The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Combination Skin in NZ
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR COMBINATION SKIN
- The Core Issue: Combination skin features both oily areas (usually the T-zone) and dry areas (usually the cheeks), requiring a routine that can hydrate and control oil simultaneously.
- The Goal is Balance: The key is not to treat the two zones with completely different products, but to use well-formulated, balancing products and adjust the amount you apply.
- Lightweight Layers are Key: Avoid harsh, stripping products on oily zones and heavy, occlusive creams on dry zones. Lightweight, hydrating layers are the secret to harmonising the entire face.
Caring for combination skin can feel like a frustrating puzzle. Your forehead and nose are oily and prone to breakouts, while your cheeks feel tight and dry. How do you find a single routine that works for two different skin types on one face?
Especially in New Zealand, where our changeable climate can amplify these differences, finding that perfect balance is key. At Scenturie, we believe the secret isn’t a complicated, multi-product routine, but a simple, intelligent one that uses natural ingredients to harmonise your skin. This definitive guide provides a proven, step-by-step routine to bring balance and radiance to your combination skin in Aotearoa.
Understanding the Signs of Combination Skin
The primary sign of combination skin is having a distinctly oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal to dry cheeks. Recognising these characteristics is the first step toward building an effective routine. You may experience:
An Oily, Shiny T-Zone: Often with visibly enlarged pores.
Breakouts Concentrated on the T-Zone: Pimples, blackheads, and congestion are more common in the oily areas.
Dry or Tight Cheeks: The skin outside the T-zone can feel tight, rough, or even flaky, especially after cleansing.
Makeup Challenges: Foundation may slide off your T-zone during the day but cling to dry patches on your cheeks.
What Causes Combination Skin in New Zealand?
Your skin type is often determined by genetics, but it can be influenced by hormones and environmental factors.
Genetics: You can inherit a predisposition for having more active oil glands in the centre of your face than on the perimeter.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones can trigger increased sebum production, which is often most noticeable in the T-zone, where oil glands are more concentrated.
The Wrong Products: Using harsh, alcohol-based products on your T-zone can strip the skin, causing it to produce even more oil in defence. Conversely, using a moisturiser that is too heavy can clog pores in the T-zone while feeling fine on the cheeks.
NZ’s Environment: The New Zealand climate plays a significant role. Sun exposure can dehydrate the cheeks while increasing oil production in the T-zone. In winter, central heating can dry out the cheeks, making the contrast even more noticeable.
The Proven 4-Step Routine for Balanced Skin
The key to this routine is using balancing products all over, and simply adjusting the amount you use on different areas.
Step 1: Cleanse with a Balancing Formula
Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that can remove excess oil from the T-zone without stripping the drier areas.
A plant-based facial cleansing oil or a gentle non-foaming cream cleanser are good options. They effectively cleanse the skin without disrupting the skin’s delicate moisture balance.
Our Facial Cleansing Oil is perfect for this, leaving the entire face feeling refreshed and comfortable.
Step 2: Tone to Hydrate Everywhere
After cleansing, apply a hydrating, alcohol-free toner across the entire face.
This step provides a weightless layer of hydration for both the dry and oily zones, helping to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps.
Our Replenishing Natural Toner with plant-based Hyaluronic Acid is excellent for providing this universal hydration.
Step 3: Treat with a Lightweight Serum
A lightweight, non-comedogenic serum is perfect for combination skin.
It can deliver active ingredients and light hydration without adding heavy oils to the T-zone. A serum containing Bakuchiol is ideal, as it helps regulate oil production and keep pores clear while also offering anti-ageing benefits.
Apply one pump of our award-winning Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum over the entire face.
Step 4 (Morning Only): Moisturise & Protect
Use a well-formulated, non-comedogenic moisturiser, but adjust the amount you apply.
Use a normal amount on your dry cheeks, and then use only a very small, sheer layer on your T-zone. This technique allows you to use one great product for your whole face.
Our Nourishing Natural Day Cream is a great choice as it hydrates effectively without being greasy. Follow this with a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.
Extra Care: Weekly Balancing Rituals
Exfoliate Strategically: Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliant like our Espresso Facial Scrub, focusing primarily on the T-zone to help clear clogged pores, and using a lighter touch on the drier cheek areas.
Multi-Masking: Use our Clay Face Mask on your T-zone to draw out impurities, and a hydrating cream mask on your cheeks at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use the same moisturiser on my entire face? A: Yes, and it’s the simplest approach! Choose a high-quality, non-comedogenic natural moisturiser. The trick is in the application: use a normal amount on your dry cheeks and a smaller, sheerer layer on your oily T-zone.
Q: How do I prevent breakouts in my T-zone without drying out my cheeks? A: Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser all over. Focus your weekly exfoliation on the T-zone, and ensure your serum and moisturiser are lightweight and non-comedogenic.
Q: What are the best ingredients for combination skin? A: Look for balancing and hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid (hydration for all zones), Jojoba Oil (mimics natural sebum to balance oil), Squalane (lightweight moisture), and Green Tea Extract (soothing and antioxidant).
Shop the Recommended Routine
Ready to bring balance back to your skin? These are the core products recommended in this guide, specifically chosen for their ability to harmonise combination skin.
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Facial Cleansing Oil
$52.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Replenishing Natural Toner
$44.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum
$64.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
