The 4 skin types: explanations and example routines

What skin types are there?

Skin is typically classified into four different types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Many people don't know their skin type. If this is the case for you, this article will provide some clues to help you determine your skin type, or you can take our quick skin type test. In addition to the skin types and their respective characteristics, we'd also like to recommend a suitable skincare routine for each. This should help you quickly get any skin problems under control.

Before we can look at each skin type in detail, we need to clear up a potential source of confusion. The terms "skin type" and "skin condition" are often used interchangeably, but they describe two different things.

Skin type or skin condition – what's the difference?

Simply put, skin type is genetically determined, while skin condition is more variable. Skin type rarely changes, or only very slightly. It can change, for example, during puberty. Generally, your skin type is determined by your genetic makeup. This also affects the size of your pores and how much sebum they produce. Therefore, you can only do so much to change the size and visibility of your pores.

The amount of sebum produced by the pores is crucial for classifying skin types. This directly influences how well your skin retains moisture, how permeable your skin barrier is, and how many blemishes develop on your skin.

Skin condition, on the other hand, is shaped by various external influences and can therefore change frequently. Hormones, environmental pollution, as well as diet, age, previously used skincare products, and weather conditions are just a few of the factors that can alter your skin's condition. Skin adapts to the circumstances in your life. Dryness, blemishes, aging, and irritation are typical reactions .

Skin type and skin condition can be similar and sometimes even have very similar-sounding names. For example, dry skin is not easily distinguished from dehydrated skin. Dehydrated means that the skin lacks moisture, and this can actually occur in any skin type. Dry skin, on the other hand, is more likely to be lacking in lipids.

When choosing skincare, your skin's condition is the more important factor, because unlike your genetically determined skin type, you can actively influence your skin's condition quite effectively. Therefore, a specific skin condition may require different care than what's recommended for your general skin type. Nevertheless, we want to give you some initial recommendations for each skin type. If you don't know your skin's condition, you should start with a basic routine consisting of a cleanser , our Hyaluronic Booster , and a moisturizer . We will, of course, be providing more information about the different skin conditions and suitable skincare for them here on the blog soon.

To determine your skin type without being confused by its condition, it helps to focus on a few essential points. You can perform a self-test at home in front of the mirror using the following five simple steps.

1. Pore ​​size is a good starting point. Do you have fine or enlarged pores, or are they perhaps only larger in one part of your face than in others?
2. The severity of blemishes can be another indicator. These can, of course, have other causes, but generally, oilier skin tends to have more blemishes, while normal or dry skin tends to have fewer.
3. To assess whether your skin is prone to increased sebum production, you can also perform the following test: Thoroughly cleanse your face of all makeup and skincare products, wait about an hour, and then briefly press a clean cloth (e.g., a tissue) against your facial skin. If you have oily skin, you will see moist/greasy patches on the cloth. If you have normal or dry skin, the cloth will remain dry.
4. Another factor is the condition of your skin. Specifically, whether it's smooth or uneven, and to what extent it has cracks and flakes.
5. Finally, you can pay attention to your complexion. Do you naturally have rosy cheeks or are they rather pale? Redness or visible veins can also be an indication of your skin type, as can a persistent shine on your face.

To make it easier for you to classify, we have described each skin type in a kind of profile and found the shortest possible answers to the above points, specific to each skin type.

Normal skin/ Balanced skin

Characteristics: The moisture balance and sebum production are in equilibrium.
Pore ​​size: fine
Impurities: few
Skin texture: smooth
Complexion: healthy
Skincare goal and implementation: Normal skin naturally tends to maintain a balance. However, if a temporary increase in skincare needs arises due to external influences, this can usually be addressed with relatively few products.

Normal/Balanced Skin in Detail

Normal skin (or, in technical terms, eudermia) has neither an excessive nor an insufficient production of sebum and is therefore evenly moisturized. For this reason, one can also speak of a balanced skin type instead of normal skin. Normal skin is characterized by small pores, few blemishes, it is smooth, and looks healthy and often rosy. It is usually also well-circulated and not particularly sensitive. It represents, so to speak, the ideal state, which other skin types can only approach through the use of skincare products. However, even normal skin is susceptible to influences such as the environment, diet, hormonal fluctuations, and stress. It therefore requires treatment primarily due to acute changes in its condition. The great advantage of normal skin is that, since your skin naturally tends to maintain a balance, you can easily get by with very few products or rely on all-rounders. Less is more in this case; to support your skin without over-treating it, a few products are often sufficient. Below, we have put together a routine using colibri skincare products that will always do something good for your skin.

Product recommendations for normal/balanced skin

Cleanser: any

A skincare routine should always start with a cleanser. If you have a balanced skin type, you have the advantage that any of our cleansers will be suitable for you. So, when choosing a cleanser, you can go entirely according to your preferences. We especially recommend the Calming Oil Cleanser for removing stubborn traces of makeup and sunscreen. The Hydrating Cream Cleanser, with its milky texture, offers an extra dose of moisture. You also can't go wrong with the Purifying Gel Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid.

Exfoliant: Exfoliate Booster

You can exfoliate your skin with a chemical peel two to three times a week in the evening. Our Exfoliate Booster is gentle yet thorough and suitable for all skin types. The blend of different acids supports the skin's natural protective barrier, removes dead skin cells, reduces blemishes, and also moisturizes.

Routine: Hyaluronic Booster, Calming Moisturizer and Night Cream

As the core of your daily routine, we highly recommend our classic products. Both the Hyaluron Booster and the Calming Moisturizer are highly hydrating. Even if you don't suffer from dry skin, it can still become dehydrated, so good moisturizing is always beneficial. The Hyaluron Booster also improves skin elasticity. Regardless of skin type, this diminishes slightly with each passing year, making the booster practically always worthwhile. Our Night Cream is also excellent for this purpose, as the retinol it contains leads to plumper skin and reduces the signs of aging. Furthermore, it provides your skin with ample moisture overnight.

Mask: BHA Mask

To pamper your skin even more, we recommend our extremely popular BHA Mask. In addition to the namesake salicylic acid, it also contains activated charcoal and Dead Sea salt. It has both clarifying and moisturizing properties, making it a true all-rounder.

Supplements: Vitamin C Booster and Vitamin A Serum

If you'd like to expand your routine with other products, why not try the two boosters mentioned above? Our Vitamin A Serum complements the Night Cream perfectly and should therefore also be used in the evening.

With the Vitamin C15 Booster or Vitamin C 20 Booster you have a very effective antioxidant at hand, which protects you from harmful sun radiation throughout the day (but you should still use sunscreen).

Dry skin

Characteristics: Dry skin produces too little sebum, causing it to lose moisture.
Pore ​​size: fine
Impurities: few
Skin texture: rough, cracked, flaky
Complexion: pale
Care goal and implementation: Dry skin needs not only gentle handling but above all moisture and lipids. Therefore, skincare products should have a moisturizing effect and contain oils that compensate for the lack of sebum.

Dry skin in detail

Dry skin (also known as xerosis) is characterized by a continuous loss of moisture. This occurs through natural processes such as perspiration. Unlike normal skin, dry skin produces too little sebum. Without this protective lipid film, water cannot be retained effectively in the cells and is lost through leaching. As a result, while dry skin may have fine pores and few blemishes, it suffers from structural damage. It is usually cracked, flaky, rough, and the complexion appears quite dull compared to other skin types.

Dry skin can be further subdivided into three degrees of severity. Slightly dry skin feels tight, rough, and the complexion is rather dull. Very dry skin is characterized by a pronounced feeling of tightness and significant roughness. It also tends to itch and flake, and the complexion can appear uneven and blotchy. Extremely dry skin is also rough and flaky, and itching is a very common problem. Cracks and calluses are also typical features.

Skin often becomes drier with age, but it's also possible to always have dry skin. The most important thing is to treat your skin gently and carefully. Cleansing products shouldn't be used too frequently, as they usually remove the sebum that dry skin so desperately needs. A simple cleanse with lukewarm water is much better. Avoid excessive rubbing with a towel when drying; instead, pat dry.

What your skin needs most to combat dryness is moisturizing and lipid-rich care. This should contain oils that replace the missing sebum. In addition, your skincare routine should specifically aim to rebuild the damaged skin barrier. We'll show you the best products for this in the next section.

Product recommendations for dry skin

Cleanser: Hydrating Cream Cleanser

Because dry skin requires particularly gentle cleansing, the Hydrating Cream Cleanser is the perfect choice for this skin type. It was specially formulated for this skin type and provides moisture during the cleansing step of your routine. However, due to the sensitivity of dry skin, you should still only use the cleanser once a day.

Exfoliant: Exfoliate Booster

For exfoliation, we recommend our Exfoliate Booster . This product also scores points with its mild and easily tolerated formula for dry skin. It also has a light moisturizing effect. It's best applied in the evening, allowing your skin to gently adjust to the product by gradually increasing the frequency of use from once a week to 2-3 times per week over several weeks.

Routine: Hyaluron Booster, Rich Care Moisturizer and Rich Night Moisturizer

Hyaluronic acid is an effective ingredient against dryness because it binds water very well in the skin. Therefore, you should continue your skincare routine after cleansing with the Hyaluron Booster . Extra tip: To further benefit your skin, it's best to lightly dampen it before applying the booster.

You should finish your routine with the Rich Care Moisturizer. This was specially designed for the needs of dry skin. It provides intense hydration and stabilizes the skin's protective barrier.

In the evening, you can then use the matching Rich Night Moisturizer . It also strengthens the skin barrier and helps the skin regenerate and repair itself overnight. Naturally, it also has a hydrating effect.

Mask: Rich Hydration Mask

For a pampering treat, we highly recommend our Rich Hydration Mask . It's specially designed to provide intense hydration. You can start with one or two applications per week, but you can easily use it more often as needed. Even after washing it off, the Rich Hydration Mask continues to moisturize for a long time and can even be left on overnight.

Additives: Aloe Vera Spray, Vitamin C20 Booster and Jojoba Oil

If you'd like to spice up your routine a little, we have a few extra recommendations for you. Since dry skin suffers from a lack of lipids, our jojoba oil is perfect for replenishing them. Depending on your preference, you can either apply it directly or simply mix a few drops with your moisturizer.

Dry skin can also benefit from aloe vera spray . Aloe vera is known for reducing itching, which is unfortunately quite common with dry skin. It's also a great moisturizer. The spray is versatile; you can use it as a hydrating spritz before your hyaluronic acid booster or as a finishing touch after your routine. It can be used as often as needed.

Our Vitamin C20 Booster is specially formulated to meet the needs of dry skin and is particularly rich. It provides your skin with valuable ascorbic acid, gives it a boost of freshness, and makes it glow.

Oily skin

Characteristics: Oily skin produces too much sebum.
Pore ​​size: large
Impurities: many, as the pores clog easily.
Skin texture: often characterized by blackheads
Complexion: shiny, often with redness in blemished areas
Skincare goal and implementation: The primary goal of skincare here is to dissolve sebum and unclog pores. Thorough facial cleansing and products containing salicylic acid are key to achieving this.

Oily skin in detail

Oily skin, unlike dry skin, is characterized by excessive sebum production. In medical terminology, this is also called seborrhea and is further divided into two subcategories. Those with seborrhea sicca produce too much sebum and simultaneously too little sweat. As a result, the skin has an oily sheen but also loses moisture. In contrast, with seborrhea oleosa, both the sebaceous and sweat glands are overactive. Just as with dry skin, an increased amount of sebum and fats on the skin prevents a balanced moisture level, and the skin barrier does not function properly.

Fortunately, oily skin is very easy to identify visually. The pores are enlarged and tend to become clogged due to the excess sebum. This usually leads to blemishes in the form of blackheads, and oily skin can also be prone to acne. These blemishes are often accompanied by redness. Furthermore, the blood vessels and capillaries are sometimes clearly visible. The skin is typically covered with an oily sheen.

The goal for those with oily skin is often to remove excess sebum and unclog pores, preventing them from becoming clogged. Thorough and regular cleansing is essential. If you have oily skin, products containing salicylic acid are your best friends. We'll show you a selection of suitable products here.

Product recommendations for oily skin

Cleanser: Purifying Gel Cleanser

Our gel cleanser is especially suitable for the needs of oily skin. Thanks to the salicylic acid it contains, it's excellent for cleansing sebum-rich skin. Its gel-like texture leaves your skin feeling pleasant and smooth without drying it out. You can use the cleanser both morning and evening. Since oily skin tends to replenish its oil quickly, cleansing twice a day is actually beneficial.

Exfoliant: 2% BHA peeling

Our recommended scrub also contains salicylic acid (BHA). This provides a deep cleanse and removes sebum from clogged pores. You should initially use the scrub 2-3 times a week in the evening. Once your skin has adjusted to the active ingredient and tolerates it well, you can, of course, use it more often.

Routine: Niacinamide Booster, Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Barrier Booster

These three boosters can address the core problems of oily skin. The active ingredient niacinamide visibly minimizes pores. In addition, the booster helps combat excess sebum production, blemishes, and redness. It also has a hydrating effect, thus perfectly supporting the hyaluronic acid booster in its moisturizing function to compensate for the water loss of oily skin. Tip: Thanks to their liquid texture, the two boosters can easily be mixed and applied together.

The Barrier Booster is also suitable as a moisturizer. Oily skin, in particular, benefits from its ability to strengthen the skin barrier. It should be the last step in your morning routine before sunscreen .

Mask: BHA Mask

You can always incorporate our BHA Mask into your routine as needed. This product also helps your skin to rid itself of excess sebum and cleanses it. It also moisturizes your skin. You can wash off the mask after leaving it on for 30 minutes. Any stubborn mask residue can be easily removed with a dab of our Purifying Gel Cleanser.

Additions: Calming Oil Cleanser and Calming Moisturizer

In addition to your Gel Cleanser, you can also use the Calming Oil Cleanser . Understandably, those with oily skin don't immediately think of using oils in their skincare routine. However, like dissolves like very well, which is why an oil-based cleanser is also suitable for cleansing slightly oily skin.

If you feel your skin is suffering from significant moisture loss and your boosters aren't enough to compensate, you can supplement your skincare routine with the Calming Moisturizer as the final step. Even oily skin can be dehydrated, so an additional moisturizer can be beneficial. Besides its hydrating properties, our Calming Moisturizer also supports the regeneration of the skin barrier.

Combination skin

Characteristics: This is a mixture of oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry skin on the cheeks.
Pore ​​size: large
Impurities: especially in the T-zone
Skin texture: Blackheads in the T-zone and rough patches on the cheeks
Complexion: shiny and reddened in the T-zone, pale cheeks
Care goal and implementation: The care needs differ significantly between the two areas. The facial areas either require more intensive care, or one can use cleansing and moisturizing products suitable for both skin types.

Combination skin in detail

As the name suggests, combination skin is a combination of two skin types. The cheeks are either dry or have a balanced oiliness. The T-zone, however, is oily.

The T-zone typically includes the forehead, nose, and chin. Hence the name; its shape roughly resembles a T. However, the exact extent of the T-zone can vary considerably from person to person. Some people only have narrow patches of oily skin, so, for example, only a small part of the forehead is affected, only the bridge of the nose, and perhaps not the chin at all. In others, the entire forehead and chin are affected, and the oily area on the nose sometimes extends slightly onto the cheeks.

Combination skin exhibits the typical characteristics of oily skin in the T-zone: large pores, a greasy shine, blackheads, and redness. If the cheeks are drier, they are usually rough, flaky, and appear dull. This can also apply to the skin around the eyes in some people with combination skin.

Due to its varying needs, combination skin is unfortunately more difficult to care for than the other three skin types. Products suitable for all skin types are, of course, particularly practical. Otherwise, it's worthwhile to treat different areas of the face with a little extra effort. We've compiled our recommendations for combination skin below.

Product recommendations for combination skin

Cleanser: Purifying Gel Cleanser

While the gel cleanser is particularly suitable for slightly oily skin, as it effectively removes sebum, it can also be used by other skin types, making it a good choice for combination skin. A small dab on damp skin is sufficient for daily facial cleansing, morning and evening.

Exfoliant: 2% BHA peeling

For the T-zone, as with oily skin, an exfoliant with salicylic acid is recommended to deeply cleanse the pores. The 2% BHA peel can also be used on the cheeks. It's best applied in the evening.

Routine: Niacinamide Booster, Barrier Booster and Calming Moisturizer

The Niacinamide Booster is a true all-rounder and therefore ideal as the first step in a routine for combination skin. In the T-zone, it can reduce sebum and impurities and visibly refine pores. The drier cheek areas benefit from the booster's ability to stimulate ceramide production, thus providing a hydrating effect.

The Barrier Booster is also an effective product for combination skin. Due to its barrier-strengthening function, it can help both areas of the face to regain their balance.

Finally, you can complete your routine with the Calming Moisturizer . This also contributes to a better skin barrier. Furthermore, it moisturizes without leaving a greasy residue, allowing both oily and dry areas to regain their lost moisture.

Mask: BHA Mask

For combination skin, our BHA Mask is ideal as a face mask, combining cleansing and hydration. Depending on your needs, you can even use the mask daily.

Add-ons: Exfoliating Booster, Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Calming Mask

Previous recommendations have focused primarily on the oily parts of the face. Those with combination skin, especially dry cheeks, should supplement their routine with moisturizing products in addition to combination products suitable for both skin types.

The Exfoliate Booster is a good addition to the 2% BHA peel, as its active ingredient complex of various acids is better suited for moisturizing. This peel should also preferably be applied in the evening.

Our Hyaluron Booster is an extremely effective moisturizer. For the cheeks, just one pump a day should be enough to restore sufficient moisture.

Our Calming Mask can be used as a complement to the BHA Mask, as it is particularly hydrating. Simply apply the BHA Mask to the T-zone and the Calming Mask to the cheeks, then rinse both off after 20-30 minutes for an even better (and more colorful!) mask experience.

Important for all skin types: Sunscreen

Regardless of your skin type, you should always protect yourself from UV radiation and therefore finish your morning routine with sunscreen. Our Daily SPF 50+ Moisturizer is perfect for this, as it's suitable for all skin types.

We hope this guide and these recommendations have helped you not only to identify your skin type, but also to find a suitable skincare routine for you and your skin. If you would like further assistance in putting together your routine, please contact our customer support via our consultation form .