Why “Normal” Skin Is Really Combination Skin—and How to Care for It

While it helps to sort skin into types so that you have a better understanding of what formulas will work for you, normal should only refer to what is normal for you. Oily, dry, and combination skin types aren’t “abnormal,” and most people have skin that has a variety of unique needs that require attention. The subtleties of your skin can shift throughout your life depending on your genetics, age, hormones, the weather, and lifestyle choices, resulting in combination skin as opposed to a one-size-fits-all definition of normal skin. Identifying your skin type and staying flexible in your skincare journey will help you achieve your version of normal, balanced and harmonious skin.

Why Skin Type Matters

The first and most important step in caring for your skin is understanding your unique skin type and how it responds to different conditions. While skin can adapt, misreading its needs can lead to visible imbalances. You are the most knowledgeable when it comes to your own skin, so pause for a moment to consider how your skin normally feels and acts. If you experience skin disruptions, like irritation, then you likely have sensitive skin. If your skin feels tight, your skin is likely dry. If you constantly have glistening skin that requires blotting, then you likely have oily skin.

Understanding Normal Skin

The term “normal skin” is a bit outdated—it simply means there are no pressing concerns to address. We believe that when it comes to skin, however, there is no such thing as normal—just what’s normal for you. Skin types like oily, dry, or combination are helpful categories, but real skin needs are personal and ever-changing. As such, we believe that normal skin should be should be treated like combination skin, with combination skincare products designed to be effective for both oily and dry skin types.

Understanding Combination Skin

Combination skin defies categories and looks different on everyone. For some, you might experience oily areas on some parts of your face, but not on others. Or, you might have dry zones or areas of increased sensitivity that are confined to one area. We consider the defining philosophy of combination skin to be that you aren’t limited to one singular skin treatment. You might be oily in some areas, dry in others, and balanced in others. If this sounds like you, we recommend a tailored combination skincare routine that works for both oily and dry skin types.

Caring for Combination Skin

Opt for a skincare routine designed for combination skin and then let your skin guide you to determine how to reach balance. We’ll share some of our thoughts, but ultimately, your skin is uniquely you and doing what feels right is the path forward.

Cleansing

Cleansing combination skin is all about retaining moisture. Gel cleansers clear away buildup without leaving skin tight, while lightweight cleansing oils nourish and balance both oily and dry areas.

Exfoliating

Gentle exfoliation is a smart addition to any combination skincare routine—it helps clear pores, smooth texture, and remove buildup more effectively than a cleanser alone. Choose either a physical or chemical exfoliant, depending on your preference—they both refine and help minimize pores.

Moisturizing

If areas of your skin lean toward dryness, you can nourish your skin with a hydrating boost of moisture by applying The Dewy Serum before your moisturizer. This three-in-one formula resurfaces with lactic acid in Hadasei-3™, plumps with hyaluronic acid, and hydrates with squalane for smoother, plumper, dewier skin.

When choosing a moisturizer, use a gel moisturizer in the summer and a richer cream in the winter to keep skin balanced year-round. Both are light enough to use on their own, but together they create the ideal seasonal duo.

Protecting

Combination skin tends to stand out most when it feels out of balance—dry areas become uncomfortably parched while oily zones feel overly slick. A weakened skin barrier from environmental stressors can make this imbalance worse. That’s why daily sunscreen for combination skin is essential to help defend and stabilize skin at the cellular level.

Additions

Beyond your foundational skincare formulas, you can add in extras to use whenever you need a boost. Masks, like our Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask, for example, are great for use once or twice a week to provide a surge of moisture when you feel you need a lift. Or, if you have an oily T-zone, using lightweight blotting papers throughout the day like our Aburatorigami will soak up excess moisture.

Beauty for a lifetime starts with a mindful approach every day. Each morning, take a sacred pause before you begin cleansing, observing what and how has occurred to your skin overnight. By treating your skin with formulas that enhance wellbeing, rather than an all-in-one approach, you can create a personalized ritual that will soothe and strengthen your skin.