First, what is combination skin?

If you have combination skin, you’re certainly not alone! This common condition means you probably experience dryness on your cheeks, but your forehead, nose and/or chin is oily. And this may not be constant: combination skin may be less oily or dry at times. For example, you may contend with dryness in winter, as many people do, and in summer heat, your skin tends to be oily.

It may also be that for you, “dry” and “oily” are relative: your cheeks may be slightly drier that the rest of your face. Or you may have an oily forehead from time to time. Or you tend to have blocked pores and breakouts, but only on your chin or nose. If you’re thinking that combination skin is quite common, you’re right!

What causes it?

Combination skin is genetic. If you have it, people in your family probably do, too.

Why does combination skin seem so much more pronounced sometimes?

For many of us, skin tends to be drier in winter. It’s the cold blasts of wind, the parched air from furnaces, the hot baths and showers that feel so good but have a drying effect on our skin. And summer’s heat and humidity may bring on more oil production. In fact, during more temperate seasons like spring and fall, you may not notice dryness or oiliness.

Changes in your hormones brought on by your menstrual cycle or medication such as oral contraceptives can also also show up in your skin. Some people also find that what they eat affects in their skin. For instance, their skin may become more oily after eating deep-fried foods. If you aren’t drinking enough water, signs of dehydration will likely show up in the appearance of your skin, too, so your dry skin may look and feel even drier.

Will my skin ever be just dry, just oily, or neither?

It’s hard to predict. However, as we age, our skin tends to become more dry and less oily. So, over time, you might not have oiliness to the same extent that you did when you were younger, but you may have to contend with more dryness, which is true for just about everyone, not just those who have combination or dry skin right now.

What does combination skin need?

In a word: understanding! One of the most important things you can do is pay attention to how your combination skin responds to your skincare. Your needs may change from time to time. For instance, your heavier wintertime moisturizer could be swapped out for something lighter come springtime. Using an oil-control product where you need it could be a great move for summer.

Likewise, you may find targeted treatments can make all the difference. For instance, exfoliating removes old, dead skin cells, and it helps all sorts of skin types. If you want to use the same exfoliating product on your entire face, look for one that is also hydrating. Or, you might find that your drier areas benefit from exfoliating less frequently.

Combination skin sometimes means having an extra skincare product or two around. And being willing to change up your routine when you don’t see the results could make all the difference.

Your Combination Skin Regimen

1. Use gentle cleansing products. If you choose a product formulated for oily skin, you may find it makes the areas of your face that aren’t oily feel stripped, tight and even more dry. Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel gently purifies skin of dirt, oil, and makeup without disrupting its natural moisture balance.

You may find that using the balm on just the oily parts of your face, or having different double cleanse “schedules” for the different parts of your face meets your needs.

Not into double cleansing? Find a cleanser that clarifies and detoxifies skin without stripping for a comfortable clean. Made with a pH-balanced blend of cleansing and soothing ingredients, Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar washes away impurities from face and body to leave skin clear and even—never tight, irritated, or dry.

5. Sunscreen. Every Day. Always. Don’t be fooled by thinking that sunlight “dries” oily skin. Every morning, after cleansing and applying any other products—toner, serum, moisturizer, etc.—make sunscreen your last step in your skincare regimen, before applying any makeup.

Find a sunscreen you love and you’ll be more likely to use it consistently. Seek out one that has a minimal white cast and sinks right in so you don’t have to do a whole lot of rubbing. Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 protects from UVA and UVB rays and is infused with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants. The weightless, fast-absorbing sunscreen is suitable for all skin tones and types—leaving behind no greasy residue.

When to Call a Dermatologist

If your combination skin isn’t responding well to the regimen you’ve been sticking to, if it seems like your skin is getting more oily, more dry or both, or if related concerns like acne are worsening, seek out a dermatologist, who might prescribe topical treatments (to be used on just oily parts of your face) such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide to help unclog pores and manage breakouts. If you have severely dry skin, corticosteroids can relieve the itching and inflammation.

To Wrap Up

Combination skin calls for a little more patience and attentiveness. Instead of a “set it and forget it” approach to skincare, you probably need to make adjustments to your regimen depending on how your skin is behaving, the season, your hormones and maybe even what you’re eating and how hydrated you are. Instead of treating your skin like it’s dry everywhere or oily everywhere, giving it what it needs, where it needs it, will likely lead to great results. Just be ready to re-assess!