When it comes to skincare, one thing is certain: there’s no one-size-fits-all routine. What works for oily, acne-prone skin might leave dry skin feeling tight and flaky—and vice versa. That’s why the first step toward healthy, glowing skin is understanding your skin type and building a routine around its needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between dry and oily skin, share dermatologist-approved product recommendations, and help you create a routine that actually works.

🔍 How to Identify Your Skin Type
Before jumping into routines, let’s figure out where your skin stands.
Signs of Dry Skin
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Feels tight or uncomfortable after cleansing
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Looks dull or flaky
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Fine lines appear more visible
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Needs frequent moisturizing
Signs of Oily Skin
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Shiny or greasy appearance (especially on the T-zone)
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Enlarged or visible pores
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Prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne
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Makeup slides off quickly
👉 Quick Test: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, don’t apply anything for 30 minutes, and observe.
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Tight, flaky → Dry Skin
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Shiny, greasy → Oily Skin
✨ Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin
Dry skin struggles with a lack of oil and moisture, so the goal is hydration + barrier repair.
Step 1: Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Go for a creamy or enzyme-based cleanser that won’t strip your skin.
👉 Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Step 2: Nourishing Toner
Choose a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid, rice extract, or centella.
👉 Anua Heartleaf Toner
Step 3: Hydrating Serum
Serums lock in moisture and strengthen the barrier.
👉 Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Step 4: Moisturizer
Pick a rich, cream-based moisturizer with ceramides or shea butter.
👉 Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Step 5: Sunscreen (Daytime)
Hydrating, creamy SPFs that protect and moisturize.
✨ Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin
Oily skin produces excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. The goal is oil balance + acne prevention (not stripping the skin).
Step 1: Foaming or Gel Cleanser
Look for salicylic acid or tea tree for oil control.
👉 Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleanser
Step 2: Balancing Toner
Lightweight toners with niacinamide or centella help refine pores.
Step 3: Lightweight Serum
Niacinamide, vitamin C, or tea tree work best to balance and brighten.
Step 4: Oil-Free Moisturizer
Hydration is still important—just go for gel-based, non-comedogenic options.
Step 5: Sunscreen (Daytime)
Pick oil-free, mattifying sunscreens that protect without clogging pores.
⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison: Dry Skin vs Oily Skin
Step | Dry Skin Routine | Oily Skin Routine |
---|---|---|
Cleanser | Creamy, hydrating | Gel/Foam, oil-control |
Toner | Hydrating, soothing | Balancing, pore-tightening |
Serum | Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Niacinamide | Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Tea Tree |
Moisturizer | Thick cream with ceramides & shea butter | Lightweight gel, oil-free |
Sunscreen | Hydrating SPF | Oil-free, mattifying SPF |
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
For Dry Skin:
❌ Using harsh cleansers
❌ Skipping moisturizer
❌ Over-exfoliating
❌ Taking hot water showers
For Oily Skin:
❌ Over-washing (causes more oil)
❌ Skipping moisturizer (leads to rebound oiliness)
❌ Using heavy creams that clog pores
❌ Scrubbing too hard (damages skin barrier)
🧴 Best Korean Skincare Products by Skin Type
⭐ For Dry Skin
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Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
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Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner
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Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
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Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
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Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
⭐ For Oily Skin
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Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleanser
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COSRX Advanced Snail 92 Mucin Essence (hydration + repair)
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Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner Pads
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Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream
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Lightweight Korean Sunscreens
🧠 Final Thoughts
Whether your skin is dry or oily, the secret to glowing skin lies in choosing products that work with your skin type—not against it.
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Dry skin needs: hydration + barrier repair
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Oily skin needs: balance + lightweight hydration
✨ Want to take the guesswork out of skincare? Explore dermatologist-approved Korean skincare at itskoree.com and find the perfect routine for your skin type today!