for blockages or pimples.
- Makeup that struggles to stay even throughout the day.
Key Needs
- Effective but non-drying cleansing.
- Lightweight moisturizer.
- Balancing without trying to remove every trace of oil.
- Gradual use of active ingredients.
Recommended Ingredients for Oily Skin
Niacinamide
Integrates well into routines focusing on shine, texture, and pores.
Hyaluronic Acid
Provides light hydration without the need for a heavy or oily layer.
Glycerin
Helps maintain moisture levels even when the skin is prone to shine.
Over-cleansing, repeated washing throughout the day, and products that leave the face dry and tight.
Recommended HL/Skin Routine for Oily Skin
A small amount of Ultimate Tension Cream
Suitable sunscreen in your morning routine.
Combination Skin
Combination skin behaves differently in various areas of the face. The T-zone — forehead, nose, and chin — can be oily and shiny, while the cheeks feel normal, dry, or slightly tight.
How to Identify?
- Shine on the forehead, nose, and chin.
- Normal or dry cheeks.
- Prominent pores, mainly in the center of the face.
- One product doesn't feel suitable for all areas.
Key Needs
- Balanced cleansing for the entire face.
- Light hydration in an even layer.
- Adjusting the amount of cream for each area.
- Targeted use of active ingredients.
Recommended Ingredients for Combination Skin
Niacinamide
Suitable for a balanced routine for an oily T-zone alongside normal or dry areas.
Hyaluronic Acid
Provides hydration that can be adjusted in quantity for different areas of the face.
Ceramides
Help support the skin barrier, especially in areas prone to dryness.
No need to completely dry out the T-zone or apply a heavy, even layer of rich cream all over the face.
Recommended HL/Skin Routine for Combination Skin
Ultimate Tension Cream in varying amounts according to the area.
Revitalising Night Cream mainly in the drier areas.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin tends to react quickly to products, changes in weather, heat, cold, or friction. The reaction can manifest as redness, itching, warmth, burning, or discomfort.
How to Identify?
- Redness that appears easily.
- Itching or burning after applying products.
- Reaction to temperature changes.
- Difficulty adding new products to the routine.
Key Needs
- A short and clear routine.
- Adding one product at a time.
- Supporting the skin barrier.
- Reducing friction and overuse of active ingredients.
Recommended Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
Ceramides
Help support the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels.
Squalane
An emollient ingredient that helps provide a comfortable and soft feel to the skin.
Beta-Glucan
Suitable for routines focusing on hydration and a calmer skin feel.
Frequent product changes, adding several new active ingredients at the same time, aggressive exfoliation, hot water, and strong friction.
Recommended HL/Skin Routine for Sensitive Skin
A small amount of Resurfacing Gelo Cleanser.
Add one new product at a time and observe the skin's reaction.
Niacinamide Serum 10% at a low frequency at the beginning of use.
Choose a cream that suits your skin's feel and maintain a stable routine.
When there is significant redness, itching, pain, unusual flaking, or a reaction that does not subside.
Mature Skin
The term mature skin does not describe a single skin type. Mature skin can also be dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Over the years, changes in moisture levels, elasticity, texture, and skin tone uniformity may appear.
Common Characteristics
- Decrease in elasticity sensation.
- More prominent fine lines and expression lines.
- Tendency for dryness or discomfort.
- Changes in texture and tone uniformity.
Key Needs
- Consistent hydration in the morning and evening.
- Regular use of sunscreen.
- Supports the skin barrier.
- Gradual integration of active ingredients.
Recommended Ingredients for Mature Skin
Peptides
Integrate into a routine focused on smoother, more nourished, and more elastic skin.
Adenosine
A common ingredient in Korean cosmetics for skincare routines focused on the appearance of fine lines.
Niacinamide
Supports a routine focused on uniformity, texture, and a more vital skin appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid
Provides moisture and helps soften the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness.
Ceramides
Help maintain a balanced skin barrier and a feeling of comfort.
Squalane
Provides softness and is especially suitable when mature skin tends to be dry.
There's no need to layer many products or start several active ingredients all at once. A consistent and simple routine is generally better than irregular use of a large number of products.
Recommended HL/Skin Routine for Mature Skin
Ultimate Tension Cream in the morning or Revitalising Night Cream in the evening.
Skincare Matching Chart by Skin Type
| Skin Type or Condition | Key Characteristics | Suitable Ingredients | Routine Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Skin | Tightness, roughness, flaking, and dullness | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and glycerin | Moisture, nourishment, and gentle cleansing |
| Oily Skin | Shine, prominent pores, and tendency to clogs | Niacinamide and lightweight moisturizing ingredients | Balance without over-drying |
| Combination Skin | Oily T-zone and normal or dry cheeks | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides | Adjust product amount for each area |
| Sensitive Skin | Redness, stinging, and quick reaction to products | Ceramides, squalane, beta-glucan, and centella | Short routine and gradual introduction |
| Mature Skin | Dryness, changes in elasticity, texture, and uniformity | Peptides, adenosine, niacinamide, and ceramides | Consistent moisture and targeted care |
How to Turn Recommendations into a Daily Routine?
Once you've identified your skin characteristics and chosen suitable products, it's important to arrange them in a clear order of use.
FAQs on Choosing Skincare by Skin Type
Can skin type change?
Yes. Weather, age, hormonal changes, stress, medications, and your skincare routine can all alter your skin's oil levels, moisture, and sensitivity.
What's the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin produces less natural oil, while dehydrated skin is a condition where it lacks water. Even oily skin can be dehydrated and feel tight after cleansing.
Does oily skin really need moisturizer?
Yes. Oily skin needs moisture, but it's usually more pleasant to use a measured amount and a texture that doesn't feel heavy.
Is sensitive skin a skin type?
Sensitivity can occur alongside dry, oily, or combination skin. Therefore, in many cases, it's also appropriate to refer to it as a skin condition.
How many products are needed in a basic skincare routine?
You can start with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. Once the routine is stable, you can add a serum or eye cream as needed.
When should I add a new product?
It's recommended to add one product at a time and allow your skin time to adjust. This makes it easier to identify which product works and which causes discomfort.
How does Skin AI fit into routine selection?
The diagnosis provides an assessment of various skin metrics and characteristics. After receiving the report, you can use the information to understand which steps and ingredients deserve attention in your personal routine.
Start with a Better Understanding of Your Skin
Perform a Skin AI diagnosis from your smartphone or switch to HL/Skin products and choose the steps that suit your needs.
The information in this guide is general and does not replace medical diagnosis. In case of an unusual reaction, pain, persistent itching, or a significant skin problem, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
The information in this guide is for general skincare education and does not constitute medical advice.
