'肤质' (fū zhì) literally combines '肤' (fū), meaning 'skin', and '质' (zhì), meaning 'quality' or 'nature'. Together, they form the compound noun 'skin type'—a standard term in dermatology, cosmetics, and daily health discussions. It refers to the inherent characteristics of a person’s skin, such as oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal, determined by factors like sebum production, moisture retention, and reactivity.

This word is commonly used in medical consultations, skincare product labeling, beauty advice, and personal hygiene routines. Unlike colloquial phrases like '皮肤怎么样' (How’s your skin?), '肤质' carries a more objective, descriptive, and technical nuance—it implies classification based on observable physiological traits rather than temporary conditions like breakouts or sunburn. It appears frequently in written materials (e.g., clinic brochures, ingredient guides) and formal spoken contexts, but rarely in casual small talk unless discussing skincare seriously.