How To Determine Your Skin Type
With over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, I’ve worked with thousands of clients to help them understand their skin and choose the right products. One of the most common issues I see is a compromised skin barrier, often the result of using products that aren’t suited to your individual skin type. When the barrier is damaged, it can lead to breakouts, inflammation, sensitivity, and dryness.
Understanding your skin type is the first step to achieving a healthy, balanced complexion.
The 5 Main Skin Types
Before identifying your skin type, it helps to know the key characteristics of each:
Oily Skin: Characterised by an all-over shine, enlarged pores, and often accompanied by breakouts and congestion due to excess sebum production.
Combination Skin: Typically features an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal to dry cheeks.
Dry Skin: Lacks lipids and moisture, often hereditary, with flaky, rough patches and a feeling of tightness.
Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to products or environmental changes, appears red, inflamed, and may feel hot or itchy.
Normal Skin: Well-balanced, not too oily or too dry, with minimal sensitivity and a smooth, healthy appearance.
The Simple Test to Determine Your Skin Type
To determine your skin type at home, follow this simple method:
Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, then leave your skin bare – don’t apply any products.
Observe how your skin feels and looks:
If it feels tight or uncomfortable, you likely have dry skin.
If you notice an overall shine, you probably have oily skin.
If only your T-zone appears oily while other areas feel normal or dry, your skin is combination.
If your skin feels balanced and shows no signs of excess oil or dryness, it’s likely normal.
If your skin is red, itchy, or irritated, you may have sensitive skin.
Choosing Products for Your Skin Type
Once you know your skin type, selecting the right products becomes much easier:
Oily Skin: Look for ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA) to deep-clean pores and gently exfoliate. Niacinamide is excellent for reducing inflammation and controlling breakouts.
Combination Skin: Choose lightweight, oil-free formulas – a gel-based moisturiser works well to hydrate without clogging pores.
Dry Skin: Focus on products rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Sensitive Skin: Opt for calming ingredients like azelaic acid (especially helpful for rosacea), aloe vera, and panthenol to soothe irritation.
Normal Skin: Maintain balance with gentle cleansers and lightweight hydration. Regardless of skin type, always use a broad-spectrum SPF daily.
Final Tips for Healthy Skin
Always patch test new products and introduce them one at a time to monitor your skin’s reaction.
Consider supplement support:
ANP Skin Omegas+ support hydration and calm inflammation from within.
ANP Collagen Support or Collagen Synergy can help maintain firmness and elasticity.
Probiotics like ANP Skin Integrate help balance gut health, which is now known to have a direct effect on skin clarity and resilience.

Take a look at this incredible transformation!
After incorporating Skin EssentiA Vitamin A into her daily skincare routine, this client has seen a dramatic improvement in her skin:
Redness has visibly reduced
Pores appear more refined
Fine lines around the mouth and nasolabial folds are noticeably softened
Vitamin A is a game-changer when it comes to restoring skin health, improving texture, and supporting long-term skin rejuvenation.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to arrange a virtual consultation.