If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is my skin type?” or felt confused because your skin feels dry but still gets oily or breaks out, you’re not alone. Knowing your skin type is the foundation of every effective skincare routine — and misidentifying it is one of the most common reasons skincare doesn’t work.

When skin type is misunderstood, even high-quality products can lead to congestion, dryness, irritation, or lackluster results.

This expert guide will help you determine your skin type accurately, understand the important difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin, and make smarter skincare decisions with confidence.

Your skin type is determined by two primary factors:

• Oil production

• Skin barrier function

Skin type is not the same as a skin condition. Conditions like acne, dehydration, redness, sensitivity, or signs of aging can occur with any skin type.

The five main skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.

Understanding this distinction helps prevent over-treatment, unnecessary product changes, and long-term barrier damage.

Normal Skin

• Balanced oil and hydration

• Minimal sensitivity or congestion

• Feels Comfortable throughout the day

Dry Skin

• Feels tight, rough, or flaky

• Lacks oil and lipids

• Often worsens in cold or dry climates

Oily Skin

• Shiny appearance, especially through the T-zone

• Enlarged or visible pores

• Can still be dehydrated

Combination Skin

• Oily T-zone with normal or dry cheeks

• Benefits from flexible, zone-specific care

Sensitive Skin

• Easily irritated or reactive

• Prone to redness, stinging, or discomfort

• Often linked to a compromised barrier

One of the most common skincare mistakes is confusing dry skin with dehydrated skin. While they can look and feel similar, they are not the same — and treating them incorrectly often leads to breakouts, irritation, or ongoing discomfort.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type. It naturally produces less oil and lacks the lipids needed to maintain a strong skin barrier.

Common signs of dry skin:

• Tightness or rough texture

• Flaking or peeling

• Skin that feels uncomfortable most of the day

• Improvement with richer creams and oils

Dry skin benefits from lipid-rich moisturizers that strengthen and protect the skin barrier.

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, not a skin type. It means the skin lacks water — and any skin type can be dehydrated, including oily or acne-prone skin.

Common signs of dehydrated skin:

• Skin feels tight but looks shiny

• Fine lines appear more noticeable

• Skin looks dull or feels easily irritated

• Breakouts worsen despite oiliness

Dehydrated skin benefits from water-based hydration, humectants like hyaluronic acid, and gentle barrier support — not heavier oils alone.

Why This Difference Matters

Treating dehydrated skin as if it were dry skin can lead to:

• Clogged pores

• Increased breakouts

• A weakened skin barrier

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right moisturizer texture, not just a richer product.

Many people misidentify their skin type due to overlapping concerns. Here are common mix-ups:

• Oily vs dehydrated: Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil

• Acne-prone vs oily: Acne can occur with dry or combination skin

• Sensitive vs sensitized: Sensitized skin is often temporary

• Aging skin: Mature skin can still be oily or acne-prone

Important reminder: Skin type describes oil production, while dehydration describes water content — and they require different solutions.

Skin type is not static. It can shift due to:

• Seasonal weather changes

• Hormonal fluctuations (including peri- and menopause)

• Stress and lifestyle factors

• Overuse of exfoliants or active ingredients

Reassessing your skin periodically helps keep your routine aligned with your needs.

Once you know your skin type, choosing the right moisturizer and treatment products becomes much easier.

Next steps:

• Explore our guide to choosing the best moisturizer for your skin type

• Learn how different moisturizer textures support your skin

If you’d like personalized support, our team is here to help.

• Take our personalized skincare quiz for tailored recommendations

• Start a free email skincare check-up, where one of our licensed Master Estheticians will review your skin concerns and help guide your routine