How to Identify Your Skin Type in Winter — and What to Use Instead
If you’ve ever felt confused about your skin type, you’re not alone.
Many women confidently label their skin as dry, oily, or combination—
yet still struggle with tightness, dullness, breakouts, or patchy makeup in winter.
The truth is, most people are using the right products for the wrong skin type, especially when the seasons change.
Why Skin Type Feels Different in Winter
Cold air, wind, and indoor heating all increase moisture loss from the skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, winter conditions weaken the skin barrier and make it harder for skin to retain hydration.
🔗 https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
This is why:
-
Oily skin can suddenly feel tight after cleansing
-
Dry skin can still look shiny by midday
-
Combination skin becomes harder to balance
Your skin type didn’t change overnight—your environment did.
A More Accurate Way to Identify Your Skin Type
Instead of relying on labels, it helps to look at how your skin reacts throughout the day.
Dry Skin
-
Feels tight or uncomfortable soon after washing
-
Looks dull without moisturizer
-
Makeup clings to dry areas
Common mistake:
Using only thick creams without adding enough hydration underneath.
Oily Skin
-
Develops shine by midday, especially on the T-zone
-
Feels slick even after moisturizing
-
Makeup breaks down faster
Common mistake:
Skipping hydration, which can cause skin to produce even more oil.
Combination Skin
-
Oily in some areas, dry or tight in others
-
One product never works everywhere
-
Skin reacts differently depending on weather
Common mistake:
Trying to fix everything with one heavy product.
Why Texture Matters More Than Skin Type
Many winter skin problems aren’t caused by having the “wrong” skin type.
They’re caused by using the wrong texture.
Dermatology research highlights the importance of humectants—ingredients that draw water into the skin:
-
Hyaluronic Acid helps bind moisture to the skin
🔗 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583886/ -
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) supports barrier recovery and hydration
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21982351/
Lightweight, hydrating formulas often perform better across all skin types in winter than heavy, occlusive creams alone.
How to Choose Skincare by Skin Type
Below are texture-based product recommendations that match real winter skin needs.
All products listed are currently available for purchase on KPTown.
For Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Mixsoon Bean Essence
This lightweight essence delivers hydration without heaviness and helps prep the skin so moisturizers work more effectively. Ideal if your skin feels tight even after applying cream.
🔗 Shop Mixsoon Bean Essence on KPTown Now!
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
A gel-based water cream that hydrates without clogging pores. Absorbs quickly and helps balance moisture without leaving skin greasy.
🔗 Shop Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream on KPTown Now!
For Combination or Sensitive Skin
NEEDLY Panthenol Water Gel Cream
This lightweight gel cream focuses on calming and barrier support. Easy to layer and well-suited for skin that feels reactive or uneven in winter.
🔗 Shop Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream on KPTown Now!
Final Takeaway
Skin type isn’t a fixed label—it’s a pattern of reactions.
And those reactions change with seasons, climate, and routine.
If your skincare hasn’t been working lately, the problem may not be your skin type.
It may be how you’re responding to it.
Choosing products based on texture and hydration needs—rather than labels alone—can make winter skincare simpler, more effective, and far less frustrating.