Overview:
Combination skin simply means you have areas on your face that are oily and some parts that are dry. Usually, the combination of oily and dry areas differ but most people have their oilier parts on their T-zone, chin and nose areas.
For some people, they have areas with more fine lines and some areas with large pores. Others deal with uneven skin tone and clogged pores.
The combination of skin issues make this skin type a lot trickier to handle.
Causes:
Genetics play a huge role in combination skin. Much like how you inherit your eye color or your body type, you can also inherit this skin type.
The products you use can also cause combination skin. If you are using stronger and more drying products on your T-zone, there’s a good chance the glands on that area will produce more oil than usual for protection.
Symptoms:
The combination of skin problems is what makes this skin type unique. Here are some of the most common skin issues you might encounter with this one:
- Dry and dull cheeks
- Clogged pores, particularly in the T-zone area
- Oily skin in the T-zone area
- Cheeks that are more sensitive than the rest of your face
- Presence of dry patches and skin breakouts at the same time
Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin
Combination skin can be hard to deal with. Since there are several skin issues at the same time, you have to find products that can solve them without compromising the rest of your skin.
Step 1: Cleanse
Choose a water soluble cleanser for your skin type. You can go with either a gel cleanser or a lotion-based cleanser as long as it can effectively remove dirt and excess oil on your skin without drying your skin out.
Skip anything that has alcohol or soap as they can strip your skin’s natural oils. Products with these ingredients can dry out the rest of your face and force your oilier areas to produce more oil.
You can find your match in this list.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Add exfoliation to your weekly routine. It helps promote faster cellular turnover and will help reveal fresher and healthier skin.
You can try out an exfoliating wash that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients can encourage a healthier complexion while clearing out your pores.
In exfoliating, you can rub a bit more on the oilier areas of your face to make sure your pores stay clog-free. Be sure to remain gentle on your dry areas to avoid causing more problems (read: irritated skin).
Step 3: Tone
Pick a non-irritating toner you can use after cleansing your face. Make sure it has antioxidants that can protect your skin and ingredients that can replenish your skin’s moisture.
Skip alcohol as it can be bad both for your dry and oily areas.
Step 4: Using serums
Find a serum that has antioxidants and ingredients that can replenish and restore your skin. These things are essential in bringing back your skin’s natural balance.
You can concentrate your serum on the drier areas of your face and leave the remaining oilier parts with a lightweight moisturizer.
Step 5: Moisturize
The tricky part in choosing the right moisturizer for combination skin is getting just the right amount of moisture without clogging the pores. With this, avoid using petroleum-based moisturizers or moisturizers that contain mineral oils.
Skin fragrances, too, particularly if your cheeks are prone to flaking and dullness.
If you have the budget and the time, you can invest in two separate moisturizers- a heavier one for your dry areas and a lightweight moisturizer for the oilier parts.
Step 6: Use sunscreen
Since your skin could be dealing with both oiliness and dryness, find a sunscreen that’s light and oil-free. A sunscreen with a matte finish can work with your whole face, too.
Apply it all over and be sure to include your neck area.
Aim for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and make sure it offers broad spectrum protection. Even if your sunscreen is water-resistant, make it a habit to reapply after every two hours, particularly after sweating out a lot or swimming.