How to Find Your Skin Type at Home (Easy Blot Test for Beginners)

If you’ve ever stood in front of a skincare shelf confused between “for oily skin” and “for dry skin,” you’re not alone. One of the biggest skincare mistakes beginners make is using products without knowing their actual skin type.

Before investing in moisturizers, serums or sunscreens, it’s important to understand your skin. The good news? You don’t need expensive tools or dermatologist visits to do that. A simple blot test can help you identify your skin type at home.

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Your skin type decides how your skin reacts to products. Using the wrong products can lead to breakouts, irritation, dullness or dryness. For example:

Heavy creams can clog oily skin
Strong actives can irritate dry or sensitive skin
Wrong formulations may make combination skin worse

Knowing your skin type helps you choose products that actually work with your skin, not against it.

What Is the Blot Test?

The blot test is a quick and easy method to understand how much oil your skin naturally produces. It gives you a clear idea whether your skin is oily, dry, combination or normal.

This test works best when your skin is clean and free from products.

How to Do the Blot Test at Home

Follow these simple steps:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Do not apply any skincare or makeup
Wait for about 30–60 minutes
Take a clean tissue paper or blotting paper
Gently press it on different areas of your face — forehead, nose, cheeks and chin

Now observe the tissue carefully.

How to Read Your Blot Test Results

Oily Skin

If the tissue shows oil from most areas of your face, especially the T-zone and cheeks, you likely have oily skin. This skin type tends to look shiny and is more prone to breakouts.

Dry Skin

If there is little to no oil on the tissue and your skin feels tight or rough, your skin type is dry. Dry skin often needs extra hydration and gentle products.

Combination Skin

If the tissue shows oil mainly from the nose and forehead but remains mostly dry on the cheeks, you have combination skin. This is one of the most common skin types.

Normal Skin

If there is minimal oil and your skin feels comfortable and balanced, you likely have normal skin. This skin type is neither too oily nor too dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Doing the blot test right after washing your face
Using skincare products before the test
Confusing dehydration with dry skin
Relying only on how your skin feels in one season

Skin type can slightly change with weather, hormones and lifestyle, so reassess it from time to time.

What to Do After Identifying Your Skin Type

Once you know your skin type, choosing the right skincare becomes much easier. You can:

Pick moisturizers suited to your skin
Choose sunscreens that feel comfortable
Use serums that target your skin’s needs

This step is the foundation of a healthy skincare routine.

Watch the Video Tutorial

I’ve explained the blot test step-by-step in my video for better clarity. You can watch it here and follow along at home.

Understanding your skin is the first step toward glowing, healthy skin. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and let your skin guide your choices.

For more beginner-friendly skincare tips, explore my Skincare for Beginners series on Review With Jasleen 💜