There’s no such thing as combination skin type

There is no such thing scientifically as combination skin. People often say they have combination skin, dry combination skin or oily combination skin. These are misnomers.

Cosmetic queen Helena Rubenstein first used the term combination skin in the 1940s. Clinique used the terms dry combination skin and oily combination skin in the late 1960s when they described the Clinique Skin Types.

These terms have no scientific validity. Combination skin used by non-dermatologists describes one of two situations:

Changing Skin Type: The skin is dry in winter (low humidity and cold environments) and skin is oily in summer (hot, humid environments). Of course, in Miami it is always warm or hot and humid, so we do not hear about this issue often unless someone lives in a dry climate part of the year.

Oiliness in the T-Zone: The skin is oily and dry at the same time. There are more oil glands in the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) than on the sides of the face. When the oil glands are overactive and making an excess amount of sebum, this leads to an oily T-zone.

However, skin that has an impaired barrier (water evaporates off the skin leading to dehydration) will be dry in the areas that do not have oil glands such as the sides of the face. This type of skin is often incorrectly called an oily combination skin type.

This situation is correctly categorized as oily skin because the sebaceous glands are overactive.

If you live in South Florida and think you have combination skin, you likely have the “Oiliness in the T-Zone type” of combination skin and you should treat your skin as an oily skin type.

COMBINATION

SKIN TIPS

If you are oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks, use a lightweight non comedogenic moisturizer and avoid applying moisturizer in your T-zone. If you have dry skin but feel shiny when you apply a sunscreen, look for a moisturizing sunscreen with glycerin so you can use only a SPF and skip the moisturizer.

HOW TO KNOW YOUR TRUE SKIN TYPE?

In 2004-2014, when I was at the University of Miami, we developed and validated a scientific skintype quiz that will determine if skin is oily or dry. This skin-type quiz is now in all the major textbooks and used by dermatologists around the country to diagnose skin type.

Your dermatologist can give you this skin-type quiz and recommend a proven skin care routine for your skin type. No matter what skin care brand you or your dermatologist prefer, knowing your correct skin type is the key to choosing the best personalized skin care routine for your unique skin type.

BEWARE OF SKIN

CARE QUIZZES

There are many online quizzes that claim to assess your skin type, but most of these have no research behind them. These online skin type tests often ask “Is your skin oily or dry?”

Studies have shown, however, that most people are wrong about how oily or dry their skin is. It is more accurate to ask a series of scientifically validated questions to determine if skin is oily or dry.

It is important to use the best skin care products for your skin type to have healthy skin. Do not buy products labeled for combination skin.

If you think you have combination skin and you live in various climates, it is likely that you need two skin care routines, one for dry climates and one for humid climates. If in doubt, treat your combination skin as a slightly oily skin type. If you get confused, ask your dermatologist for guidance. Many are offering telemedicine visits.