How to Figure Out Your Skin Type (And What to Use Once You Know)

What skin type do you have? Don't worry, most guys have no idea what their skin type is. Don’t sweat it, figuring it out is actually pretty straightforward. Once you know, you’ll also know exactly what kind of products to grab. Here’s how to tackle it, step by step.

Step 1: The Simple Skin-Type Test

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry (don't rub the towel on your face, pat it gently until dry). For this test, use any sort of cleanser (except soap big dog, we're moving away from that now)
2. Wait about an hour without putting on any other products.
3. Check how it feels:
   • Tight, flaky or dusty? You’re likely dry.
   • Shiny, greasy, or slick? You’re probably oily.
   • Oily forehead, nose, chin (called T-zone - 'cause they form the shape of a T) but normal/dry cheeks? You’ve got combination skin.
   • Balanced, not too oily or dry? Congrats, you’re normal.
   • Red, itchy, irritated, blotchy? You're definitely sensitive or allergic to something in the cleanser. This can often be scents and artificial ingredients.

Now, here’s what to use once you’ve pinned down your type—links included so you can jump right to the product on the2nd.co.

1. Normal Skin

Your skin feels balanced—lucky you. Keep it that way with a simple routine that cleans, hydrates, and protects.

• Cleanser: Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser
  • Great for all skin-types from oily to dry.
• Moisturizer: Jaxon Lane - Ultimate Anti Aging Moisturizer
  • Powerhouse anti-aging moisturizer hydrates without being oily

2. Oily Skin

If your face feels like an oil slick by midday, you need products that help control sebum without stripping your skin.

• Cleanser: Grooming Lounge Mug Cleaner Face Wash
• Exfoliant: Grooming Lounge Mug Scrubber
• Oil-Free Moisturizer: Blind Barber - Watermint Gin Daily Face Moisturizer
  • Face moisturizer and an aftershave toner all in one!

3. Dry Skin

If your skin feels tight, flaky, or just plain rough, go for richer formulas that lock in moisture.

• Cleanser: Koa - Yuzu Facial Cleanser
  • Gently cleanses without harming delicate skin barrier
• Moisturizer: Blu Atlas - Hydrating Face Moisturizer
  • Particularly if you have sensitive skin - this comes highly recommended from The 2nd Team
• Hydrating Serum: Krete - Hydrating Facial Serum
  • Oil-free facial serum is a concentrated moisturizer for all skin types that acts fast.

4. Combination Skin

You’ve got an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but the rest of your face might be normal or dry. You need a balanced approach.

• Gentle Cleanser: Koa - Yuzu Facial Cleanser
  • Gently cleanses without harming delicate skin barrier
• Toner: Man Skin by Natural Outcome - Find Clarity Skin Toner 
• Lightweight Moisturizer: Mantl - Men's Face + Scalp Age Defense Moisturizer
  • Perfect for both face and scalp. Dermatologist-tested, lightweight, and hydrating.

5. Sensitive Skin

If your skin reacts to everything or easily gets red and irritated, look for gentle, soothing formulas free from harsh fragrances.

• Soothing Cleanser: Blind Barber - activClean Rice Bran Face Cleanser
  • A reparative gel that gently foams
• Calming Moisturizer: Blu Atlas - Aftershave
  • Get the coconut apricot and be amazed that you can have something with such a great scent and not flare you up. 
• Extra Care: Blu Atlas - Lightweight Mineral SPF 30

Quick Tips for All Skin Types

1. Don’t skip sunscreen. The easiest way to prevent aging signs and sun damage is wearing SPF daily.
   • Try: Jaxon Lane - Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen
2. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water—your skin shows it when you’re dehydrated.
3. Be consistent. Skincare routines take time to show results, so give it at least a few weeks. Unless you have an immediate bad reaction. This can include going red and blotchy, getting itchy, bumps or raises. If this happens - wash immediately with water and pat dry.

Bottom Line
Knowing your skin type is half the battle. Once you lock that down, it’s all about choosing the right products. Check out the2nd.co for everything mentioned here, no more guessing games, no more using your roommate’s random face wash. Your skin (and your mirror) will thank you.