Combination skin — a zoned routine that respects both halves

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like — oilier in some places (usually the T-zone: forehead, nose, chin) and drier or normal on the cheeks. It is one of the most common skin types and one of the most flexible to care for once you stop treating your whole face the same way.

Signs of combination skin

• Shine on the forehead, nose and chin within hours.
• Cheeks that feel comfortable or sometimes a little dry.
• Visible pores in the T-zone but barely any on the cheeks.
• Occasional breakouts concentrated around the T-zone.

How to care for combination skin

• Use one gentle cleanser for the whole face — low pH, non-stripping.
• Layer hydration: a lightweight essence and a humectant serum suit both zones.
• Treat zones differently: BHA only on the T-zone, richer cream only on the cheeks if needed.
• Niacinamide is a brilliant 'all-face' active — balances oil and supports the barrier.
• Choose a gel-cream or fluid moisturiser; add a richer cream just where it's drier.
• Daily SPF — a fluid sunscreen for the T-zone, a more emollient one for dry cheeks if needed.

A zoned routine for combination skin

Morning

1. Low-pH gel cleanser.
2. Hydrating toner.
3. Niacinamide serum, full face.
4. Gel-cream moisturiser; extra layer on dry cheeks if needed.
5. Lightweight SPF 50.

Evening

1. Oil cleanser → water cleanser.
2. BHA on the T-zone 2× a week; hydrating essence everywhere on other nights.
3. Peptide or barrier serum, full face.
4. Gel-cream; richer cream layered only where skin feels dry.