How to Know Your Skin Type to Choose the Right Korean Skincare Products

Choosing the right skincare products is essential to achieving healthy and glowing skin. In Korean cosmetology, one of the most important steps is to know your skin type well in order to adapt the care to your specific needs. But how do you know if your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive? Here is a simple guide to help you identify your skin type and choose the best Korean products for you.

Different Skin Types

1. Normal Skin

   • Characteristics : Normal skin is balanced, neither too oily nor too dry. It has a soft texture, minimal pores, and good blood circulation.
   • Suitable care : Lightweight moisturizers, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, are well suited for this skin type. Korean essences and serums are perfect for maintaining this balance.
     
     

2. Dry Skin

   • Characteristics : Dry skin tends to be tight, flaky and can sometimes be red. The pores are fine, and the skin can appear dull.
   • The Right Care : Look for ultra-hydrating products like ceramide-enriched creams, nourishing oils, and Korean hydrating masks. Hydrating toners and hyaluronic acid serums are also must-haves.
     
     

3. Oily Skin

   • Characteristics : Oily skin is often shiny with enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). It is prone to blemishes such as acne and blackheads.
   • Tailored care : Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic, and sebum-regulating products. BHA-based cleansers, astringent toners, and gel-textured creams are great for controlling excess sebum while moisturizing.
     
     

4. Combination Skin

   • Characteristics : Combination skin combines dry and oily areas, usually with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks.
   • Tailored care : Opt for a balanced routine that targets each area. Use lightweight moisturizers for dry areas, and mattifying treatments for the T-zone. Multi-zone masks are also a good option.
     
     

5. Sensitive Skin

   • Characteristics : Sensitive skin reacts easily to products and environmental changes. It may experience redness, itching or burning sensations.
   • Appropriate care : Choose products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and formulated to soothe the skin. Korean products with centella asiatica, aloe vera, or calendula are particularly recommended to calm and moisturize sensitive skin.

How to Identify Your Skin Type?

1. Blotting Paper Test : After cleansing your face, wait an hour without applying any products. Take a blotting paper and apply it to different areas of your face (forehead, nose, cheeks, chin).

   • If the paper stays dry, you probably have dry skin.
   • If the paper is oily on all areas, your skin is oily.
   • If only the T-zone is oily, you have combination skin.
   • If you don't see any marks, your skin is probably normal.
     
     

2. Sensitivity Test : Observe how your skin reacts when using new products or after exposure to extreme weather conditions. If your skin often gets red or itchy, you probably have sensitive skin.

Adapting Your Korean Skincare Routine

Once you have identified your skin type, you can select Korean skincare products that are specifically formulated to meet its needs. The key is to choose active ingredients that balance, hydrate, and protect your skin.

• For dry skin : opt for rich moisturizers and nourishing masks.
• For oily skin : opt for light, mattifying products.
• For combination skin : adapt your routine according to the areas of the face.
• For sensitive skin : opt for soothing, irritant-free treatments.

Knowing your skin type is the first step to healthy, glowing skin, and Korean skincare offers a multitude of solutions for every skin type. Don't forget to reassess your skin regularly, as it can change over time and with the seasons!