What does combination skin look like?

What signs should you look for?

• Oily areas look shiny or greasy. Pores can look larger, and these areas can be more prone to breakouts.
• Dry areas can look flaky, rough or dull and feel itchy from dryness.
• The forehead, nose and chin form the T zone, the most common oily area. Cheeks are commonly drier, but the pattern does not have to follow that outline.

How can you check at home?

1. 1Wash your face gently and pat it dry.
2. 2Wait about 30 minutes without applying skincare products.
3. 3Compare your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Notice where skin looks shiny or feels oily, and where it feels dry or tight.
4. 4If you want, gently press blotting paper against your T zone and cheeks to compare the oil collected from each area.

Dry and oily areas together suggest combination skin; skin that feels neither tight nor oily after washing suggests normal skin. There is no universal skin type test. Blotting paper is optional, so identifying your skin type does not have to become a stationery purchase.1

Can the pattern change?

Combination skin is a skin type, not a skin condition. Genetics and hormones help shape the pattern, while weather, age and harsh skincare can affect how oily or dry different areas become. Care can help manage the dry and oily areas without permanently changing a genetically determined skin type.3

How should you care for the different areas?

Caring for different areas does not require two complete routines, despite the shopping opportunities. Start with cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection, then adjust where you apply products to suit the dry and oily patches.12

• Use a mild cleanser with warm water and your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry rather than scrubbing.
• Wash when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. Extra washing can irritate skin.
• Apply moisturizer to damp skin, including oily areas. Keep products intended for oily skin on those areas rather than spreading them over already dry cheeks.
• Look for moisturizer and sunscreen labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
• Before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

What if your skin also stings or burns?

Sensitive skin can also be combination skin: sensitivity is separate from oil production. Redness, stinging, burning or itching can signal sensitivity rather than just an oily or dry patch. Avoid fragrances, dyes and harsh ingredients if your skin is sensitive. If you cannot identify your skin type or choose suitable products, a dermatologist can help.1