There is really not a true combination skin type. People who believe they have combination skin either have a skin type that changes seasonally, or they are oily in the center of the face and should follow an oily skin care routine that includes a light moisturizer.

The best moisturizer for combination skin depends upon which type of combination skin you have. 

Click here to see the meaning of combination skin and what the 2 types are.

In the Baumann Skin Typing System used by dermatologists to prescribe skin care routines, the skin care routine is designed to match the sebum secretion levels of the skin and the status of the skin barrier. 

So there are two scenarios in combination skin that require a moisturizer.

1.  Oiliness in the T-Zone
2. Changing Skin Type

The combination skin routine for oily t-zones should contain lighter moisturizers. They should not contain comedogenic ingredients.

This is because the oily t-zone combination skin types are more likely to get clogged pores.

If you have an oily t-zone, here is our advice on moisturizers:

• consider hyaluronic acid, glycerin and other humectant moisturizers
• avoid oils
• limit the amount of fatty alcohol
• avoid occlusive moisturizers

 Barrier repair moisturizers are not necessary for combination or oily skin types. The best types of moisturizers for combination skin types are humectant moisturizers.

Sebum (oil) is a very good occlusive moisturizer that coats the skin and functions as a skin barrier to hold water into the skin. The act of applying your skincare products and sunscreens will move your sebum from your central T-zone to the sides of your face where it will provide natural barrier protection. So you do not need a barrier repair moisturizer in a combination skin routine.

 If you have an oily T-zone- apply the light humectant moisturizer centrally and spread to the drier areas of the face to move the sebum along with the moisturizer.

If you have combination skin that changes from dry skin in winter to oily skin in summer, You need to change your moisturizer seasonally. How to know if your skin is dry or oily? Click here.

How to do this?

Retake the quiz when seasons change and we will tell you which moisturizers to use in your combination skin routine for that season.

Your combination skin routine for the “Oiliness in the T-Zone” type of combination skin will often have 2 different cleansers. 

The best cleansers for combination skin types are foaming cleansers, which remove oil from the T-zone skin, and salicylic acid cleansers which help keep the pores small and clean. Skin that is oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks will not be able to tolerate a salicylic acid cleanser two times a day.  For this reason, you will see two different cleansers in your personalized skincare routine for “combination skin”. Once you take the quiz, we will tell you which cleansers are best for your combination skin routine.

Foaming cleansers that we recommend for your combination skin:

If you have combination skin and acne, you will find that it is more difficult to tolerate your acne treatments if you are not using the best cleanser and moisturizer in your combination skin routine.

Acne medications include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and salicylic acid can dry the skin- especially in winter. If you have acne, you need to treat the underlying causes.  Usually low pH cleansers are a good choice for combination skin types with acne, but your acne skin care routine may need to be adjusted in winter.

Take the skin type quiz and follow the skin care guide instructions exactly.  The cleanser and moisturizer recommended in your regimen is based on whether your skin is producing an adequate amount of sebum.

Anti-aging products such as retinoids, hydroxyacids, defensins, exosomes, growth factors and hyaluronic acid can be ideal for combination skin.  However, there are many things to consider when deciding upon the best skin care routine for combination skin types. The anti-aging products you choose for your combination skin routine should treat the issues that are causing your skin to age which depends upon your habits, age, and general health condition.

 Find an aesthetician or medical provider that can design a personalized facial for you based on your Baumann Skin Type.

They can also give you customized advice on your combination skin routine and tell you what products are best for your skin's concerns.

The order that you apply the products is also critical to have the best skin benefits. You really need to take the skin type quiz so that all 4 barriers to skin health can be taken into account when choosing the best antiaging skin care products for your combination skin type.

1. Baumann L. Ch. 10,11 and 12 in Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology. 3rd Edition (McGraw Hill 2022).
2. https://lesliebaumannmd.com/combination-skin-treat/