In this guide, our dermal clinicians explain the different skin types, how to tell which one you have, and when to seek professional advice for the best results.

Key Takeaways

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Your skin type affects everything — from the cleanser you should use to the treatments that deliver the best results. Using the wrong products can lead to breakouts, dryness or irritation, and over time, can damage your skin barrier.

When you understand your skin type, you can:

• Choose the right skincare ingredients
• Prevent unnecessary irritation
• Keep your skin balanced and hydrated
• Get better, longer-lasting treatment outcomes
  

How to Tell What Skin Type You Have (at Home Test)

The easiest way to find out your skin type is by doing a simple at-home test. Note, skin often can have a few different skin types.

STEP 1: Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, then pat dry.

STEP 2: Wait around 30 minutes without applying any products.

STEP 3: Check your skin in the mirror:

• Tight, rough or flaky? → Dry Skin
• Shiny all over? → Oily Skin
• Shiny T-zone only (forehead, nose, chin)? → Combination Skin
• Feels balanced and smooth? → Normal Skin

Normal Skin — Balanced and Healthy

Having ‘normal’ skin means your skin is well-balanced — not too oily and not too dry. You may notice a little shine on your forehead, nose and chin on warmer days, but overall, your skin feels comfortable and smooth.

 Signs of normal skin include:

• Even tone and smooth texture
• Small, refined pores
• Minimal blemishes or irritation
• Good blood circulation and natural glow
  

Even with balanced skin, it’s still important to maintain a good skincare routine to protect your barrier and prevent future concerns.

What Type of Facial Treatment is Best for Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, you’re in the lucky position of being able to enjoy most facial types. The goal is maintenance — keeping your skin balanced, hydrated and radiant.

Recommended Normal skin facials:

• Customised Enzyme or Hydration Treatments – Gently exfoliates and refreshes without over-stimulating the skin.
• LED Light Therapy Facial – Boosts collagen and maintains a healthy, glowing complexion.
• Seasonal Skin Refresh Facial Treatment– Ideal every 4–6 weeks to maintain optimal skin function.

Tip: Focus on consistency rather than intensity. A monthly facial will help preserve your skin’s natural equilibrium and glow.

Oily Skin — Managing Shine and Breakouts

Oily skin produces more sebum (oil) than other skin types. It’s often influenced by genetics, hormones, stress, diet or certain products and medications.

Common signs of oily skin:

• Enlarged pores
• Shiny appearance, especially mid-day
• Frequent blackheads, whiteheads or acne
• Thicker skin texture

A common myth is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. In fact, skipping hydration can make oil production worse. Our clinicians recommend using a cream (yes, cream) cleanser twice daily and applying an oil-free, lightweight moisturiser to balance the skin.

 What Type of Facial is Best for Oily Skin

Oily skin benefits from facials that balance oil production, deeply cleanse pores and prevent congestion without stripping the skin barrier.

Recommended Oily Skin facials:

• Purifying, Deep Cleansing or Chemical Peel – Removes impurities and helps manage blackheads and excess sebum.
• LED Blue Light  – Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• LED Red or Infrared – to treat inflammation and healing.
• Hydrafacial Treatment – Exfoliates dead cells and clears clogged pores for a smoother finish.

Tip: Avoid overly harsh exfoliants or drying products; gentle yet thorough cleansing is key.

Dry Skin — Restoring Moisture and Comfort

 Dry skin produces less natural oil, leading to rough texture and tightness — especially in winter or as we age. Hormonal changes, such as menopause, can also make the skin drier over time.

You may have dry skin if you notice:

• Flakiness or dullness
• Tightness after cleansing
• Rough texture or itchiness
• Fine lines that appear more visible

To restore comfort, use a gentle, hydrating cleanser, avoid hot showers, and apply a barrier-repairing moisturiser with ceramides or hyaluronic acid. Professional treatments like hydrating facials or LED therapy can also boost moisture retention.

What Type of Facial Treatment is Best for Dry Skin

Dry skin needs nourishment and hydration to strengthen the barrier and restore a supple texture. The best facials focus on replenishment, not exfoliation.

Recommended Dry Skin facials:

• Dermal Delivery Infusion Facial Treatments – Replenishes moisture using barrier repair ingredients and antioxidant serums.
• LED Light Therapy Facial – Encourages skin repair and boosts hydration. Red or Infrared ONLY
• Nourishing Barrier Repair Facial and Dermal Delivery – Strengthens dry, compromised skin with lipid-rich products.

Tip: Regular professional hydration facials can dramatically improve comfort and smoothness, especially during winter or post-holiday skin recovery.

Combination Skin — Balancing Different Areas

Combination skin features both oily and dry areas — usually an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal or dry cheeks. This type can be challenging because you’re managing multiple concerns at once.

Signs of combination skin:

• Oily T-zone with dry or normal cheeks
• Occasional breakouts in oily areas
• Sensitivity or dehydration on cheeks
• Feels dehydrated but oily at the same time

Our dermal clinicians can help design a tailored skincare routine to balance oil production while keeping dry areas nourished. In most cases, a combination of lightweight serums with targeted ingredients and gentle exfoliation works best. 

 What Type of Facial is Best for Combination Skin

Combination skin requires balance — clearing congestion in oily areas while soothing and hydrating the drier zones. Customised facials work best for this type.

Recommended Combination skin facials:

• Bespoke Combination Facial Treatments– Targets different areas with tailored products and techniques.
• Chemical Exfoliation + LED Therapy – Gently refines texture while calming sensitive zones.
• Hydrafacial– Four steps to deep clean, resurface and rehydrates simultaneously for smoother, balanced skin and brighter skin.
  

Tip: Speak with your clinician about alternating between purifying and hydrating facials to keep all areas of your skin in harmony.

FAQ: Understanding Your Skin Type

Why is it important to know your skin type?

• It helps you choose the right products, protect your barrier and prevent breakouts or dryness.

Can my skin type change over time?

• Yes — hormonal shifts, ageing, stress and climate changes can alter how much oil your skin produces.

What’s the best professional treatment for my skin type?

• A personalised skin consultation ensures your products and in-clinic treatments match your unique skin needs.

Get the Right Advice

In a world filled with beauty “hacks”, social media trends and influencer recommendations, it’s easy to feel confused about what your skin really needs. At Skin Clinic Blyss, our team of expert dermal clinicians, therapists and registered nurses are here to guide you with evidence-based advice and customised treatment plans.

Our Skin Consultations are the perfect first step to understanding your skin type and building a routine that works for you. You’ll receive a professional skin analysis, expert recommendations and a treatment plan designed for healthy, radiant skin.

Book A Consultation

Book your Skin Consultation in Sydney today and receive a comprehensive analysis and breakdown of your skin as well as a skincare plan with recommended products and treatments. You can always chat with our team on (02) 9664 8011.

About the Author

Jodie King (BDermSc) — Dermal Clinician and Director of Skin Clinic Blyss. With over 20 years’ experience in advanced skin health and rejuvenation, Jodie specialises in evidence-based treatments to restore skin confidence and barrier integrity.