How to Do a Self Skin Analysis at Home (And Finally Understand Your Skin)

Introduction

Before you buy another serum or switch moisturisers again—pause. The key to glowing, balanced skin isn’t in more products. It’s in understanding your skin type and condition. And the best part? You can figure it out yourself, right at home.

This self skin analysis is your simple guide to finally decoding your skin—so you can build a routine that actually works for you, not against you.

Step 1: The Bare-Faced Test

Start with clean skin.

✅ Wash your face with a gentle cleanser

✅ Don’t apply any products

✅ Wait 1 hour

During this time, stay indoors and avoid sweating or touching your face.

Step 2: Observe Your Skin

After an hour, stand in natural light and use a mirror. Gently press your fingers on different areas of your face (forehead, cheeks, chin, nose) and look for these signs:

Skin Type Test: What Do You See and Feel?

• Oily Skin:

  • Visible shine on forehead, nose, or cheeks

  • Pores may look larger

  • Makeup slides off easily

  • Often experiences breakouts or congestion

    
    

• Dry Skin:

  • Skin feels tight or flaky

  • May appear dull or rough

  • Pores are barely visible

  • Fine lines may be more noticeable

    
    

• Combination Skin:

  • Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)

  • Dry or normal on the cheeks

  • Breakouts + dry patches in different areas

    
    

• Normal/Balanced Skin:

  • Skin feels comfortable

  • No visible oiliness or flaking

  • Even texture and tone

  • Minimal sensitivity

    
    

• Sensitive Skin:

  • Redness, stinging, or flushing

  • Easily reacts to new products or weather changes

  • Often feels irritated or inflamed

    
    

💡 Note: You can have sensitive skin and another skin type, like dry or oily.

Step 3: Identify Current Skin Conditions

Your skin condition changes depending on stress, diet, weather, hormones, and product use. Here’s what to look for:

• Dehydration:

  • Feels tight but looks oily

  • Fine lines appear more visible

  • Needs water, not oil

    
    

• Dullness:

  • Lack of glow

  • Uneven tone or texture

  • Often caused by dead skin buildup or lack of sleep

    
    

• Breakouts:

  • Pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads

  • Usually linked to hormones, diet, or inflammation

    
    

• Pigmentation:

  • Sun spots, acne marks, or uneven tone

  • Often worsens with sun exposure

    
    

• Redness/Inflammation:

  • Skin looks flushed, hot, or angry

  • Can be linked to sensitivity, allergies, or barrier damage

Step 4: Match Your Routine to Your Results

Once you know your type and condition, you can choose skincare that works with your skin.

Skin Type	What You Need
Oily	Lightweight gel moisturisers, BHAs, niacinamide
Dry	Rich creams, ceramides, hydrating serums
Combination	Balancing cleansers, spot hydration
Normal	Gentle maintenance routine
Sensitive	Fragrance-free, calming ingredients (like aloe, oat, or centella)

💡 Always listen to your skin over the label. If something feels wrong—it probably is

Final Thoughts on your skin Analysis

Knowing your skin is self-love in action. When you understand what your skin is telling you, you can stop guessing—and start glowing. Come back to this test whenever your skin changes with the seasons, stress, or lifestyle.

Love & Artistry, Philippa