Determine skin type: How to recognize what your skin needs

Every skin tells its own unique story – sometimes radiant, sometimes temperamental. But how can you find out exactly what your skin needs? The answer lies in your skin type. Knowing your skin type makes it easier to choose the right skincare products and give your skin what it truly requires.

What determines your skin type?

Your skin type is primarily determined by how much sebum (natural skin oil) your skin produces. This sebum influences whether your skin feels dry, oily, or balanced. But be aware: factors such as stress, hormonal changes, genetics, and climate can affect sebum production and therefore your skin type.

Interestingly, while sensitive skin is generally considered a separate skin type, it actually describes how reactive your skin is. Sensitivity can therefore occur in addition to other skin types.

Expert opinion from Katja Glatz (Head of Product Development)

"I don't believe in rigid skin types. Our skin is constantly changing – depending on the day, the season, and our stage of life. That's why at APRICOT, I prefer to talk about skin conditions that come and go, rather than unchanging skin types. The goal is to understand skin in all its diversity and give it precisely the care it needs at any given moment. Ingredients like aloe vera, ectoin, and ceramides are ideal because they are suitable for everyone, provide moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier. Because well-nourished skin ages more slowly, gets fewer blemishes, and glows more."

How do I find out my skin type?

In most cases, a close look in the mirror or a simple self-test at home is enough to find out your skin type.

The skin check after cleansing

This simple skin check will help you determine your skin type by observing how your skin behaves after cleansing. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently dry it with a soft towel. Wait about 30 minutes and carefully examine your skin in the mirror:

• Shines Is your face strong all over? Then you probably oily skin.
• Is your skin rough, flaky, or tight? Then you probably have dry skin.
• Only your T-zone is shining (Forehead, nose, chin), while your cheeks appear dry? Then you have Combination skin.
• Does your skin look well hydrated and neither oily nor dry? Then you probably normal skin.
• Does your skin feel less elastic Does it have fine lines or wrinkles caused by dryness? Then it could be... mature skin act.

Skin types at a glance

Oily skin – Too much of a good thing?

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which makes your face look shiny and greasy, especially in the T-zone. Large pores, blackheads, and occasional pimples are often part of it. But there is a positive aspect: studies show that oily skin ages more slowly and develops wrinkles later.

Care tip: Mattifying, light, and oil-free skincare products are ideal. Katja also recommends special ingredients that regulate sebum production and refine pores.

"Niacinamide reduces sebum production, while salicylic acid cleanses pores. Vitamin C refines the skin's texture, and azelaic acid effectively regulates sebum and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Zinc also supports wound healing, and hyaluronic acid and aloe vera provide moisture without weighing down the skin."

Dry skin – When skin cries out for moisture

With dry skin, your body produces too little sebum. As a result, your skin loses moisture more quickly and appears dry, brittle, or even flaky. It also has reduced elasticity, making it more prone to irritation and visible signs of aging. Here, too, skincare plays a crucial role – avoid products that can further dry out your skin.

Care tip: Moisture-rich creams with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.

Katja recommends: "Ideally, you should also add aloe vera, glycerin and plant oils to intensively nourish the skin and strengthen its protective barrier."

Combination skin – The balancing act

Combination skin exhibits both dry and oily areas. The oily T-zone is particularly noticeable, while the cheeks and other parts of the face may be dry. Combination skin is variable and reacts strongly to seasons and hormonal changes.

Care tip: Use different skincare products for dry and oily areas of the skin.

Katja explains: “Combination skin needs a skincare routine that hydrates dry areas with hyaluronic acid and ectoin while regulating oily areas with niacinamide or salicylic acid.”

Normal skin – the dream of many people

Normal skin is well-balanced, neither too oily nor too dry. It usually appears supple, has fine pores, and an even complexion. This skin type is uncomplicated and rarely shows sensitivities or skin problems.

Care tip: Gentle, moisturizing care is usually perfectly sufficient.

Katja recommends: “For normal skin, which is generally balanced, the main goal is to maintain this balance and protect the skin from environmental influences. Suitable ingredients include hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which provide moisture, as well as aloe vera, which has a soothing effect. Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors.”“

Sensitive skin – When the skin sounds the alarm

Sensitive skin reacts quickly and intensely to external influences such as skincare products, weather changes, or stress. Redness, itching, or burning are typical signs. Sensitive skin can occur in combination with any other skin type.

Care tip: Mild, fragrance-free products.

Katja recommends: "For sensitive skin, ectoin, aloe vera, panthenol and centella asiatica are ideal – they soothe, strengthen the skin barrier and relieve redness and irritation. Important: Use products without alcohol, fragrances and dyes and don't forget sunscreen."

Mature skin – changing needs

Mature skin often shows reduced elasticity and fine lines. It is more prone to dryness and is characterized by slower cell renewal.

Katja recommends: “Mature skin particularly benefits from vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides and antioxidants such as vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 – these ingredients promote elasticity, reduce wrinkles and effectively protect the skin from environmental influences.”

Can my skin type change?

Yes, your skin type can actually change – even with the seasons! The biggest factor is humidity: dry air from heating in winter can make your skin react very differently than humid summer air. But age, hormonal fluctuations (such as pregnancy or menopause), climate changes, and your lifestyle also continuously influence your skin type. That's why it's worth regularly checking whether your current skincare routine is still ideally suited to your skin.

Conclusion: Know your skin, pamper your skin

To answer the questions "What is my skin type?" and "What does my skin need?", it's crucial to know your exact skin type – this is the foundation for healthy, beautiful skin. Simple tests can help you determine your skin type and provide optimal care. Now you can find out your skin type anytime and address its specific needs! Our quiz makes it easy to discover which products are best suited to your current skin type!