If you’re confused about whether or not you have combination skin, assess your face twenty or so minutes after cleansing. If some parts are oily and others are left feeling dry… you probably have combination skin.
Combination skin is usually oily across the nose, forehead and chin (T-Zone) and dry-to-normal across cheeks. As with all skin types, it may be affected seasonally and present as oilier throughout the warmer months while feeling dry throughout the cooler months.
Developing an at-home regime to look after combination skin is all about finding the sweet spot where dryer areas of your face are getting the nourishment and hydration they are craving, while dealing with any congestion in oilier areas. To do this, I recommend a routine similar to the following: a gentle cleanser and lightweight hydrating serum, a balancing water-based moisturiser, and a lightweight oil free sunscreen.
Combination Skin Checklist
✔ Blot away excess oil with blotting papers to manage unwanted 3pm shininess
✔ Always, always, wear an SPF50+ to protect your skin from harsh and damaging UVA and UVB rays
✔ Indulge in multi-masking (opt for a clay mask in oilier areas and a hydrating mask in dry spots)