The combination skin type is a tricky one: in some areas, it’s dry and needs to be moisturized, while in other areas, it’s oily and needs lighter products. This can be challenging to manage, particularly during summer and winter, especially as many products are formulated only for oily or dry skin.
There are a few indicators that can tell you what skin type you have. For oily and dry skin, this is pretty simple: is your skin usually oily, or is it usually dry? However, it gets a bit more complicated for combination-type skin.
The first sign is that your T zone is oily while your cheeks are dry; this will be most obvious during spring and fall, when the temperature and humidity is more stable. If you find that your skin is incredibly dry during the winter but very oily during summer, this also indicates combination skin.
Fortunately, there are a number of products out there which can help whisk away oil while maintaining proper moisture. Here are some of the most essential tools in your arsenal to get your skin back to a comfortable balance without sacrificing beauty.
Use Combination-Type Facial Cleansers
All skin types share one thing in common: clean skin is beautiful skin. Using a facial cleanser lifts dirt and oils from the skin, leaving it clean and ready for other products; it can also help to exfoliate dead skin to reduce dullness.
However, different products work differently depending on the natural oiliness of your skin, which is why it’s important that those with combination skin types stick to a face cleanser that explicitly states it is for combination skin. Make sure to pick one that is dermatologically tested so you can be sure it’s made with skin-safe ingredients. You should use a cleanser at least twice a day, both in the morning and evening.
Use Different Moisturizers on Different Areas of the Face
The dry and oily zones of your face have particular needs which may not be addressed by the same moisturizer, which is why it can be very helpful to use a small amount of separate moisturizers on your cheeks versus your T zone. Even different moisturizers made for combination skin may have varying levels of hydrating oils or emollients that might cause breakouts or other issues if applied to the wrong area.
Select one or two different moisturizers made for combination skin types and experiment with them. Does one make your T zone oilier while the other doesn’t, but it reduces flaking on your dry areas? This one may be best for your cheeks, while another is a good option for your T zone.
Try Multi-Masking
While those with oily or dry skin can typically use the same face mask on every area of the face, combination skin needs different care in particular zones. This is why multi-masking is so helpful: you can choose products that target unique problems in each zone of the face.
Once a week, apply mask products formulated for oily or dry skin on the correct parts of your face and allow them to do their work before rinsing off. Don’t use masks more than once a week, as this can lead to breakouts.
Rely on Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in skin cells, as it provides structure and elasticity, which is why it’s found in so many facial serums and other beauty treatments. The best thing about it for combination skin is that it’s not excessively greasy, which can exacerbate oiliness in the T zone. However, as it’s not particularly hydrating, you should still use a moisturizer that’s formulated for combination skin after using it.
Consider Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is found in many skincare products because it helps to visibly reduce the appearance of redness, which supports skin clarity and evenness. For combination-type skin, it may help to regulate oil production, preventing excessive oiliness in those areas that tend to get particularly shiny.
Like hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid can dry out the skin, so you should also follow these beauty treatments up with good moisturizers made for combination-type skin.
Final Thoughts
Combination skin needs special care to shine, which is why you must be careful regarding the products you use so as to avoid excessive oiliness or dryness in the unique zones of your face. Thankfully, there are a ton of products on the market which are formulated to cater to your skin type. You may also find it helpful to have a consultation with a dermatologist who can recommend a personalized skincare routine that keeps you looking beautiful and elegant no matter the time of year.
Read More:
How to choose the right skincare products for your skin concerns
