What is normal to combination skin, and how to tell if that really is your skin type?

Normal to combination skin is one of the most common skin types. It’s almost perfectly balanced, except for a T-zone that tends to be shiny, and cheeks that are often dehydrated – both of which are tell-tale signs that you may have this skin type. In addition to a T-zone that is generally oily (due to excess sebum) and cheeks that can sometimes feel tight (due to a lack of water in the skin), other indicators that may help you identify whether you have normal to combination skin include occasional small blemishes, a dull complexion, and an uneven skin texture with enlarged pores on the forehead, nose, and/or chin. Although most people tend to have normal to combination skin, it isn’t necessarily the easiest skin type to care for. It is prone to imbalance and subject to change (dependent on factors such as season, lifestyle, and skincare habits), and it can be easily irritated if it is treated too aggressively with harsh products. However, with a suitable skincare routine, you can limit shine (and breakouts) without over-stripping the skin and causing dehydration, meaning it is indeed possible to properly care for normal to combination skin…

What’s the ideal beauty routine for normal to combination skin?

Step 1: Double cleansing every night

Start with an oil or a makeup remover balm: this product will emulsify all the oily substances present on the skin’s surface, such as sebum, pollution and makeup (including waterproof mascara!). It is therefore the most delicate way to eliminate shine without damaging or drying the skin. For a deeper cleanse, follow with a cleansing milk or soft cleansing gel or foam. The advantage of normal to combination skin? You can easily change your cleanser according to your desires and needs. 

Step 2: Gentle exfoliation, once or twice a week

As long as you use a gentle, non-irritant product, exfoliation is an essential skincare step for revealing beautiful skin. By eliminating excess dead skin cells, facial exfoliators promote softness and radiance, fight against small blemishes (dark spots, pimples, and dilated pores) and allow the active ingredients in your skincare products to better penetrate your skin. For a gentle but effective exfoliation, try Oh My Cream Skincare’s Exfoliating Powder or Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant for cleaner, brighter skin.

Step 3: Apply face oil, in the morning and/or at night

Complete your routine with a nourishing and protective face oil that’s adapted to your skin. Contrary to popular belief, facial oils mimic the skin's own sebum, gradually bringing shine under control. With its fine, non-greasy texture, Oh My Cream Skincare’s Correcting Oil is ideal for brightening and evening the complexion.

And to take things one step further...

To maximise the results of your skincare rituals, build a couple of extra well-chosen products into your routine. This could include a radiance-boosting mask, such as Torriden’s Cellmazing Vitamin C Brightening Mask, a locally-applied spot treatment – such as the Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask from Sunday Riley which helps target blemishes – or an all-round skin supplement like Combeau’s L’Essentiel Peau for a healthy-looking complexion. 

Normal to combination skin DOs & DON’Ts

The DOs

- Since normal to combination skin can often be dehydrated, don’t hesitate to apply hydrating serums in addition to your face cream, or to sparingly use a light face oil (perhaps just on dehydrated areas) to help limit water loss and seal in hydration.

- Cleanse twice a day to limit the effects of sebum production and sweat secretion. In the morning, softly cleanse your skin with an alcohol-free toner to help regulate sebum and refine the appearance of pores.

- Normal to combination skin is prone to occasional blemishes, particularly provoked by stress and fluctuating hormones. The best way to deal with this is to use a non-abrasive chemical or enzymatic exfoliator (rather than harsh scrubs and mechanical exfoliators)

- Apply a ‘double mask,’ tailoring skincare products to different areas of your face. For instance, use a hydrating mask on your cheeks, and a cleansing mask on your T-zone. Multi-masking is your new beauty best friend!

The DON’Ts

- Do not use cleansing products that are too harsh and that can disrupt the skin barrier, prompting rebound oiliness. Instead, use products with soap-free formulas.

- Avoid harsh, alcohol-based toners, opting for softer, regulating ones instead.

- Don’t be scared to use oils (which aren’t just reserved for dry skin!). Opt for fine, lightweight, plant-based oils and apply in small quantities. These products can help support the skin barrier, fight dehydration, and boost radiance.