Everything You Need To Know About Combination Skin

Five the most important skin types are: normal, sensitive, dry, oily, and combination skin. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the last one – combination skin. While it’s the most common skin type, it’s definitely not the easiest one to treat. Basically, you got both – dry and oily skin at the same time. Your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is usually shining like a disco ball from the super-active sebaceous glands that produce too much oil, whereas the rest of the face (cheeks, jaw, and hairline) is dry as a bone from the less active sebaceous glands. It is an unbalanced skin.

The cause of this is mostly genetics, however, there are other factors that come into play. Interestingly, you may inherit a certain skin type from your parents, just like you inherit your hair or eye color. But it can also be the wrong products you’re using that are triggering combination skin. The environment is also a factor. Sometimes when people move to a different place, it causes breakouts and it takes time to adapt and relax back to how it was, according to Annmarie. Either way, you’re stuck with it.

Treating this condition is quite the task. You need products that hydrate the dry patches, and that won’t encourage the skin to produce more oil on your T-zone at the same time. Tricky, huh! Well, it may be tricky, but not impossible. With the proper products, skincare routine, and some tips, you will have clear skin complexion. Balance is the key!

How to take care of combination skin

A basic skincare routine can help get your unbalanced skin back on track. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are the three steps on the skincare routine that should never be skipped. Secondly, you can help your skin a lot by drinking lots of water, exercising, and eating healthy.

Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step of the skincare routine and as such, choose a cleanser that doesn’t remove the natural oil from your skin. Ingredients like alcohol, parabens, and sulfates remove the natural oil, so it’s best if you avoid them. Start your day with water-based cleanser since it removes all the dirt and excess oil that builds up on your face, but make sure you get one that doesn’t dry out your face or leaves it feeling tight.

Toner

We tend to skip toners from our skincare routine thinking moisturizers and masks are enough, but little do we know that’s a major mistake. Toners, not only restore our skin’s natural pH balance, but they also remove any excess shine or dirt left from the cleansers. Some of them even contain anti-aging ingredients. Make sure you choose a toner that minimizes the appearance of your pores.

Moisturizers

Don’t neglect moisturizers thinking ‘I already have oily skin’ – there’s a difference between oily and hydrated. Picking the best moisturizer is tricky because it can either under-moisturize the skin or over-moisturize it. They can also clog your pores, so, be careful what you buy. Click here to head over to our article for the best moisturizers for combo skin. You can even use two moisturizers if necessary. A heavier one for the cheeks, and a lighter one for the T-zone.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating removes all the dead cells, whiteheads and blackheads on your skin and it’s recommended to do it twice a week. For combination skin, the best exfoliants are gell, water-like-liquid or weightless fluid BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliants. Remember to be gentle on the cheeks and scrub more on the T-zone. By exfoliating, you’ll be giving your face a healthy glow by removing the dead cells.

Multi-masking

Everyone can benefit from face masks, especially when they are multiple. By this, we mean putting two different masks in two areas of the face. In this case, you may use a mattifying clay mask for the oily parts of your face, whereas for the dry parts, a hydrating clay mask, according to L’oreal.

Sunscreen

No matter the skin type, sun protection should be number one priority. It’s recommended to use sunscreen an SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply every two hours. For combination skin look for oil-free sunscreen, and non-comedogenic.

Balancing your combination skin through food

What you eat is essential. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals because according to Annmarie, everything is about bloodstream and how you feed your skin. If your diet does not contain enough vitamins and minerals, by the time blood reaches the skin, it will be drained. And of course, your performance won’t be the best if you haven’t had enough to eat.

Vegetables, especially those green and orange, are very high in minerals, fiber, and beta-carotene. So don’t forget to eat your veggies! Eliminate sugars and processed food since they don’t really add anything to your bloodstreams that can feed your skin. And always remember to drink water! Water is essential for your skin to function properly.

When it comes to foundation, keep the coverage light and minimal. Try to find one that controls the oil and hydrates the skin. Thankfully, the world of beauty is constantly evolving and today you can find makeup and foundation formulas that focus on more than one specific skin concern. Makeup artist, Mary Irwin, says she prefers her foundation to contain silicone because it acts as a pore filler. Irwin also suggests you avoid powder formulations because they make the dry spots on the face appear even drier. Remember to apply primer on your oily areas – mattifying primer, preferably.

If you are struggling to find the perfect foundation that suits your skin type, head over to our article 10 Best Foundations For Combination Skin

Note that when searching for a foundation, people with combination skin should avoid foundations that deliver an illuminizing finish, considering that combo skin glows on its own when wearing foundation. Instead, look for a formula that leaves the skin with a matte finish. Overall, try to stick to natural ingredients and avoid products with fragrance.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.

You might also want to read about: The Best Homemade Face Masks For Any Skin Type