What should you know about sensitive combination skin?

Combination skin often has more shine or clogged pores through the forehead, nose, and chin, while the cheeks may feel tight, rough, or reactive. The same face can therefore need different amounts of product. Over-cleansing oily areas can weaken the barrier and make stinging or dryness more noticeable.

Persistent redness, itch, scale, burning, or a rash around the mouth may point to a condition such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, or perioral dermatitis rather than skin type alone. A changing pattern deserves assessment.

Cleanse gently once or twice daily with lukewarm water, then use a light, fragrance-free moisturiser over the whole face. Add a richer layer only to dry areas if needed. Use non-comedogenic products when breakouts are a concern, and apply sun protection consistently.

Introduce active ingredients slowly and avoid applying drying acne products across already irritated cheeks. Do not scrub away flakes or squeeze bumps. Test one change at a time so you can identify what helps or causes a reaction.

Book a review if irritation lasts despite simplifying your routine, if breakouts are painful or leave marks, or if redness repeatedly flushes and burns. Seek urgent help for rapid facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread blistering, or a rash affecting the eyes.

Ask: Is this skin type or an inflammatory condition? Which areas should receive active treatment? What moisturiser texture suits my face? How can I treat congestion without worsening cheek irritation?