What is the difference?
| What you notice | Normal skin | Combination skin |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and dryness | Neither noticeably dry nor oily | Dry in some areas and oily in others |
| After washing | Does not feel tight or oily | Different areas feel dry or oily |
| Typical distribution | No distinct dry and oily areas | Often an oily forehead, nose and chin with dry cheeks or eye area |
The forehead, nose and chin are called the T zone. The reverse pattern, a dry T zone and oilier cheeks, also counts as combination skin. The location matters less than having both dry and oily areas.2
How can you tell which you have?
Wash and dry your face, then notice how different areas look and feel after about 30 minutes. Dry areas alongside oily ones suggest combination skin; neither tightness nor oiliness suggests normal skin. Blotting papers can help compare oil on your T zone and cheeks, but observation works without buying stationery for your face. There is no universal skin type test.2
Does combination skin need a different routine?
Both types need cleansing, moisturizer and daytime sunscreen. Combination skin sometimes needs different care in different areas, including avoiding a product in one area while using it elsewhere. Choose products for those needs rather than treating the entire face as oily, because the cheeks did not sign the forehead's contract.2
Use these general skincare steps for either type:
- 1Cleanse gently when you wake up and before bed. Wet your face with warm water, apply a mild cleanser with your fingertips using gentle circular motions, rinse completely, and pat dry with a clean towel. Morning washing removes dirt and bacteria that settle overnight; evening washing removes makeup and grime.
- 2Apply moisturizer morning and night. For combination skin, consider each area's needs rather than assuming one approach must suit every part of your face.
- 3Before going outdoors during the day, apply a water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection.
Wash after sweating, too. Do not scrub to remove oil or get a deeper clean: scrubbing irritates skin and can worsen skin conditions, including acne. Gentle cleansing is the aim for both normal and combination skin.3
Should you exfoliate combination skin differently?
Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin's outer layer, but it is not suitable for everyone. An oily area does not make a strong scrub suitable for dry areas. Mechanical exfoliation, which uses a scrub or tool, can be too irritating for dry or sensitive skin. Choose the method with those areas in mind.1
Prescription retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling; adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or cause breakouts. If you exfoliate, apply moisturizer immediately afterward. More aggressive methods need less frequent use, and overdoing exfoliation can leave skin red and irritated. Never exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds.1
What if your skin stings or changes?
Combination skin can also be sensitive. Stinging, burning, itching or redness after products suggests sensitivity, not simply an oily or dry area. Skin type can change with seasons, age, hormones and medications. If you cannot identify your type or choose suitable products, a dermatologist can help.2
Where this answer comes from
- 1How to safely exfoliate at homeaad.org
- 2What Is My Skin Type and Why Does It Matter?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 310 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skinaad.org
