Why a tissue test alone can’t tell you your skin type

Many people trust a few quick DIY tests to figure out their skin type. Most of them don’t hold up on their own.

1. The tissue test

A tissue test can show how much oil is on your skin’s surface right then, but it doesn’t capture everything about your skin type.

2. Checking pore size

Pore size is influenced by genetics along with age and oil production, and it doesn’t determine your skin type on its own.

3. Feeling tight after washing

That tightness is often short-term moisture loss after cleansing, not necessarily a sign of dry skin. If it lingers or comes with redness or flaking, that’s worth asking a dermatologist about.

A more reliable approach

The Baumann Skin Typing System, developed by dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann, sorts skin into 16 types across four traits: oily or dry, sensitive or resistant, pigmented or non-pigmented, and wrinkle-prone or tight. A dermatologist can also look at your skin directly and use tools that measure things like hydration, which tends to be more accurate than a DIY test at home.

Have you ever gotten your skin type wrong? Message me on Instagram, @kbeautyinformation.