Combination Skin

Combination skin tends to present as oily in the middle parts of the face (the T-zone area) whilst the peripheries of the face (cheeks outwards) are usually normal or dry. This can be mild in which case the T-zone is modestly oily whilst the edges of the face are normal or a bit dry or they can be extremely diametrically opposed. The latter situation in which you have a very oily T-zone and very dry rest of the face does exist but is thankfully much less common. Eitherway, these mean more thought needs to be put into creating a good combination skincare routine.

Typically, the signs of having combination skin are that the central or T-zone area of your face presents like oily skin with enlarged pores, excess sebum production as well as break outs and clogged pores whilst the edges of the face have small or invisible pores but are dry or flakey. Another characteristic of combination skin is that there is an association between this skin type and dandruff.

Whilst you keep the same skin type that you’re born with throughout your whole life, like other skin types combination skin can be affected by internal and external factors. As with oily skin, oil production in combination skin can be affected by hormonal changes, diet or external factors. As with dry skin and normal skin, combination skin can be irritated and lose its hydration by harsh treatment. Big culprits include overzealous skincare or extreme weather.

“Combination skin can sometimes feel like having two completely skin types on your face. The central portion of the face usually behaves like oily skin whilst the edges may be more like normal or dry skin. The best combination skincare routine should respect this fact and ensure that the entire face is well-balanced, soft and blemish free.”

Best Skincare Ingredients For Combination Skincare

• Exfoliating acids: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) help with regulating oil. They also smooth rough texture and clearing pores.  
•  Retinoids: these are probably the most important skincare ingredient for all skin types. They help treat sun damage, fine lines & wrinkles. They also help control oil production and acne breakouts, smooth rough texture and fade hyperpigmentation. However, you must use them regularly for at least 6-8 weeks to start seeing results.
• Vitamin C: this powerful anti-oxidant when used over time can help achieve firmer and brighter skin.
• Enzyme exfoliants: these are a gentler alternative to exfoliating acids and include papain (from Papayas) and Bromelain (from apples). 
• Hyaluronic acid & Polyglutamic acid: these are humectant that attract water to the skin. They can help to hydrate combination skin and prevent it from becoming too dry or too oily.
• Niacinamide: this ingredient brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of pores. It can also help to regulate oil production.
• Ceramides: these are lipids that are naturally found in the skin. They help to keep the skin hydrated and protect it from damage. Ceramides are a good choice for combination skin. This is because they can help to balance oil production. Thus they prevent the skin from becoming too dry or too oily.

The Best Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

The main aim of your skincare routine should be to restore balance to both the oily and dry portions of your face. This will hydrate and protect your skin. It will also allow you to regulate oil production without stripping the face of its natural oils yet prevents excess sebum from clogging up pores and causing outbreaks.  As for any skin type, your skincare routine should always pivot around cleansing, hydrating and protecting combination skin. Additionally, actives should focus on addressing skin concerns or goals like pores, wrinkles, uneven tone or dullness.

Daily Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Mornings

• Cleanser: use a gentle hydrating cleanser.
• Toner: apply an exfoliating product that contains alpha and/or beta hydroxy acids. This will regulate oil production, clean pores and also address wrinkles or dull skin.
• Actives: Vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production and brighten skin. As such it is great if you have a dull complexion or skin that needs firming or has signs of sun damage. Niacinamide can also help reduce the appearance of pores and brighten the skin.
• Moisturiser: use a light hydrating moisturiser. Use an oil-free product that contains hydrators like ceramides, polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid. If you are not using a separate active product, look for a moisturiser that contains Vitamin C and niacinamide.
• Sunscreen: protect your skin from UV damage with an oil-free sunblock. Do so using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Evenings

1. Double Cleanse: start with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to remove makeup and any pollutants. It will also keep your pores clean. Then finish by using your morning cleanser.
2. Actives: use a Retinol serum or if appropriate prescription retinoids like Adapalene or Tretinoin.
3. Moisturise with a more emolliating moisturiser than what you used in the morning. This will lock-in moisture and protect your skin barrier. If you don’t want to use separate retinoid, try a hydrating night cream containing Retinol. Finally, finish your routine by applying a hydrating under eye cream that contains Retinol. Finish your skincare routine by using a hydrating undereye cream containing retinol. Alternatively, you can use your own retinoid product sandwiched between a hydrating eye cream or your night moisturiser. This will help reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles or smile line wrinkles.

Weekly Skincare Routine

Once a week set aside a little time to more throughly address skin concerns and repair your skin barrier. Try the following two-step combination skin facial as part of your weekly combination skincare routine:

• Active Mask: start with a resurfacing exfoliating acid or enzyme face mask.
• Reparative Mask: follow up with a nourishing hydrating mask. This should contain skin brightening and restorative ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and niacinamide.

Professional Treatments for Combination Skin

With time and effort, a regular combination skincare routine will radically improve the look and feel of your skin. In order to boost these results or speed up the time-frame, you can incorporate prescription skincare treatments. Accordingly, this will help you address specific concerns like skin ageing and hyperpigmentation.

When it comes to professional skin treatments, remember that you will need a regular course of treatments. This will help you get optimal effects and maintain your results. Great skincare treatments for combination skin include chemical peels, advanced clinical facial and collagen induction therapy.