The right routine starts with knowing your skin type. A cream that works wonders on dry skin can clog pores on oily skin. In this guide we explain how to identify your skin type and which ingredients suit it.
How to find your skin type
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and don’t apply anything. After an hour, check your skin:
- Dry skin – feels tight, may flake, no shine.
- Oily skin – shiny all over, visible pores.
- Combination skin – shiny T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), normal or dry cheeks.
- Sensitive skin – reddens easily, stings with new products.
Dry skin
Dry skin needs hydration and a strong skin barrier.
Look for: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol, squalane.
Avoid: alcohol-heavy toners and exfoliating too often.
We recommend: the Aestura Atobarrier 365 ceramide cream and the Torriden Dive-In hyaluronic acid mask.
Oily skin
Oily skin needs hydration too – dehydrated skin produces even more oil.
Look for: niacinamide, BHA (salicylic acid), azelaic acid, light gel creams.
Avoid: heavy oils and creams that leave your skin greasy.
We recommend: the Anua Azelaic Acid 3+ toner and a lightweight sunscreen such as Anua Zero-Cast.
Combination skin
Combination skin needs balance: lighter products for the T-zone, more hydration for the cheeks. A light gel cream all over plus a richer cream on drier areas works well.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin does best with short ingredient lists and soothing actives.
Look for: centella (cica), madecassoside, panthenol, heartleaf (houttuynia).
Avoid: fragrance, alcohol and layering several acids.
We recommend: the Centellian24 Madeca cream and the Dr. Althea soothing face mist.
Acne-prone skin
Blemish-prone skin needs products that calm inflammation and don’t clog pores.
Look for: azelaic acid, niacinamide, BHA, centella.
We recommend: the Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ serum for redness and breakouts.
If your acne is severe or painful, please see a dermatologist – skincare supports treatment but doesn’t replace it.
Every skin type needs sunscreen
Whatever your skin type, sunscreen is the last step of every morning routine. Read more in our guide on how to choose a sunscreen.
Not sure what your skin type is?
Visit our store in Tallinn, Narva mnt 5 – we’ll help you work out your skin type and choose the right routine. We choose every product ourselves and have tested many of them.
Visit our store in Tallinn, Narva mnt 5 (Artius centre). We choose every product ourselves, test many of them, and will help you find the right routine for your skin.
