If you find oily and dry patches on your skin, then you have combination skin. Balancing a skincare routine for combination skin may sound challenging but with the right ingredients and proper guidance it is possible. It doesn't matter how much of your skin is oily, dark or dry, the routine remains largely the same. Just be consistent and follow the routine right down to the last letter and you will realise the benefits to your combination skin.
What is a Combination Skin?
Combination skin is a skin type characterized by having multiple skin conditions across different areas of the face. Typically, combination skin features oily areas, often concentrated in the forehead, nose, and chin (known as the T-zone), along with drier or normal areas, such as the cheeks and jawline.
Common Characteristics of Combination Skin
1. Oily T zone
The forehead, nose, and chin tend to be oilier compared to the rest of the face. This is because these areas have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, the skin's natural oil.
2. Dry Cheeks
The cheeks and sometimes the outer edges of the face may have normal or dry skin. These areas may feel tight or flaky, especially after washing.
3. Large Pores
Oily areas, particularly the T-zone, often have larger pores due to increased sebum production, which can lead to blackheads and acne.
4. Occasional Breakouts
Combination skin may be prone to occasional breakouts, especially in the oily areas, due to excess oil production and pore congestion.
5. Sensitive Area
Some parts of combination skin may be more sensitive than others, reacting to certain skincare products or environmental factors.
Step by Step Routine for Combination Skin
1. Morning Skincare Routine
a. Cleanser
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Look for a product that effectively removes excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Slowly massage the cleanser onto damp skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water (1).
b. Tonner
Use a balancing toner to help regulate oil production and pH balance your skin. Look for toners that contain ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or salicylic acid to help control oiliness in the T-zone while soothing and hydrating drier areas. Apply the toner to a cotton and gently swipe it across your face, focusing on the T-zone.
c. Serum
Apply a lightweight serum that addresses specific concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or acne control. For combination skin, a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help replenish moisture in drier areas without feeling heavy or greasy. Apply a small amount of serum evenly onto your face and neck, focusing on any areas of dryness.
d. Moisturiser
Choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores in the oily areas of your face. Look for a lightweight, hydrating formula that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture without adding excess oil. Apply the moisturiser evenly to your face and neck, focusing on drier areas while avoiding over-application in the T-zone (2).
e. Sunscreen
Finish your morning skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won't exacerbate oiliness in the T-zone. Apply sunscreen generously to your face and any exposed areas of skin, and reapply throughout the day as needed, especially if you'll be spending time outdoors.
f. Optimal Primar
If you wear makeup, you may choose to apply a mattifying or pore-minimizing primer to your T-zone to help control oil and prolong the wear of your makeup. Look for a primer specifically formulated for combination or oily skin and apply it after your sunscreen has fully absorbed.
2. Evening Skincare Routine
a. Makeup Removal or Cleansing Oil
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start by using a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil to dissolve and remove any makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from your skin. Massage the remover or oil onto dry skin in gentle, circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
b. Cleanser
Follow up with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your skin and remove any remaining traces of makeup, dirt, and oil. Choose a cleanser that is suitable for combination skin and won't strip the skin of its natural moisture. Slowly massage the cleanser onto damp skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
c. Exfoliation
1-2 times a week, you may choose to incorporate a chemical exfoliant into your evening routine to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Look for a gentle exfoliant containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of blackheads and acne. Apply the exfoliant to clean, dry skin, following the instructions on the product label, and avoid using it on areas of active irritation or sensitivity.
d. Toner
After cleansing (and exfoliating, if applicable), use a balancing toner to help rebalance the skin's pH and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine. Choose a toner that contains ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and soothe the skin while regulating oil production. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
e. Serum
Apply a targeted serum to address specific concerns, such as hydration, anti-aging, or acne control. Choose a serum containing
ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or retinol to help replenish moisture, brighten the skin, or promote cell turnover. Apply a small amount of serum evenly onto your face and neck, gently patting it into the skin until fully absorbed.
f. Moisturiser
Follow up with a moisturiser to lock in moisture and provide hydration to your skin overnight. Choose a moisturizer that is lightweight and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores in oily areas, while still providing enough hydration for drier areas. Apply the moisturizer evenly to your face and neck, focusing on any areas of dryness (3).
Conclusion
Finding the perfect skincare routine for combination skin can be challenging, requiring some experimentation. However, with careful selection of products tailored to specific areas, you can achieve optimal results. If unsure, seeking advice from a dermatologist is always recommended for any queries or uncertainties.
FAQs
1. What is the best skin routine for combination skin?
The best skincare routine for combination skin includes using:
a. Cleanser
b. Toner
c. Serum
d. Moisturiser
e. Sunscreen
2. What is the best facial treatment for combination skin?
The best facial treatment for combination skin is to use the best serum for combination skin like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
3. Which ingredient is the best for combination skin?
Niacinamide is the best ingredient for combination skin.
4. What combination skin should avoid?
Avoid using harsh cleanser, products with fragrance, sleeping with makeup on and not applying sunscreen.