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Combination Skin

4 March 2025


Combination Skin




There is so much confusion about the meaning of combination skin. This is because combination skin is not a true skin type. People can mean many different things when they say combination skin. For this reason, it is important to define combination skin type.



What is combination skin




What is combination skin?



Are you confused about the meaning of the term combination skin? That is because combination skin is not a real skin type. Combination skin was first described by Helena Rubenstein and is a term used by non-dermatologists to describe one of two situations:




1. Changing Skin Type



2. Oiliness in the T-Zone




2 Types of Combination Skin:



1. Combination Skin: Changing Skin Type




In this combination skin type, the skin is dry in low humidity and cold environments and oily in hot humid environments.



In this situation- the Baumann Skin Type changes seasonally – dry skin type in the winter and oily skin type in the summer.




2. Combination Skin: T-Zone Oiliness Type



In this combination skin type, the skin feels oily in the T-zone and and dry on your cheeks. This skin type should not use a heavy moisturizer. Instead choose a light moisturizer for oily skin types.




Why do your cheeks feel dry when your t- zone is oily?



Everyone’s face has more oil glands in the T- zone than on the sides of the face. If you have a normal amount or an increased amount of sebum production you can feel oily in the mid face. The areas that do not have oil glands may have an impaired skin barrier if you feel dry. The sebum can compensate for the impaired barrier in the t-zone area by providing occlusion, but the cheek area that is lacking in sebum experiences increased water evaporation from the impaired barrier. This is why you still need a moisturizer when your t-zone is oily but other areas are dry.




Oily vs Dry skin



Normal Oily Baumann Skin Type vs Dry Baumann Skin Type

When the t-zone sebaceous glands make enough oil to coat the skin and repair the skin barrier- the skin is categorized as a Normal Oily Baumann Skin Type.

When the oil glands in the t- zone do not make enough oil to coat the cheeks- this is considered a Dry Baumann Skin Type.

So- if you have an oily t- zone- do not assume you are a combination or oily skin type. You might still have dry skin and an oily t- zone.

It all has to do with the status of your skin barrier.

Confusing- I know!

You do not need to worry about the definition of combination skin or if you have oily combination skin or dry combination skin because our skin type test will correctly identify your skin type.

Our skin type quiz will assign you to an oily or dry skin type so that you will get the best skin care recommendations for your skin.

Take the Quiz

What is Combination Skin?

As you saw above, there are two main combination skin types. I am going to explain these combination skin types again in a different way to see if it makes more sense to you.

The definitions of these skin types are based on 2 measurable parameters:

Sebum secretion

Skin barrier integrity

Your sebum secretion rates and skin barrier strength can change seasonally. This leads to a changing skin type. The T-zone area can make an increased amount of sebum compared to your cheeks. If your skin barrier is impaired, the cheeks can feel dry while the t-zone feels oily. But in this situation, a heavy barrier repair moisturizer is too greasy for your t-zone so you need to choose a moisturizer for oily skin.

To reiterate- here are the 2 types of combination skin:

1. Skin Types that change from a dry skin type in dry climates to an oily skin type in humid climates

In the Baumann Skin typing System- this type of combination skin is considered a dry skin type in the winter and an oily skin type in the summer. This is also referred to as a Changing Skin Type.

oily skin in summer, dry skin in winter

2. Skin types that have an oily T zone and dry cheeks.

In the Baumann Skin Typing System- this may be called a dry skin type or a normal oily skin type.

Dry skin types have an oily t zone but the t- zone area does not make enough oil to compensate for an impaired skin barrier. Dry skin types, even those with an oily T- zone, need a barrier repair moisturizer.

Normal oily skin types make just enough oil in the t- zone to help hydrate skin. Normal oily skin types do well with a light moisturizer.

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Products For Combination Skin

The best products for combination skin types depend upon which combination skin type you have. The definition of combination skin is based on the skin’s ability to make oil (sebum) and the skin hydration level that is determined by the skin’s ability to hold onto water. There are other factors to considering when choosing a skincare routine for combination skin such as:

Is the skin sensitive?

Is the skin tone even?

Do I have risk factors for skin aging that need to be addressed?

Each of these skin concerns needs to be addressed in a combination skincare routine. In general, products for combination skin are adequate for every skin type but not awesome for any skin type. In other words, it is better to have skincare products designed for your Baumann Skin Type than for the vague undefined category of combination skin because the term “Combination skin” is not a specific scientific term.

best moisturizers for combination skin

Products for the Changing Combination Skin Type

If you have a changing combination skin type, use a skincare routine for dry skin in the winter and oily skin in the summer.

Products for the T-Zone Combination Skin Type

If you have the T-zone combination skin type, take the quiz to determine if you should use skincare products for a dry skin type or an oily skin type.

best products for combination skin

The best way to choose products for combination skin types is to retake the skin type quiz when the season change and update your skincare routine seasonally.

best moisturizer for combination skin

The moisturizer to choose depends upon which type of combination skin you have, what the weather is and what other skin issues you have.

Best Skin Care Products For Combination Skin

Rather than using skincare products for combination skin, instead choose products seasonally.

You will likely require products for dry skin in the winter and oily skin in the summer.

However, don’t waste time and money and risk your skin health by guessing. The skin type quiz was developed to help determine the best skincare routine for your combination skin type.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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