How to Determine Your Skin Type

From the experts at Saranghae

Knowing your skin type is not an exact science nor does it need to be. The criteria for skin types are broad and frequently overlap. For example, the difference between oily and combination is minimal, so don't fret too much about getting it exactly right. As long as we're in the right vicinity, it'll all work out fine.

There are 5 accepted skin types in the beauty industry:

• Oily
• Dry
• Combination
• Normal
• Sensitive

When determining your skin type, you will want to be aware of your "T-zone". To do this, use your finger to draw or outline a line across your forehead and a line down from your forehead to the tip of your nose. The lines form a "T", and that is your T-zone.


Here are 3 different ways you can find out what skin type you are:

1. THE BARE-FACE TEST
   Wash your face with our oil to foam cleanser and pat dry. Leave your skin bare with no products at all for about 30 to 40 minutes. Now observe how your skin feels.
   
   Oily: Looks shiny, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone).
   Dry: Feels tight or flaky, especially around the cheeks.
   Combination: Oily in the T-zone but dry or normal elsewhere. 
   Normal: Feels balanced—not too oily or dry.
   Sensitive: You regularly feel itchy, red, or irritated.
   
   
   
2. THE BLOTTING SHEET TEST
   Take a blotting sheet (or tissue paper) and press it onto different areas of your face. Hold it up to the light and check.
   
   Lots of oil all over: Oily skin.
   Oil mostly in the T-zone: Combination skin.
   Little to no oil: Dry or normal skin.
   Redness or irritation: Sensitive skin.
   
   
   
3. HOW YOUR SKIN TYPICALLY REACTS TO SKINCARE
   
   Oily skin: Gets greasy quickly, prone to acne.
   Dry skin: Feels rough or tight, absorbs moisturizer quickly.
   Combination skin: Some areas feel hydrated while others get oily.
   Normal skin: Can handle most products without issues.
   Sensitive skin: Easily irritated, reacts to products with redness or itching.
   
   

Does Ethnicity Matter?
All skin types are represented in all ethnic groups, so it would be inaccurate to say for example, that all Asian skin is oily; however, in general, there seems to be a global trend and a general correlation between ethnicity and skin types.

1. African & African-American Skin

• Common Skin Types: Combination to oily
• Why? Higher sebum production and larger pores
• Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, keloid scars, uneven skin tone, acne, scarring

2. Asian Skin

• Common Skin Types: Combination to normal
  Why? Thinner skin with smaller pores, but can be sensitive
  Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, and uneven skin tone

3. Hispanic & Latino Skin

• Common Skin Types: Combination to oily
  Why? Higher melanin levels, which help with sun protection but can lead to hyperpigmentation
  Concerns: Melasma, acne, and dark spots
  

4. Caucasian (European) Skin

• Common Skin Types: Normal to dry
  Why? Thinner skin with less sebum production, especially in lighter skin tones
  Concerns: Sunburn, premature aging, and rosacea

5. Middle Eastern & South Asian Skin

• Common Skin Types: Combination to oily
• Why? Higher oil production due to humid climates and genetics
• Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, acne, and melasma
  
  

6. Indigenous & Native American Skin

• Common Skin Types: Normal to dry
• Why? Generally resilient but prone to dryness in colder climates
• Concerns: Sensitivity, redness, and uneven skin tone

Once you have a handle on your skin type, it will help steer you towards the best skincare routine that is ideal for you. Below is Saranghae's ideal skin products to try:

• The Basics Trio (Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer)
  This foundational routine is considered a good starting point for any skin type. If you're new to Korean beauty, you don't know where to start or you want to simplify your routine, we recommend you start with The Basics Trio.
  
  Step 1: double cleansing with oil to foam
  Step 2: rebalance skin's pH & prep for skin conditioning
  Step 3: ultra moisturization and protection
  
  Powered by Saranghae's proprietary adaptogenic Triple Mushroom Complex: reishi, chaga, and sang hwang (black hoof), The Basics Trio is considered the foundational starting skincare routine for any skin type or skin stage.
  
  
  
• Perfect Balance Toner
  This formula is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and fragile skin, to rebalance pH after cleansing.
  
  
• Calm & Glow Snail Mucin Serum
  This serum is for all skin types and is intended to soothe and calm irritated skin. 
  
  
• Advanced Renewal Retinal Serum

  The squalane in this formula is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

---

Behind The Brand

Saranghae and Orora Skin Science are a Korean Beauty company that marries ancient Asian medicinal philosophies with modern anti-aging science. Their journey started when their spiritual founder, Myeong-Jo Lee, originally wanted to create a skin cream to help her sister heal from burn scars. After two years of trials, Myeong-Jo found that not only did her formulation help heal scarring, it reduced wrinkles, and improved skin firmness and resiliency.

In 2016 her son, and current CEO Peter Lee together with his co-founder and wife, Andrea Mourad, created the brand Saranghae with the dream of sharing his mother's creations with the world. His desire to share the very best of his mother's work and Korean culture is the driving force behind Saranghae's passion.

Today, almost a decade later, Saranghae, along with their sister brand Orora Skin Science, is one of the most trusted and fastest growing Korean beauty brands in North America. Among their customers, they are known for offering cost effective, low-tox, foundational skincare routines to help with anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and foundational skin health.

Their commitment to exceptional customer care is legendary, and though they have grown so much since their early days, they have never forgotten who they are. They remain a trusted, family run, Canadian skincare company that highly values the people they lovingly serve by offering the very best of performance Korean skincare.

Andrea is a devoted wife to her partner in life and business, mother of two, 2X best-selling author, and former elementary school teacher with 15 years of experience. She is also a powerhouse entrepreneur, co-founding two award-winning Korean skincare companies, Saranghae and Orora Skin Science. As a mentor to female entrepreneurs, Andrea is passionate about guiding women toward infinite expansion in both business and life.

Through her own entrepreneurial journey, Andrea discovered that true success begins with self-care and total well-being. This realization ignited a deep passion for holistic wellness, inspiring her to help other women elevate their self-care rituals. Her mission is to empower women to embrace transformational daily habits—small but powerful shifts that create lasting change in every aspect of their lives.

Shop the Saranghae Collection with RevolutionHer >>