Combination skin is one of the four primary skin types characterized by the level of sebum production. Sebum is the waxy, oil-like substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in your pores that help keep your skin soft and hydrated. Everyone has a different number of sebaceous glands, largely determined by genetics, but it’s the balance of oil production that determines your skin type. 

Whereas oily skin is characterized by excessive oil production and dry skin by low oil production, combination skin is a mixture of both. People with combination skin have areas of dryness and excess sebum, usually in the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin area). This skin type can be challenging to manage at times, since you may need to use different skincare products on different areas of your face.

Skincare experts suggest that combination skin is one of the most prevalent skin types. So, if you think you might have it, you probably do. Here’s a simple test to figure out if you have combination skin:

• Wash your face using your usual cleanser.
• Do not apply any skincare products to your face.
• Pat your face dry then wait 30–60 minutes.
• Check your T-zone for signs of oiliness or shine.
• Feel for areas of tight, rough, or dry skin on the cheeks.
• If you have an oily T-zone and dry skin elsewhere, you have combination skin.

If you’re still not sure, there are a couple of specific signs you can look for that are associated with combination skin. Here are 4 signs you have a combination skin type:

1. You have large pores.

If you have large, noticeable pores (specifically in the oily areas of your face), it can be a sign of combination skin. When the sebaceous glands produce excess oil, it can build up in the pores as they become clogged with dead skin.

2. At least one part of your face is often shiny.

Shine is a sign of excess oil production and it’s most prevalent in the T-zone for combination skin types. Depending on your level of sebum production, you might only notice subtle shine a few hours after cleansing or it could be significant enough that you need to rely on blotting paper throughout the day to absorb excess oil.

3. Acne breakouts and flakiness sometimes occur simultaneously.

Frequent blemishes and breakouts are often a sign of oily skin, but if your breakouts are concentrated in certain areas of your face while others parts are dry and flaky, it might indicate a combination skin type. Blemishes, or plugs, develop when the pores clog with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells. If the plug is covered by a layer of skin cells, it’s a whitehead; blackheads are plugs open to the air.

4. Your skin looks red and oily at the same time.

Step back from the mirror and take a good look at your skin to see if you can identify patches of both redness and shine. Dry skin is more prone to irritation, which may manifest in the form of redness. If parts of your face look red or dull in comparison to others, it could be a sign of combination skin.

When choosing skincare products for combination skin, balance is key. You want to find products that deliver moisture to areas of dryness without exacerbating excess oil production in other areas. In some cases, it may mean using different products on different areas of skin.

Here are some tips to help you start building a skincare routine for combination skin:

• Choose a gentle cleanser. Cleansing is essential to control oil buildup in combination skin but you want to avoid products that might strip moisture from dry areas. Foaming, gel, and cream cleansers often work well for combination skin. We recommend SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Foaming Cleanser.

[product-1]

• Develop a targeted moisturization routine. Consider using two different moisturizers, one for oily skin and one for dry skin. This reduces the risk of exacerbating oil buildup with a moisturizer that’s too heavy or making dryness worse with a product that doesn’t deliver the necessary hydration for dry areas.
• Make gentle exfoliation a weekly habit. Regular exfoliation is crucial for keeping your pores clear but it’s important to avoid harsh products that might irritate the more sensitive areas of your skin. Chemical exfoliants tend to be gentle enough for dry skin but still deliver adequate exfoliation when used regularly. We recommend Marini Skin Solutions Night Zyme Overnight Glass Skin Resurfacing Complex.

[product-2]

• Layer your products correctly. Work from lightest to heaviest, starting with your cleanser and ending with moisturizer. This helps optimize the effectiveness of each product without overburdening your skin.
• Don’t skip the sunblock. No matter your skin type, daily sunblock is a must. Not only can sun damage make areas of dryness worse, but it can impair your skin’s ability to retain moisture which may increase oil production in other areas. We recommend EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

[product-3]

• Avoid excessive fragrance and other irritants. Be mindful of ingredients when choosing skincare products, especially if your skin is sensitive due to dryness. Heavy fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals can be particularly problematic.

Caring for combination skin doesn’t have to be a drain on your energy or your budget. You don’t necessarily need a complicated skincare routine, or even the most expensive products, to keep your skin healthy and happy. It’s about finding what works for your skin in particular and targeting your treatments to the differing needs of different parts of your skin.

Need some help building a skincare routine for combination skin? Check out the combination skin collection on Exclusive Beauty Club to get started.

And if you want to make your skincare routine work even harder, join the Exclusive Beauty Club loyalty program to start earning points on every purchase. It’s free to sign up and you can redeem your rewards for discounts on future orders!