YS COSMETICS | K-BEAUTY EDUCATION
Know Your Skin
Understand Your Skin Type & Discover the Right Skincare Routine.
Understanding your skin type is the first step toward choosing skincare products that suit your needs. Explore the different skin types, helpful ingredients and everyday care tips.
Explore the Different Skin Types
Skin types are commonly described as normal, dry, oily and combination. Sensitive skin can occur alongside any of these types.
Normal Skin
Balanced & ComfortableWhat is it? Skin that generally maintains a comfortable balance of oil and moisture.
Common Signs: Minimal excess shine, little flaking and skin that rarely feels too oily or too tight.
Best Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide.
Recommended Products: Gentle cleanser, lightweight serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
What to Avoid: Unnecessary over-exfoliation or excessive use of strong actives.
Dry Skin
Moisture & Barrier SupportWhat is it? Skin that produces relatively little natural oil and may struggle to retain moisture.
Common Signs: Tightness, flaking, rough patches and a dull or uncomfortable feeling.
Best Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane and shea butter.
Recommended Products: Cream cleanser, hydrating toner, moisturizing serum and rich face cream.
What to Avoid: Harsh cleansers, frequent exfoliation and products that leave skin feeling stripped.
Oily Skin
Excess Shine & Oil ProductionWhat is it? Skin that produces more sebum, the natural oil made by the skin.
Common Signs: Noticeable shine, especially across the forehead, nose and chin, and a tendency toward clogged pores.
Best Ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Recommended Products: Gentle gel cleanser, lightweight hydrating serum, non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.
What to Avoid: Aggressive cleansing and overusing drying products to remove all oil.
Combination Skin
Oily & Dry AreasWhat is it? Skin with different oil levels across different areas of the face.
Common Signs: An oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with normal or dry cheeks.
Best Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica and ceramides.
Recommended Products: Gentle cleanser, lightweight toner, balancing serum and moisturizer.
What to Avoid: Using overly drying products across the entire face.
Sensitive Skin
Easily Reactive & DelicateWhat is it? Skin that reacts easily to certain products or environmental triggers. Sensitivity can occur with dry, oily, normal or combination skin.
Common Signs: Stinging, burning, itching, visible redness or discomfort after using some products.
Best Ingredients: Centella asiatica (CICA), panthenol, ceramides and glycerin.
Recommended Products: Gentle fragrance-free cleanser, simple moisturizer, soothing serum and sunscreen.
What to Avoid: Known irritants, frequent exfoliation and introducing several new active ingredients at once.
Build a Routine for Your Skin
Regardless of your skin type, a simple routine is a great place to start.
Morning Routine
- Gentle Cleanser or Rinse
- Hydrating Toner (Optional)
- Serum for Your Skin Concern (Optional)
- Moisturizer
- Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Focus: Hydration, skin comfort and daily UV protection.
Evening Routine
- Gentle Cleanser
- Hydrating Toner (Optional)
- Serum or Treatment (Optional)
- Moisturizer
Focus: Removing daily buildup, moisturizing and targeted care.
Skin Type vs. Skin Concern
Skin Type describes your skin’s general oil production and moisture characteristics. Examples include dry, oily, normal and combination.
Skin Concerns are specific issues you may want to address, such as acne, dark spots, fine lines, dehydration or redness.
You can have oily skin that is dehydrated, dry skin that is acne-prone, or combination skin that is sensitive. Choosing skincare based on both your skin type and concerns can help you build a more personalized routine.
Discover Skincare Made for Your Skin
Explore Korean skincare essentials for hydration, balance, soothing care and more.
Shop Korean SkincareEducational information only. Skin type descriptions are general guidelines, not medical diagnoses. Product suitability varies. Patch test new products and consult a qualified professional for persistent or severe skin concerns.
