Not all skin is created equal. By understanding *your* skin type, you can better address your skin concerns and properly care for it. In our Genetic Skin Types series, we’ll be taking a closer look at the most common skin types and how to build your healthy skin routine accordingly.

Dealing with dry patches on your cheeks, but have some shine on your forehead and nose? You might just have combination skin. While some may lean more dry or oily, the goal is the same: Find balance.

Of course, that might sound easier said than done. (If balance were easy, we’d be off teaching a yoga class right now.) But the right skincare routine can make it possible — without requiring a ton of effort, either. (Again: balance!) 

Here’s everything you need to know about caring for combo skin.

What causes combination skin

Basically, your skin can be oily and dry, depending where you look. “Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia. “It is a mix of dry patches and oily patches on the skin.”

It’s largely a matter of placement. In most cases, when you have combination skin, the T-zone of the face, which encompasses the forehead, nose, and chin, is oily, while the cheeks tend to be dry. This happens because your skin’s rate of sebum production is uneven across your face. 

Essentially, says Plescia, “the more oily areas are caused by the overproduction of sebum, while the dry areas are the underproduction of sebum.” Just think of it as your skin marching to the beat of its own drum.

What are the signs of combination skin?

Ultimately, “the sebaceous glands are larger and overactive in the T-zone,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. For that reason, your pores might be more noticeable on your nose and near your forehead, and you may notice congestion and blackheads in the area. That said, this is usually limited to that T-zone.

Unlike true oily skin types, which start to show some shine by mid-morning, combination skin starts to look oily a little later in the day. “Those with oily-leaning combination skin see their oil in the early afternoon — think noon — while others with dry-leaning combination skin see their oil later in the afternoon, like 3 PM,” says Parenti.

How to treat combination skin

The good news? If you have combination skin, the world is your oyster; a wide variety of products work with your skin type, so you can test-drive options to find what your skin prefers. “Since combination skin is a combination of both oily and dry skin, combination skin can benefit from all the ingredients commonly used in oily and dry skin,” says Plescia.

Combination skin isn’t necessarily one type — as we mentioned, you could lean more oily or dry — so the right care comes down to your individual situation. (Take it as another reminder that you’re unique.) And don’t forget that every day is a new day for combination skin: “One day your skin might be a little more dry, versus another day where it may be more oily,” says Plescia. Tweak your routine based on how your skin feels and looks.

The ideal skincare routine for combination skin

Need a little more direction? Look no further than the 3-min NakedPoppy assessment, which will automatically match you with the ideal skincare products for your combination skin.

And keep in mind that “combo skin type has a lot of versatility,” says Parenti. You can stick with products designed for either oily or dry skin depending on what your skin needs — in the winter, for instance, a cream cleanser might be better for you that foam. As long as you’re cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin with SPF, you’re already ahead of the game.

Here’s one balanced approach you could consider:

  • Cleanse: While a foaming cleanser will work just fine, “for those that have more dry combination skin, many will also benefit from and prefer more emollient rich products,” says Parenti, who recommends NakedPoppy Nourish Cream Cleanser for that reason.
  • Exfoliate: Exfoliation can serve a dual purpose for skin, both sloughing away dead skin cells that could potentially clog pores and allowing moisture to better penetrate. “AHAs, such as lactic acid, are great for combination skin,” says Plescia. “Lactic acid is both exfoliating and hydrating.” You can find it in Maya Chia The Refresh Mint Resurfacing Moisture Mask.
  • Tone: Combination skin types don’t need the astringent (meaning oil-removing) properties that you would with oily skin, but skin of any type still needs water. In many cases, “the dryness perceived is usually dehydration,” says Parenti, which is why she suggests spritzing on Kari Gran Lavender Hydrating Tonic with aloe and glycerin, which deeply moisturize, after cleansing.
  • Moisturize: A lightweight moisture will nourish dry areas without feeling too heavy on your T-zone. “Your whole face will benefit from any extra moisturization and hydration, but a lightweight facial oil might be the ideal,” says Plescia. Try NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Face Oil, which has rosehip seed oil (which helps promote skin cell turnover) and jojoba oil, which balances sebum production.
  • Mask: A well-chosen face mask can go a long way. “Face masks using natural clays applied to the T-zone a few times a week can definitely help,” says Plescia, who recommends 54 Thrones Kahina Lava Cleansing Mask. Clay draws out impurities without removing any moisture from drier areas.

Masks and toner might be optional for you, but consider the basics a non-negotiable. It’s worth it: Even if everything else in life is out of whack, bringing your skin into balance can take you one step closer to zen.

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