An Overview of Combination Skin

What is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is characterised by having both oily and dry areas on the face. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, while the cheeks and other areas can be normal to dry. This skin type requires a unique approach to balance the different needs of each area.

What Causes Combination Skin?

Several factors can contribute to combination skin, including:

• Genetics: If your parents have combination skin, the chances are, you might too.

• Hormones: Hormonal changes can affect oil production, leading to a combination of dry and oily areas.

• Climate: Seasonal changes and environmental factors can impact skin balance, making some areas drier or oilier.

• Skincare Products: Using products not suited for your skin type can exacerbate both dryness and oiliness, making combination skin more noticeable.

How Do I Know If I Have Combination Skin?

Identifying combination skin can be straightforward if you know what to look for:

• Shiny T-zone: The forehead, nose and chin are often oilier than other parts of the face.

• Dry Cheeks: The cheeks may feel tight, dry or even flaky.

• Visible Pores: Enlarged pores in the T-zone are common, while pores on the cheeks remain less noticeable.

• Breakouts and Dry Patches: You might experience occasional breakouts in the oily areas while having dry patches elsewhere.

What Are the Best Products for Combination Skin?

Finding the right products for combination skin can be challenging, but the goal is to balance the skin without over-drying or over-moisturising any area. Here are some top recommendations from Skinstation:

1. Cleanser:

   Obagi CLENZIderm Foaming Cleanser: This cleanser contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and cleanse without stripping the skin.

2. Toner:

   SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age Toner: A pH-balanced toner that helps remove excess oil and impurities while calming the skin.

3. Moisturiser:

   Jan Marini Bioclear Face Cream: This multi-functional moisturiser helps address the needs of combination skin by hydrating dry areas and controlling oil in the T-zone.

4. Serum:

   Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%: A potent antioxidant serum that brightens and balances the skin, suitable for both oily and dry areas.

5. Exfoliator:

   Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel: This two-step peel is gentle yet effective, promoting cell turnover and smoothing the skin without irritation.

6. Sunscreen:

   SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50: This broad-spectrum sunscreen provides high-level protection against UV rays while maintaining a lightweight, non-greasy feel, perfect for combination skin.

How to Build a Skin Regime for Combination Skin

Creating a skincare routine that addresses the unique needs of combination skin involves using products that target both oily and dry areas effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cleanse:

   Use the Obagi CLENZIderm Foaming Cleanser in the morning and evening to remove impurities and excess oil without over-drying the skin.

2. Tone:

   Apply the SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age Toner after cleansing to balance the skin’s pH and control oil production.

3. Serum:

   Use the Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% to provide antioxidant protection and enhance skin radiance. This serum is lightweight and won’t clog pores in oily areas.

4. Moisturise:

   Apply the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Cream to hydrate and balance the skin, addressing both dry and oily areas.

5. Exfoliate:

   Use the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel once or twice a week to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother complexion.

6. Night Care:

   In the evening, use a richer moisturiser like the Obagi Hydrate Luxe for drier areas.

7. Protect:

   Apply SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50 every morning to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sun damage.

How to Take Care of Combination Skin

Taking care of combination skin involves more than just using the right products. Here are some additional tips to maintain a healthy, balanced complexion:

• Avoid Over-Washing: Over-cleansing can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to increased oil production in the T-zone and more dryness in other areas.

• Use Sunscreen Daily: Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen like SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.

• Diet and Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids can help improve your skin’s health. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can trigger breakouts.

• Consistent Routine: Stick to your skincare routine and give products time to work. Changes won’t happen overnight, but consistency will yield the best results.

Conclusion

Combination skin can be tricky to manage, but with the right knowledge and products, you can achieve a balanced, healthy complexion. By understanding your skin type and following a tailored skincare routine, you can address the unique needs of both oily and dry areas. If you’d like to get bespoke skincare advice from our team of Skinstation Experts, you can book a virtual consultation here. With these tips and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to radiant, clear skin all year round.