Combination skin 101: what it is & what products to use
Emma-Jade Stoddart
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
From what might cause combination skin to what it looks like, here’s everything you need to know – according to the experts
Question: do you find your skin is dry and flaky in some areas, while oily and congested in others? If the answer is yes, it’s likely you have combination skin.
“There are five broad skin types – normal, dry, oily, sensitive and combination,” explains Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe consultant dermatologist. “But there’s no objective standard measurement technique,” adds Dr Maryam Zamani, facial aesthetics doctor and oculoplastic surgeon.
In order to find out what your skin type is, you can consult an expert for a skin assessment, swot up on the different categories to find out which one resonates most with you, or try the Boots Skincare Analysis. You can then lock down a daily regime that caters to your specific skincare needs.
Here, we take a deep dive into combination skin – from common causes to what it looks like and product recommendations – to help you achieve your healthiest, most radiant skin yet.
What is combination skin?
“Combination skin is characterised by at least two different skin types over localised areas on the face,” says Dr Granite. For instance, normal and dry, or dry and oily.
What does combination skin look like?
“A typical picture of combination skin might include shininess, open comedones (blackheads) and enlarged pores over the T-zone and dry, flaky patches over the cheeks,” says Dr Granite. This is because the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) tends to have more sebaceous glands than other areas of the face.
What causes combination skin?
According to both Dr Granite and Dr Zamani, skin type is largely determined by genetics but age, hormonal changes and some medications can also play a role.
“Environmental factors, such as climate and pollution, stress and product use, may also contribute to combination skin,” adds Dr Granite.
These can lead to increased dryness or sebum production in certain areas of the face. “Using harsh products that contain drying ingredients can trigger the skin to produce excess oil, exacerbating breakouts in the T-zone while drying out other parts of the face,” warns Dr Zamani.
What challenges does this skin type face?
Because combination skin is characterised by two different skin types, it can be challenging to find suitable products that cater to both.
“If your skin is both dry and oily, it can be difficult to strike a balance with products,” says Dr Granite.
Dr Zamani’s advice? “Find formulations that provide extra moisture for any dry areas without increasing shine and oil in others.” Lightweight or non-comedogenic moisturisers containing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, can be a good place to start.
What products are best to use if you have combination skin?
“Combination skin types are likely to experience dry, flaky skin on at least one part of the face, and dry skin can be sensitive and easily irritated, so it’s best to avoid chemical fragrances or known irritants,” advises Dr Zamani.
Try seeking out products that are specifically formulated with sensitive skin in mind. It can also be a good idea to avoid products that are more likely to clog pores. “Stick to non-comedogenic skincare and make-up that’s designed to be gentle on the skin,” adds Dr Zamani.
Another top tip? “Exfoliation is essential for all skin types,” says Dr Zamani, “and individuals with combination skin can really benefit from the right exfoliating products that help open up and clear out the clogged pores in oily areas of the face, while allowing moisture to penetrate the skin in dry areas.”
So, as a starting point, the best skincare routine for combination skin will include a gentle cleanser, an exfoliator and a nourishing but lightweight moisturiser and maybe a serum.
3 top products for combination skin
Whether you’re looking for lightweight hydration or instant oil control, here are three of our team's top product picks to help get you started.
For more top tips and recommendations, check out our guide to the best skincare routine and products for combination skin.
For a cleanser
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin
• Size: 236ml
• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedogenic
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, this gentle, non-foaming formula is suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive or oily. Loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid and barrier-supporting ceramides, it effectively removes make-up and daily grime without stripping skin of essential moisture.
For a lightweight moisturiser
Try: No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel
• Size: 50ml
• Oil-free
This refreshing gel from No7 is powered by naturally derived plant hydrators to help nourish dry skin. It’s also oil-free and ultra-lightweight – meaning it’s suitable for oily T-zones, too. Skin looks glowing and more radiant after just a few uses. It’s impressive stuff.
For a treatment
Try: Boots Ingredients Niacinamide Clay Mask
• Size: 30ml
• Vegan*
If you have combination skin that’s prone to congestion, turn your attention to this mask from Boots Ingredients. As well as helping cleanse away dead skin cells, it contains niacinamide – a superstar ingredient that can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and excess oil. Apply on shine-prone or more oily parts of the face for a more balanced, clearer complexion.
*Vegan formulas do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
