What Is My Skin Type? Simple Test & Best Routine

Not sure what your skin type is? The simple test below will tell you exactly what your skin needs - so you can finally choose products that actually work.

The truth is, understanding your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you know your skin type, everything becomes simpler - your routine feels easier, your results improve, and your skin starts to feel balanced and happy again.

Let’s break it down:

What Are the 5 Main Skin Types?

Normal Skin
Balanced, not too oily or too dry. Pores are small, and breakouts are rare.

Dry Skin
Feels tight, rough, or flaky. You may notice dullness or sensitivity, especially after cleansing.

Oily Skin
Produces excess oil, often with visible pores and a tendency toward breakouts or shine -especially in the T-Zone.

T-Zone

Combination Skin
A mix of both - usually an oily T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin) with drier cheeks.

Sensitive Skin
Easily irritated. You might experience redness, itching, or reactions to certain products or ingredients.

The Simple Test That Reveals Your True Skin Type

The Bare Face Method:

This is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to understand your skin - no fancy tools needed.

Step 1: Cleanse your skin
Wash your face with a gentle, organic cleanser. Avoid anything harsh or stripping.

Step 2: Pat dry and leave it bare
Don’t apply any products - not even toner.

Step 3: Wait 30-60 minutes (no products at all)

Don’t touch your face during this time. Let your skin return to its natural state. This is when it tells you what it really needs.

Step 4: Observe your skin

Here’s what to look for:

• Tight or flaky → Dry
• Shiny in the T-zone → Oily
• A mix of both → Combination
• Calm and balanced → Normal
• Reactive or irritated → Sensitive
  

Step 5: Double check throughout the day
Sometimes your skin changes slightly as the day goes on, so it’s worth noticing how it behaves after a few hours too.

Skincare Routines for Each Skin Type

At New Dawn, we create natural, organic products with no harsh chemicals that work with your skin. Once you know your skin type, you can choose products that truly support it - rather than working against it.

Normal Skin

Keep things simple and balanced.

• Morning & Evening: Gentle natural cleanser
• Daily: Lightweight moisturiser
• Occasional: Exfoliate once a week to keep pores clear and promote cell turn over

The goal is to maintain your skin’s natural harmony. You don’t need strong or heavy products - your skin is already balanced, so the focus is on gentle care that keeps it healthy and refreshed.

✨ Our recommendation:
The Skincare Essentials Set is perfect for maintaining balanced, healthy skin. It combines gentle, nourishing organic products to keep your skin hydrated, supported, and naturally refreshed - making your skincare simple and effective.

Try our Skincare Essentials Set for balanced skin>

Dry Skin

Focus on hydration and nourishment.

• Morning & Evening: Creamy, non-stripping natural cleanser - but if your skin is very dry, just a splash of water in the morning
• Daily: Rich, natural hydrating moisturiser
• Optional: Natural skin products with ingredients that support the skin barrier, like an Organic Rose Water Mist for soothing, calming hydration

Avoid anything too harsh or drying - your skin needs comfort and moisture.

✨ Our recommendation:
If you’re not sure where to start, our Dry Skin Natural Remedy Pack combines a gentle organic moisturising cleanser with a rich cream to help soothe, hydrate, and soften dry skin - making your skincare comforting, calming, and effortless.

Try our Dry Skin Natural Remedy >

Try our Sensitive Skin Natural Remedy >

FAQs

Can my skin type change over time?
Yes! Your skin can change, hormones, weather, stress, or lifestyle. It’s always good to check in with your skin regularly.

Do I still need moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Absolutely. Skipping moisturiser can actually cause your skin to produce more oil.

What if my skin is sensitive and acne-prone?
You can have more than one concern. In this case, choose gentle products that soothe while supporting clearer skin. Cleanser for acne prone skin >

How often should I check my skin type?
It’s recommended to check your skin type every few months or whenever your skin or the season changes. Factors like seasonal changes, stress, or diet can affect whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination.

Can I use the same skincare products for different skin types?
Not always. Each skin type - normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive - has unique needs. Using products tailored to your skin type ensures better results and helps prevent irritation or breakouts.

Ready for Calm, Clear, Balanced Skin

Now that you understand your skin type, you can stop guessing and start seeing real results.

✨ Find the perfect routine for your skin 👉 Shop by skin type