Updated Feb 25, 2021 - Originally Posted: Nov 29, 2019
Combination skin is a real thing. Not quite dry, not quite oily; knowing how to care for it isn’t always easy. This common but sometimes confusing skin type marries areas of the face that are in oil production overdrive with areas that are dry, forming a patchwork-like texture on the skin’s surface. Simply, combination skin is out of balance, so sourcing beauty products to cater to it requires a little vigilance.
Alina Roytberg - co-founder of skincare company, Fresh - laid down the facts on this very skin type. She described the main indicators to include: “an oily T-zone (forehead, down the nose to the chin) with dry cheeks, or skin that’s [generally] oilier in summer and drier in winter.” If you ever wondered how your skin came to be this way, Roytberg will tell you that genetics plays a leading role, above environmental factors and personal lifestyle. Each step of your skincare regime can be curated to work in favour of both surfaces at play, where harmonising your skin’s hydration levels is key.
FACT: According to Roytberg, normal and dry skin types tend to lean more toward a combination skin type when you’re on your period.``
Your cleanser should serve as the backbone of your regime by manipulating the condition of your skin regardless of what products are placed on top. Choose cleansing products that work with, not against, your multi-faceted skin type; products that replenish and balance your skin’s natural oils. “Using a good, gentle cleanser twice a day,” Roytberg suggests, “will help cleanse the skin without over-drying or leaving any residue behind.”
Replacing oil with oil is also an effective way to rebalance moisture levels across the board – I love Frank Body’s Anti-Makeup Cleansing Oil. Alternately, opt for a gentle cream solution like Clarins’ Cleansing Milk containing extracts of soothing yellow gentian. Avoid cleansers that contain high levels of salicylic acid because this additive can further dry out the skin. On the contrary, cleansing balms that boast a thick, buttery consistency may feel a little over the top against areas that are producing generous amounts of sebum as it is.
TIP: “I recommend using a cream cleanser like Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser after an oil-based [one] as a double cleansing ritual… to ensure skin is fully cleansed,” Roytberg says.
To provide an even deeper clean to the skin, throw in an exfoliating product once or twice a week. By doing so, you’ll relieve the build-up of oil and bacteria, reducing the likelihood of developing acne. It’s a common misconception that the larger the pores, the more sebum secreted. Roytberg instead says this theory probably works in reverse, in that the secretion of sebum itself can enlarge pores. “If sebum can’t discharge freely, pores can become wider and more clearly visible, and pimples may form.” Regardless of whether you opt for an acidic exfoliant or granular liquid, skin will look and feel more even with the removal of surface-level grime and dead skin cells. LUMA’s Crushed Pearl Facial Polish boasts botanical grape seed oil – an ingredient praised for its nourishing and protective abilities when used on the skin. A toner can also be a great addition to your cleanser routine when the correct product is used. Moisten a cotton pad in your toner of choice and mark out the most oil-prone areas of your face only. Naturally hydrating ingredients, like cucumber in Mario Badescu’s Special Cucumber Lotion, will act as a suitable replacement. Even the oiliest of T-zones can still hide underlying dryness.
Tip: The further up an ingredient is listed on a product, the higher the content level of that ingredient will be. You can ensure you’re getting the most out of key ingredients before buying.
You’ll be misguided in believing a rich cream will act as a cure-all, since your oiliest areas need no such thing. When it comes to moisturiser, a lightweight formula containing hydrating hyaluronic acid should cover all bases (oily or otherwise). Prior to sleep, apply a refreshing gel cream that will sooth the skin and absorb in a flash, like Tarte Cosmetics Rainforest of The Sea Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturizer or Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer. Come morning, opt for a shine controlling moisturiser like Bioderma’s new Sébium Shine-Control Moisturiser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat.
TIP: Combination Skin or not, it’s important to always apply sun protection. Prior to makeup application, apply an SPF. Invisible Zinc’s Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF50 is great for combination skin as it sits incognito under foundation without the greasiness or scent of a traditional sunscreen.
As with moisturiser application, multi-masking is the way to go. Apply residue-removing charcoal, like that in FORMULA 10.0.6’s Take Back Control Oil-Controlling Mud Mask, to oily areas. This charcoal and cacao hybrid is designed to decongest pores and hydrate the skin respectively. Likewise, Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask can be applied to the T-Zone, while the brand’s hydrating Rose Face Mask be applied along the cheeks. If you’d prefer a sheet mask, The Body Shop’s Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask is an easy one-size-fits-all option that contains refreshing aloe vera your whole face will benefit from.
TIP: If acne is a concern, manage your combination skin first before reaching for acne-targeted solutions. Until then, minimise your use of silicones to allow pores to breathe easily.
Originally posted Nov 29th, 2019. Updated Feb 25, 2021
Story by: Hannah Gay
Rough, bumpy skin is a pesky and irritating thing to deal with. Not only does it look and feel bad, but getting rid of it is an ongoing challenge. Here’s 4 tips for tackling bumpy, congested skin once and for all 👊
1. Use the right cleanser for you
As cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, it’s important that you’re using the right one for your skin type. If you suffer from congestion then make sure to use a cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to purge your pores of any buildup. This way, any products you use afterwards have a better chance of helping you achieve smoother skin.
2. Exfoliate!
After cleansing, it’s crucial to exfoliate your skin in order to eliminate the dead skin cells that contribute to bumpiness. Use either a physical scrub that’s gentle on the skin (look for jojoba beads for example) or a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. Personally, lactic acid has done great things with regards to my skin’s texture, so I’d recommend trying that. Try using it a couple of times a week at nighttime.
3. Try a face mask
There are many different types of face masks out there (check out my post here) so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research on which one is suitable for you. Clay masks are usually ideal for treating congestion as the clay works to draw out impurities, therefore keeping your pores squeaky clean. Look out for face masks that include charcoal too, to truly banish any hidden grime for good.
4. Remember to moisturise
It seems a little ironic to moisturise if you’re worried about clogging your pores further, but actually all skin types need to seal in hydration. This is particularly true if you do decide to use chemical exfoliants and clay masks, as these can be quite drying. So look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that’s non-comedogenic for soft, supple skin around the clock.
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