Combination to oily skin: how to recognize it and take care of it.

11/09/2025

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Camille A.

Does your skin have shine at the end of the day, enlarged pores , and dry patches ? It's probably called " combination to oily ," a very common skin type, including among those with sensitive skin. The characteristic of combination to oily skin is a pronounced imbalance between naturally contrasting areas of the face: an oilier T-zone and drier, more uncomfortable skin on the rest of the face.

Having combination to oily skin can become a source of discomfort on a daily basis , both aesthetically and in terms of sensations. And to remedy this, it is not always easy to find care products adapted to these skin types with contrasting needs .

In this article, we offer you a better understanding of combination to oily skin: how to recognize it, its causes and the factors that accentuate its symptoms, and above all, how to take care of it on a daily basis with the right actions and the right active ingredients.

What is combination skin? What is oily skin?

Understanding Combination (or Combination to Oily) Skin

Half normal, half oily, combination skin (or combination to oily) is skin that cannot find its balance.

Normal skin is naturally contrasted depending on the areas of the face:

On the famous T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), the skin is normally oilier with a naturally increased presence of sebaceous glands responsible for the production of sebum.
On the outer areas of the face , such as the cheeks and temples , the skin is naturally drier with a lower density of sebaceous glands.

In practice, combination skin is characterized by an even more marked imbalance in the contrast observed in normal skin : the T-zone is particularly oilier , while the cheeks or temples are (even) drier ¹.

Visually, combination skin is recognizable: with excessive sebum production in the T-zone, it presents shine , dilated pores and sometimes imperfections . And on the lateral areas, the skin appears dry and dehydrated .

Understanding Oily Skin

Oily skin is a skin type characterized by excessive sebum production across the entire face.
Secreted by the sebaceous glands , sebum is a natural lipid substance whose role is to protect the skin against external aggressions and maintain its hydration.
So, in oily skin, the sebaceous glands are hyperactive : they produce sebum in quantities greater than the skin's actual needs. And it shows! Indeed, oily skin is recognizable by several visible signs such as generalized shine and dilated pores all over the face , as well as an increased tendency to blemishes , even acne .

Can combination to oily skin be sensitive?

Yes, absolutely! These combinations are even common and can be complex to manage. Oily skin can be hyper-reactive , just like combination to oily skin. Both can be unstable , marked by shine and feelings of tightness and discomfort . Hence the importance of a suitable, gentle and balancing routine².

To learn more about sensitive skin, its symptoms, causes and solutions , read our full article.

How do you know if your skin is oily or combination?

Oily and combination skin can manifest itself through visual signs but also through more or less unpleasant sensations.

Visible signs of oily and combination skin

It is quite easy to identify oily skin and combination skin.

Oily skin can be recognized by a few characteristic visual aspects:

A shiny surface all over the face within a few hours of cleansing,
Dilated and very visible pores ,
Blackheads (or comedones),
Almost daily blemishes and spots ,
A thick or grainy skin texture .

Combination skin combines the signs of oily skin with those of normal or even dry skin .
Generally, it is only at the end of the day that combination skin shows areas of shine and shininess , mainly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Its pores are also less dilated and less visible, or only in this area. It is also less prone to blackheads (fewer in number) and its spots and imperfections are more occasional .
In addition to these signs of oily skin, combination skin also experiences areas of dryness , particularly on the cheeks and temples . The skin lacks hydration and may show fine lines of dehydration ; it may feel tight and lack softness and suppleness .

With increased sebum production, oily and combination skin can experience acne episodes.
To learn everything about acne-prone skin , its symptoms, causes and solutions, read our dedicated article.

The signs of combination skin

In terms of sensations, your combination skin can cause you to feel tight , especially in the cheeks, just after cleansing, followed by rapid re-greasing , especially in the nose or forehead . A contrast between oily areas and drier areas that generally makes combination to oily skin uncomfortable , with the feeling that it is never really "balanced" ³.

Areas affected by combination skin

As you will have understood, combination skin is defined precisely by differences in nature depending on the areas of the face ³.

The T-zone : composed of the forehead , nose and chin , it is generally the most marked by excess sebum . This is where the skin shines the most, with pores often more visible and sometimes some imperfections.
The lateral areas of the face : with the cheeks and temples , these areas are often normal or even dry , with a feeling of comfort or tightness.

With such a contrast, taking care of your combination to oily skin requires adapting your care to each area , favoring balancing formulas on the T-zone and gentler or nourishing ones on dry areas .

Where does combination to oily skin come from?

Seborrhea disorder

Seborrhea is the natural production of sebum by the sebaceous glands , present in greater numbers on the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose, chin).

In a physiological state, sebum plays a fundamental role for the skin:

It protects the skin against external aggressions (pollution, wind, cold, bacteria, etc.).
It limits dehydration by forming a lipid film.
It contributes to the good balance of the skin microbiome .

But this natural mechanism can go out of control, and sebum production becomes excessive . As a result, the skin becomes shiny , pores dilate , and imperfections can appear. It is this imbalance of seborrhea that is the cause of the characteristics of combination to oily skin¹.

Factors of hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands

Several factors can stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands ¹:

Endogenous factors:

Genetic predispositions : some skin types are naturally richer in active sebaceous glands and have a higher production of sebum.
Hormonal factors : puberty , variations in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or certain contraceptives can influence sebum production.
Chronic stress : it stimulates the production of cortisol , a hormone that can intensify the activity of the sebaceous glands.

External factors:

Pollution, heat, humidity : these environmental conditions stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands and increase seborrhea of the skin.
Diet : Excessive consumption of fast sugars or ultra-processed products can increase the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands.
Inappropriate or overly aggressive skincare : paradoxically, cleansing your skin with harsh skincare products can make the situation worse. Feeling attacked, the skin overreacts , producing even more sebum, which is known as the " rebound effect ."

The impact of combination to oily skin on quality of life and well-being

Beyond the skin's appearance, combination to oily skin can have a real emotional and social impact.

About 68% of people with oily skin say it affects their perception of their appearance , and 56% are concerned about how their skin looks on a daily basis.
A feeling of unease often accentuated by some preconceived ideas: oily skin can be perceived as “dirty” (68%) or “poorly maintained”, fueling a feeling of embarrassment and shame in those affected⁴

.

Some people also change their diet to combat the effects of combination to oily skin by cutting out rich foods (54%), or even chocolate (26%)⁴.

Overall, having combination to oily skin can be a source of daily discomfort. But rest assured, with the right care , it is possible to achieve more balanced, more comfortable skin ... and a more peaceful outlook on yourself.

How to take good care of combination to oily skin?

Caring for combination to oily skin is all about finding balance: between purification and softness , between matte finish and comfort . Here are some simple steps and key active ingredients to adopt to help your skin regain its serenity, day after day.

Good daily habits for combination to oily skin

Start with a gentle cleansing morning and evening , with micellar water, or a purifying foam or gel, respectful of the hydrolipidic film.
Avoid overly aggressive or alcoholic treatments , which “strip” the skin: paradoxically, they stimulate the production of sebum.
Even oily skin needs hydration . So, opt for skincare products with light, non-comedogenic textures that moisturize without weighing it down.
Finally, remember to adapt your treatments according to the areas of your face : a purifying mask on the T-zone and a more soothing or nourishing cream on the cheeks. Purifying masks with gentle clay are perfect for absorbing excess sebum without drying out.
1 to 2 times a week, exfoliate your skin with a gentle treatment (without abrasive grains).

Active ingredients suitable for combination to oily skin

To soothe, balance and protect combination to oily skin, certain active ingredients are particularly effective.

Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) : this is one of the most suitable ingredients for oily and sensitive skin, because it regulates sebum production without drying out the skin , reduces redness , soothes inflammation , and tightens pores .
Zinc : It is popular for its purifying and mattifying properties. It also helps limit bacterial proliferation that causes blemishes, and supports the healing of small spots or micro-lesions.
Salicylic acid (BHA) : This gentle exfoliating active ingredient unclogs pores and limits the formation of blackheads. It is also anti-inflammatory and refines skin texture without being harsh.
Probiotics : Like lysine dendrimer , they target the skin microbiome to promote natural bacterial balance, strengthen the skin's natural defenses and reduce sensitivity and chronic inflammation.

The TOPICREM answer : discover our AC CONTROL range dedicated to combination to oily skin. It offers a complete routine of in & out care formulas and food supplements specifically designed for combination to oily skin , and combining treatment, balancing and soothing treatments.

Combination to oily skin is a common, yet often misunderstood, condition. Between excess sebum, sensitive areas, and discomfort, ultimately, what it requires, above all, is attentive listening, caring gestures, and care adapted to its contrasts. And the good news is: it's possible to find active ingredients and suitable care products to help it regain a better balance!

At TOPICREM, we are committed to providing you with our in-depth knowledge of skin and our dermatological expertise. To achieve this, we design high-tolerance treatment products tailored to your combination to oily skin, restoring balance and well-being on a daily basis, for greater peace of mind.

TOPICREM formulas have all been designed to provide protective hydration and preserve the skin barrier of sensitive skin for the whole family.

To do this, the laboratory relies on its expertise derived from pharmaceutical excellence:

Selection of high tolerance ingredients with proven effectiveness,
Development of formulas clinically tested on sensitive skin,
Effectiveness proven by science and approved by consumers.

Through the comfort and emotional well-being they provide, our treatments help you feel confident in your skin and in yourself, to better reveal yourself to others, and thus to fully enjoy every moment of life.

Bibliographic references:
¹Endly DC, Miller RA. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Aug;10(8):49-55. Epub 2017 Aug 1. PMID: 28979664; PMCID: PMC5605215.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605215/

²Kuang X, Lin C, Fu Y, Wang Y, Gong J, Chen Y, Liu Y, Yi F. A comprehensive classification and analysis of oily sensitive facial skin: a cross-sectional study of young Chinese women. SciRep. 2025 Jan 10;15(1):1633. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-85000-z. PMID: 39794411; PMCID: PMC11724097.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11724097/

³Maia Campos PMBG, Melo MO, Mercurio DG. Use of Advanced Imaging Techniques for the Characterization of Oily Skin. Front Physiol. 2019 Mar 26;10:254. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00254. Erratum in: Front Physiol. 2020 Oct 15;11:602226. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.602226. PMID: 30971936; PMCID: PMC6443891.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6443891/#:~:text=Oily%20skin%20presents%20clinical%20signs%20such%20as%20open%20pores%2C%20comedones,due%20to%20their%20unaesthetic%20nature.

⁴Arbuckle R, Atkinson MJ, Clark M, Abetz L, Lohs J, Kuhagen I, Harness J, Draelos Z, Thiboutot D, Blume-Peytavi U, Copley-Merriman K. Patient experiences with oily skin: the qualitative development of content for two new patient reported outcome questionnaires. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2008 Oct 16;6:80. doi:10.1186/1477-7525-6-80. PMID: 18925946; PMCID: PMC2577631.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2577631/