There is provided a system (100) and method for determining a water or lipid level of skin. The system (100) comprises at least two electrodes (108) suitable for contacting skin, and a signal generator (106) configured to generate an electrical signal at a frequency across the at least two electrodes (108). The system (100) is configured to measure a permittivity between the at least two electrodes (108). The system (100) is further configured to determine a water or lipid level of skin based on the measured permittivity and the frequency of the electrical signal.