How to Care for Combination Skin

Skincare should not be complicated. 10-step routine is lovely and indulgent. Is it necessary? No. Most of the time if you cleanse, treat and moisturise, that should be enough. However, for a majority of us, things tend to get complicated. Dry skin and hyperpigmentation, acne and fine lines, our skin is rarely just one thing. And what about combination skin? How do you treat oily and dry skin at the same time?

How to know if you have combination skin?

Cleanse your face as you would normally, but don't apply any moisturiser or serum. Wait about 15 minutes. If your skin is oily in some areas of your face, while others are uncomfortably tight and dry, you have combination skin. Other signs to look out for include having breakouts and dry patches at the same time, and enlarged pores in your T-zone. Your T-zone might be oily, while your cheeks are dry (or the other way around).

Why does combination skin happen?

You have your parents to thank because combination skin is usually determined by genetics. If it is any consolation, it is one of the most common skin types, so you are not alone. While you can't do a great deal about your genetics, the products you use are crucial in keeping combination skin under control. A rich moisturiser is great for your dry bits, but it might make the rest of your face even oilier.

How to treat combination skin?

Arm yourself with patience, it will take some trial and error to find the products that work. Unfortunately, applying just one serum or moisturiser all over your face might not do the trick. You need a targeted approach to treat separate areas of your face.

Cleansers - regardless of your skin type, you should use a gentle cleanser as a part of your morning and evening skincare routine. If you are a regular reader of our blog (thank you!), by now you know we a) love our cleansers and b) will harp on to anyone who will listen how important it is to use a pH friendly cleanser. It will keep your skin comfortable and balanced.

Exfoliants - a well-formulated gentle chemical exfoliant is a key addition to any skincare routine and combination skin needs it too. It clears out the pores and keeps oil production under control in your oily areas. It helps remove dead skin cells, allows for a better penetration of products and leaves the skin soft and glowing in the dry areas. Do be mindful not to overdo it and remember to apply sunscreen every day.

Moisturisers - it gets tricky with moisturisers (you might need two separate ones). Your oily areas need a light mattifying moisturiser that will keep your skin hydrated and the oil-production under control. Your dry areas need an emollient moisturiser to keep the skin comfortable and prevent any potential flaking.

Do you have combination skin? How do you deal with it? Have you found the ideal combination of products to keep it happy?