How to Handle Combination Skin
Treat different zones differently—lightweight hydration for your T-zone, richer moisture where you're dry.
Combination skin isn't a flaw to fix—it's just geography you need to navigate intelligently.
- Map your face. Identify which areas get oily (usually forehead, nose, chin) and which stay dry (typically cheeks, around eyes). Your routine should acknowledge these zones exist. Don't treat your entire face like it has one skin type.
- Cleanse with intention. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser morning and night. Foam cleansers work well if you're more oily than dry. Your cleanser shouldn't leave any area tight or greasy.
- Target your treatments. Apply lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to your T-zone. Use a richer cream on dry areas. If using actives like retinol or acids, start in oily zones first—dry areas can be more sensitive.
- SPF everywhere. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily across your entire face. Choose formulas that won't pill or feel heavy in your oily zones. Gel or fluid sunscreens usually work better than thick creams.