The one-hour test
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Put nothing on it. No cream, no makeup.
- Wait one hour.
- Look and touch. Stand near a window and look in a mirror.
Read the result
| What you see and feel | Your skin type |
|---|---|
| Soft, not shiny, not tight | Normal |
| Tight, rough, or with small flakes | Dry |
| Shiny all over | Oily |
| Shiny on the forehead, nose and chin. Dry on the cheeks | Combination |
| Red, itchy, or it stings with many products | Sensitive |
The forehead, nose and chin are called the T-zone. This part is often more oily than the cheeks.
The paper test
This is a second way to check for oil.
- Do steps 1 to 4 of the one-hour test.
- Press a thin sheet of tissue paper on your forehead, your nose, your chin and each cheek.
- Hold the paper up to the light.
- Oil on every sheet: oily skin.
- Oil only from the forehead, nose and chin: combination skin.
- Almost no oil: dry or normal skin.
What each skin type needs
| Skin type | Cleanser | Moisturizer |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Gentle | A light lotion |
| Dry | Creamy, with no foam | A thick cream |
| Oily | A gel or light foam | A light gel with no oil |
| Combination | Gentle | Light on the T-zone, more on the cheeks |
| Sensitive | With no scent | With no scent, and few ingredients |
Every skin type needs sunscreen in the morning. Read our simple skincare routine.
Things that change your skin
- Weather. Cold, dry air makes skin drier. Heat makes it more oily.
- Age. Skin often gets drier as you get older.
- Hot showers. They dry your skin.
- Harsh products. They can make any skin feel sensitive.
So check your skin again when the season changes.
Oily skin still needs moisture
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer. This is a mistake. Oily skin can still lack water, and harsh washing makes it sore. Use a light gel moisturizer.
Is your skin dry?
Dry skin needs a little more care. Read our skincare routine for dry skin.
A reading each week
Ukti is our app. Once a week you take a selfie, and Ukti reads your skin. It scores seven things: dark circles, acne, dryness, oiliness, pigmentation, redness and texture.
It gives notes for each part of your face, like the forehead and nose, each cheek, and under each eye. Then it gives you care steps for the week.
Be careful
This test is a simple check. It is not a medical test. If your skin hurts, bleeds, or a problem does not go away, please see a doctor.
