Combination Skin Care Tips

Combination skin can be tricky to manage. It’s characterised by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry or normal skin on the cheeks. This means your skin has different needs in different areas.

What Causes Combination Skin?

Several factors contribute to this common skin type:

• Genetics: Your genes play a role in your skin’s oil production and distribution.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can affect sebum production, leading to an oily T-zone.

• Skincare Products: Harsh products can strip the skin’s natural oils, causing overproduction of oil in some areas and dryness in others.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to sun, pollution, and harsh weather can disrupt the skin’s balance.

• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can also contribute to combination skin.

Characteristics of Combination Skin:

• Oily T-zone: Shine, enlarged pores, and occasional breakouts are common in the forehead, nose, and chin area.

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

• Varying Needs: Different areas of your face require different types of care.

How to Care for Combination Skin

The key to managing combination skin is finding balance:

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser twice daily to remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying.

• Targeted Toning: Apply a mattifying toner to the T-zone to control oil and a hydrating toner to the cheeks for balance.

• Balanced Moisturising: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser on the T-zone and a richer cream on dry areas.

• Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate 1-2 times a week to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.

• Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Choose an oil-free formula for the T-zone.

• Masks and Treatments: Use clay masks or oil-absorbing sheets on the T-zone to control oil and hydrating masks on dry areas to replenish moisture.