An oily centre panel and cheeks that feel tight.

Combination skin is the most common type in Singapore and the most often treated as one thing. The T-zone and the cheeks need different handling in the same hour — that is the whole job.

Oil glands are simply denser through the centre of the face. That is normal, not a defect — the mistake is choosing a routine for the shiniest part and applying it everywhere.

In the room this means zoning: clearing and resurfacing through the T-zone, hydration and barrier work across the cheeks, and a mask chosen for whichever area is louder that month.

Monthly is the sweet spot. As the barrier settles, the two zones start to behave more alike — most people notice that around the third or fourth visit.

One gentle cleanser for the whole face, then treat by area: acid on the T-zone only, moisturiser heavier on the cheeks.

Buying for the oiliest zone. A mattifying routine across the whole face dries the cheeks into flaking within a fortnight.