What is Combination Skin? If you have some areas of your face normal or dry and tight, while other areas are more shiny and oily, you probably have combination skin. Although this is a very common skin type, it is also one of the most difficult to deal with. You are literally dealing with two different skin types and need to treat them that way. Dry areas tend to be the cheeks. The forehead, nose and chin (T-Zone) will be shiny and may also be prone to pimples and blackheads. What Causes Combination Skin? A variety of factors contribute to combination skin—hormones, weather, products, and the over or under activity.