What are the different skin types?
Our skin is our largest organ - and as individual as we are. Understanding your skin helps you to care for it better and specifically support its natural needs. But what skin types are there actually? And how do you recognize them? In this article, we show you what skin types exist, how to identify your own, and what you should pay attention to in your skincare routine.
The Four Skin Types
Our skin is unique, yet four basic skin types can be distinguished: normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. This classification is based on genetic factors and is therefore largely innate. This means your skin type remains relatively constant over the years. Knowing your skin type lays the foundation for an effective, tailored skincare routine. In detail, skin types are recognized by the following characteristics:
1. Der normale Hauttyp
Characteristics of this skin type:
- Skin is fine-pored, smooth, and supple
- hardly any blemishes or dry areas
- well-circulated, rosy complexion
Care tip for normal skin
Normal skin is uncomplicated but still appreciates gentle care. For this skin type, use mild cleansing products and moisturizing creams – preferably with antioxidants to maintain its natural balance.
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Day & Night Routine - normale Haut
Day & Night Routine
Normale Haut
2. Der trockene Hauttyp
Characteristics of this skin type:
- Feeling of tightness, especially after washing
- Flaky or rough patches
- Fine pores, often appearing pale or sallow
Skincare tip for dry skin
Dry skin needs a lot of moisture and rich, replenishing care. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or nourishing oils like jojoba or almond oil to strengthen the skin's protective barrier. You should avoid overly strong exfoliants for this skin classification – but even dry skin can benefit from mild chemical peels, though they should be applied with sufficient time in between to avoid over-irritating the skin.
Day & Night Routine - trockene Haut
Day & Night Routine
Trockene Haut
3. Der ölige Hauttyp
Characteristics of this skin type:
- shiny skin, especially in the T-zone
- large, visible pores
- propensity for blemishes and blackheads
Care tip for oily skin
Oily skin needs cleansing, but gently please! Use light, water-based products that regulate sebum production, e.g., with niacinamide or salicylic acid. Do not dry out – otherwise, the skin will produce even more sebum.
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Day & Night Routine - ölige Haut mit Unreinheiten
Day & Night Routine
Ölige Haut mit Unreinheiten
4. Der Mischhaut-Typ
Characteristics of this skin type:
- T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) rather oily
- Cheek area often dry or normal
- Shine and impurities only in certain zones
Care tip for combination skin
The challenge with combination skin: different needs. Use a mild cleanser and combine products - e.g. mattifying care in the T-zone and moisturizing care for dry areas.
fragrance-free
vegan
Day & Night Routine - Mischhaut mit Unreinheiten
Day & Night Routine
Mischhaut mit Unreinheiten
How do I find out my skin type?
Are you unsure which skin type applies to you? Then take our free Skincare Quiz now – in just a few minutes you'll find out what your skin type is and what your skin really needs.
To find out which skin type you tend to have, a simple test can also help:
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry.
- Instead of immediately treating your skin with serums, creams, and the like, let it "rest" for 1-2 hours.
- Afterward, you can roughly assess what type of skin you have.
If your face or T-zone is shiny, you most likely have oily skin or combination skin. If your skin feels tight and flaky or rough patches appear, this indicates dry skin. If your skin shows no irregularities, you have normal skin.
Skin Type vs. Skin Condition – What's the Difference?
Skin type and skin condition are often confused – yet it's important to differentiate between the two to find the right skincare routine. Skin type is genetically determined and remains constant over a long period. Whether your skin is dry, oily, normal, or combination depends on your predisposition.
Skin condition, on the other hand, is variable and is influenced by external factors such as climate, diet, hormones, stress, or skincare products. For example, skin that is normally healthy may suddenly develop new needs and become dehydrated and sensitive in cold winter weather. Or oily skin may show signs of dehydration if overly aggressive products are used.
To correctly assess your skin, you should therefore always keep both in mind: your fundamental skin type – and its current needs. This is the only way to optimize your skincare.
What skin conditions are there?
There are various skin conditions that – in contrast to genetically determined skin types – can change over time. They are caused by external influences (e.g. climate, environmental factors, sun exposure, skincare) or internal factors (e.g. hormones, diet, stress) and occur with every skin type. Here is an overview of the most common skin conditions:
1. Dehydrierte Haut (Feuchtigkeitsmangel)
Characteristics:
- Tightness, fine dehydration lines
- Skin appears dull and tired
- Can be both oily and dehydrated simultaneously
Typically found in: all skin types, especially in winter or with incorrect care
Care Tip: Use light, moisturizing products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera – even for oily skin!
fragrance-free
vegan
Day & Night Routine - dehydrierte Haut mit Unreinheiten
Day & Night Routine
Dehydrierte Haut mit Unreinheiten
2. Empfindliche Haut
Characteristics:
- Redness, burning, itching or tightness of the skin
- reacts quickly to weather, environmental influences, (new) skin care products or stress
- often appears thin or dry
Typical for: dry or thin skin, but can also occur with any skin type (e.g. due to over-care)
Care tip: Less is more – people with sensitive skin should opt for mild care with soothing active ingredients such as panthenol or aloe vera and, if possible, avoid using fragrances. Soothing ingredients are ideal for this classification.
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vegan
Day & Night Routine - empfindliche Haut
Day & Night Routine
Empfindliche Haut
3. Unreine Haut
Characteristics:
- Blackheads, pimples, subcutaneous blemishes, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Oily sheen, especially in the T-zone
Typical for: often oily skin, but also due to hormonal fluctuations in other skin types
Care tip: Do not dry out! Use gentle cleansing, active ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, and do not use too many products at once.
4. Anspruchsvolle Haut/Reife Haut
Characteristics:
- first signs of loss of firmness and elasticity
- fine lines, wrinkles, pigment spots
- dull complexion, uneven texture
- often drier or thinning
Typically found in: all skin types; collagen breakdown in the skin begins as early as 25 years of age
Skincare tip: Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E), retinol, hyaluronic acid, and rich textures help to strengthen and smooth the skin.
Day & Night Routine - anspruchsvolle Haut
Day & Night Routine
Anspruchsvolle Haut
5. Haut mit Pigmentflecken
Characteristics:
- Patchy skin, e.g. due to sun, inflammation, or hormones
- Uneven complexion
Typical for: all skin types, especially after high UV exposure
Care tip: Sunscreen is a must! Additionally, rely on active ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or gentle acid peels.
6. Vergrößerte Poren
Characteristics:
- visible, often uneven pore structure
- skin appears agitated, shiny, or slightly thickened
Typical for: Oily skin, combination skin, and blemishes
Care tip: Rely on sebum-regulating active ingredients such as niacinamide or BHA (e.g., salicylic acid) to refine pores and clarify the skin. Light textures and regular, gentle exfoliation support an even complexion. Opt for light serums with, for example, niacinamide to regulate excess sebum and visually refine pores.
Properly Managing Different Skin Types and Skin Conditions
Knowing your own skin type is the first step towards even, healthy skin. Because only when you understand what your skin needs can you care for it optimally. And remember: skin can change over time. Skin condition is dynamic – your skin's characteristics change with the seasons, your lifestyle, environmental influences, and skincare. That's why it's worth regularly paying attention to your skin's signals and flexibly adjusting your skincare routine. This way, you can give your skin exactly what it needs at any given moment.
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