|  Our Articles

Identifying Your Skin Type: A Simple Guide

Simple Guide

Before choosing products or treatments, it’s important to know your skin type. Using the wrong routine whether too drying or too heavy can make concerns like breakouts, dryness, or irritation worse. Understanding your skin is step one in creating a routine that works.

Signs of Oily Skin

If your skin tends to feel greasy by midday, you might have oily skin. This skin type is caused by excess sebum production and can lead to:

  • Shiny or greasy appearance (especially in the T-zone)
  • Enlarged pores
  • Frequent breakouts or blackheads

Signs of Dry Skin

Dry skin often feels tight or uncomfortable, especially after cleansing. It lacks the oils needed to lock in hydration and may show up as:

  • Tightness and flakiness
  • Rough patches or uneven texture
  • Dull or tired-looking skin

Signs of Combination Skin

Combination skin means you have both oily and dry areas on your face. This often requires a balanced approach to skincare. You may notice:

  • Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
  • Normal to dry cheeks
  • Mixed results with products something works for one area but not another

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Your skin is unique and so are its needs. Using the wrong products can actually make problems worse rather than better. For example, a cleanser that’s too harsh for dry skin can strip away vital oils and leave your face tight and irritated, while a moisturizer that’s too heavy for oily skin can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

Understanding your skin type gives you the foundation to choose products that support balance, hydration, and protection while avoiding unnecessary irritation. It also helps you address concerns more effectively whether you’re dealing with acne, dryness, fine lines, or sensitivity and can even prevent long-term issues like premature aging or chronic inflammation.

The bottom line: once you know your skin’s needs, you can stop guessing and finally build a routine that delivers real, lasting results.

The At-Home Test

Your skin is always sending signals; it’s just a matter of knowing how to read them. While a quick at-home test can give you insight into your skin type, a Med Spa professional can take it further with a personalized evaluation. Think of this as a great first step toward building a routine that’s truly tailored to you.

Here’s a quick way to find out your skin type:

  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
  • Wait 30 minutes without applying anything.
  • If it feels tight, you likely have dry skin.
  • If it’s shiny everywhere, you likely have oily skin.
  • If only the T-zone is shiny, you likely have combination skin.

Treatments That Can Help

Once you understand your skin type, the right treatments can take your results to the next level. At the Med Spa, we customize solutions that target your skin’s unique needs, helping you achieve a healthy, radiant glow that lasts.

  • Hydrafacial
    This treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates in one session. It’s great for oily skin because it clears out clogged pores, while also replenishing dry skin with nourishing serums. The result? Instant radiance and long-lasting hydration.
  • Chemical Peels
    From light refreshes to more intensive treatments, chemical peels smooth skin texture, reduce fine lines, and improve uneven tone. For oily or combination skin, they help minimize breakouts and refine pores. For dry skin, they encourage cell turnover for softer, brighter results.
  • ZO Skin Health Kits
    These science-backed regimens are designed with specific skin types in mind. Whether you’re managing excess oil, dryness, or a mix of both, there’s a targeted ZO routine that helps balance your skin and keep it healthy day-to-day.

Each of these options works even better when guided by a professional who can recommend the right frequency, intensity, and products for your unique skin.

The IFFH Med Spa Difference

At the Institute for Functional Health Med Spa, we take the guesswork out of skincare. Our specialists help you identify your skin type and customize treatments so your skin looks and feels its best.Ready to discover your true skin type and get the perfect plan? Book your Skin Discovery Day today.

Glow Through the Holidays: Your IFFH November Skin Prep Guide

How to Know If You Need a Chemical Peel vs. a Facial

Facial

Identifying Your Skin Type: A Simple Guide

Simple Guide

ZO Skin Health Explained: What Makes It Different?

ZO Skincare

How Does Botox Work? Benefits, Results, and Treatment Facts

Botox Treatment

Is It Time to Update Your Skincare Routine? Here’s How to Tell

Skincare

What’s the Difference Between a Facial and a Hydrafacial?

Facial and Hydrafacial

Sculptra: The Secret to Naturally Restored Volume & Youthful Skin

Embrace the Fall Glow: Why September is the Perfect Time for Botox and More at Our Medspa

Embrace the Fall Glow: Why September is the Perfect Time for Botox and More at Our Medspa

Back to School, Back to You: Integrative Treatments for a Fresh Start

Back to School, Back to You: Integrative Treatments for a Fresh Start

🎄 Christmas in July with our Medspa: Your Guide to Youthful Skin and a Sculpted Body! 🎄

Christmas in July with our Medspa: Your Guide to Youthful Skin and a Sculpted Body!

5 Facial Treatments That Will Make Your Skin Glow

5 Facial Treatments That Will Make Your Skin Glow

Stop the Cycle of Medications & Get to the Root Cause

|  Patient Education Center

Come Visit Us

At IFFH, we are a one-block campus offering 4 Distinct Programs.

MedSpa Appointment

Please fill out this form and a member of our MedSpa team will contact you soon to book your appointment.
Terms and Conditions

Search Below

Ready To learn More about Functional Beauty? glow guide for FREE!

Marketing email consent

Fill out this form and a member of our team will contact you soon to confirm your appointment

Book your Performance Discovery Day

Schedule your Free Facial Scan