Do You Really Know Your Real Skin Type? Myths, Mistakes & What TikTok Isn’t Telling You

Do You Really Know Your Real Skin Type? Myths, Mistakes & What TikTok Isn’t Telling You

By Gelainza Kong, Chief Inspiration Officer at Pinkalulu

 

Let’s get this out of the way first: Your skin type is not your identity — but it’s your good skin basics. You need to know your skin type so as to achieve healthy dream skin.

Yet, millions of men or women are building their beauty routines on the wrong information.

In 2025, skincare is louder than ever — from TikTok “skin influencers” doing 8-step glow-ups to minimalist creators swearing by 3 steps. But here’s what’s not loud enough:

Mislabeling your skin type = skincare or makeup that never works.

Let’s decode it — with your long-term glow goal in mind.


1. 4 Different Skin Types — And What They Really Mean

Normal Skin

  • Balanced oil and hydration levels
  • Pores not too visible, no frequent breakouts or dry patches
  • Tends to tolerate new products well

But here’s the myth: “Normal” doesn’t mean “perfect.” Even balanced skin needs barrier protection, antioxidants, and hydration to maintain its calm state.

 

Oily Skin

  • Shiny appearance, especially on T-zone
  • Enlarged pores, blackheads, or frequent acne
  • Often misunderstood as “dirty” or “neglected”
  • Makeup more prone to smudges and cakeyness.

2025 Trend Alert: The rise of “barrier-boosting” skincare is finally teaching oily skin types that stripping oil makes things worse.

The fix? Hydrating serums with actives like niacinamide and glutathione (like in our Glow Serum) to regulate, not erase. The instant fix? Makeup setting mists (like our Pocket Beauty Lock, glow or matte) to oil control and hydrate.

 

Dry Skin

  • Feels tight after washing
  • Flaky texture or rough patches
  • Makeup doesn’t sit well

Common mistake:

Using heavy occlusives but skipping hydration layers. Dry skin needs a hydrating serum first, followed by cream moisturizers that lock in moisture.

 

Combination Skin

  • Oily on forehead/nose/chin (T-zone), dry on cheeks
  • The most misdiagnosed skin type
  • The most common skin type

2025 Myth Buster: “You need two routines” is outdated. Instead, use smart hybrids that self-adjust — like our Glow Serum that hydrates without greasy and heavy textures that won’t absorb.

 

Sensitive Skin: Not a Skin Type, But a Concern

Let’s clear this up once and for all: Sensitive skin isn’t a skin type — it’s a skin concern. And it can happen to anyone.

You can be:

  • Oily + Sensitive
  • Dry + Sensitive
  • Combo + Sensitive

Today’s harsh exfoliants, overuse or mixing of actives, mental and environmental stress have made sensitive skin a common issue.

Skin news: Most “sensitive skin” today is sensitized — due to TikTok-fueled over-exfoliation.

Pinkalulu’s products are formulated for calm, barrier-first performance — no harsh stripping, just calm glow.

 

Trending Topic: Is Skin Type Even Real?

In 2025, the rise of “Skin Cycling,” “Skin Moods,” and DNA-based skincare has sparked a debate:

“Should we stop classifying skin types altogether?”

Our answer? Skin types matter — but skin behaviour matters too.

Hormones, travel, diet, pollution, stress — all these change your skin daily and put it under stress. Instead of rigid categories, build a wardrobe of adaptable products that evolve with your life habits.


🚫 Top 5 Skin Type Myths That Need to Go

  1. Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer – False. Hydration ≠ oil.
  2. If you’re dry, exfoliate more – Dangerous. Over-exfoliation weakens your skin barrier.
  3. Sensitive skin is a permanent skin type – Nope. It’s often temporary and treatable, with proper care.
  4. Combination skin needs separate products – No. Use balanced, dual-function hybrids.
  5. Your skin type never changes – False. It shifts with age, hormones, and lifestyle.


The Pinkalulu Approach: Products that Move with You

At Pinkalulu, we create elegant multitaskers that adapt to your skin — because we know life changes, and so does your glow.

✨ Glow Serum – for all skin types (even sensitized skin). Packed with Sea Buckthorn, Niacinamide & Glutathione for barrier repair, brightness, and balanced hydration.

✨ Dreamy Blush Tint – skin-loving pigment infused with skincare-grade ingredients. Soothing and hydrating — even when your skin is acting up.

✨ Pocket Beauty Lock – A 18-hour lock-in beauty that keeps your beauty and flawlessness in check, while getting rid of oil, flaking and smudges. Your life in check!

 

Beauty Isn’t Static — And Neither Is Your Skin

You are allowed to evolve. Your skin will.

Don’t be locked into one “type.” Instead, listen. Learn. Layer wisely.

Not sure what your skin type is? DM us @pinkalulu.official Instagram for a free skin type quiz!

🛍 Shop skincare that gets your skin → [Glow Serum]

💬 Join our Glow Circle — where beauty meets empowerment

 

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