Knowing your skin type makes it much easier to choose products that suit you, rather than guessing. Skin can also change with the seasons, your age and your environment, so it is worth checking in from time to time.
A simple test
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then leave it bare for an hour without applying anything. Notice how it feels afterwards. Skin that feels tight and looks flaky leans dry, while a shine across the forehead, nose and chin points to oily skin. A mix, oily in the middle and drier on the cheeks, is called combination and is very common.
Sensitive skin
Sensitivity is a little different. If your skin often stings, reddens or reacts to new products, treating it gently and introducing changes slowly usually helps more than any single product.
Why it matters
Once you know your type, you can pick textures that work with your skin: lighter, oil-free formulas for oily skin and richer creams for dry skin. If your skin is hard to read or a concern keeps coming back, a professional can help you understand it and find a routine that fits.