Per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a combination skin type is one that has characteristics of both oily skin and dry skin. Typically, those with combination skin have drier skin on the cheeks and a more oily T-zone (an area that includes the forehead, nose, and chin).
Combination Skin is characterized by having oily areas, usually in the T-zone, and dry or normal areas on the cheeks and jawline. The T-zone may exhibit shine and have enlarged pores, while the other areas may feel relatively normal or dry.
“Combination skin means that there are some areas of your face that are dry and other areas of your face that are more oily,” says Dr. Ugonabo. She explains that, for those with combo skin, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is commonly oily, and the cheeks are often drier.
If there is little to no oil on the blotting paper, you have dry skin. If the blotting paper is oily only in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you have combination skin. If the blotting paper shows a small amount of oil from all areas of the face, you have normal skin.
Typically, the combination skin type is characterized by dry, flaking skin on the cheeks, while excessive oil and shine appears on other areas of the face. Those with combination skin are in a constant battle with their T-Zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.
The best foundation for combination skin will be a liquid or cream formula that leaves a dewy finish. This will ensure you get the most natural results, particularly on dry areas of the face. Powder foundations and matte finish formulas can exacerbate rougher texture and flakiness, so it's best to avoid them.
Measure skin with picture and determine your skin type with this feature. With artificial intelligence, Skin Beauty Pal offers solutions that consider not just the needs of a customer and their type of skin but also remote consultation with best dermatologists in India.
The Sun Exposure Test: Spending time in the sun is a good way of revealing one's undertone. If you tend to tan easily and rarely burn, you have a warm tone. If you burn very easily and tan minimally, you are cool-toned. If you both tan and burn, you have a neutral tone.
Combination skin can overcompensate and produce extra oil due to dehydration, so layering moisturising ingredients in your routine is key. Hyaluronic Acid is best applied as a serum. After cleansing, apply a couple of drops to damp skin to lock-in moisture and boost the skin's hydration levels.
Combination skin is oily and dry. It's essentially a mix of different skin types on different areas of the face. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oilier, while the cheeks and other areas may be normal or dry.
What causes combination skin? A variety of factors can trigger combination skin, but often it comes down to the luck of the draw in terms of what you inherited from your parents. Seasonal climate changes may also factor in and the types of skin care products you're using can absolutely exacerbate combination skin (1).
Like cheese and pineapple or peanut butter and jelly, the dry cheeks and oily T-zone so typical of combination skin, make an unlikely pair that's incredibly common. According to cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Sam Bunting, around 60 per cent of us grapple, at some level, with this combination skin.
If it has a shiny appearance with oil on your face, it's oily. If you have oil on the t-zone and dryness on the cheeks, it's a combination. If your skin feels inflamed or itchy, you have sensitive skin. Lastly and fortunately, if you feel none of the above and your skin feels at ease, you have normal skin.
Lens can now help you search for skin conditions that are visually similar to what you see on your skin. Take a picture of your skin with Lens in the Google App, and you'll find visually-similar matches to inform your search.
For combination skin, choose our oil-free, Ultra-Light Facial Moisturizing Lotion. It's formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and it includes a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to help protect from UVA and UVB rays that can lead to sun damage, dry skin, premature signs of aging and skin cancer.
Applying a moisturizer just after cleansing will help to soothe skin and minimize the visible lines(2). Be sure to use the moisturizer while your skin is still damp, as this will help lock in moisture(3). And as your skin is the type that's extra-thirsty, don't be scared to apply moisturizer several times a day.
Avoid using harsh, alcohol-based toners, over-exfoliating your skin, and using heavy, oil-based products. These can exacerbate the imbalances in your skin, leading to issues in both the oily and dry areas. Remember, skincare is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Huda Beauty's Faux Filter is one of the best full coverage foundations for combination skin, ideal if you're looking to even out skin tone and mattify oily areas without compromising on radiance. The light liquid foundation formula delivers high coverage without a chalky finish.