Combination skin is regarded as a mix of dry and oily facial areas. Due to the oil glands being more active in the T-zone, your forehead, nose and chin get oily rather quickly, while other parts of your face appear dry and flaky. The oily regions are also more prone to developing clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts.
Environmental factors such as the weather, pollution and UV rays can influence the condition of your skin. However, most people don’t realise that skincare products also play a role in your complexion’s condition. Using the wrong products may worsen your skin, causing certain parts to be drier or oilier than they already are.
Before diving into the best products and skincare routine to treat your concerns, it’s essential to understand the basic skincare guidelines for combination skin.
Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead of generic cleansers, get plant-based cleansers that are formulated for combination skin. Moisturising is important, so do moisturise with a lightweight moisturiser that hydrates the dry areas without causing breakouts on the oily parts. Alternatively, you can also use a fluid-based moisturiser for the oily areas and a lightweight cream for the drier parts of your face.
Avoid cleansing more than twice a day, as this will dry your skin and cause your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. You should also stay away from products containing alcohol or harsh chemicals that can potentially irritate your skin.
Caring for combination skin involves a healthy skincare routine.
Start your skincare routine for combination skin with a hydrating cleanser like Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser or the My Clarins RE-MOVE Purifying Cleansing Gel. Cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt and sebum, and use a gentle exfoliator once a week. The One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser helps to prevent dead skin cells and impurities from accumulating on the surface of your skin.
The next step after cleansing and exfoliating is to use an alcohol-free toner that won’t dehydrate your skin. The Purifying Toning Lotion and My Clarins Purifying Mattifying Lotion help to balance your skin’s pH levels, while the Precious La Lotion Anti-Ageing Treatment Essence plumps and softens the skin.
Treatment essences are enriched with ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin. The Extra-Firming Treatment Essence, Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence, Multi-Active Treatment Essence and Super Restorative Treatment Essence are packed with anti-ageing benefits to suit your skincare needs.
The Double Serum Light Texture is ideal for combination skin. Its non-greasy, weightless formula stimulates the 5 vital functions of the skin – regeneration, nutrition, oxygenation, hydration and protection.
Keep your skin soft and supple during the day with lightweight moisturisers like the Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Light Cream, Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Moisturizing Emulsion or the Calm-Essentiel Soothing Emulsion. Night moisturisers such as the Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Night Cream and the anti-wrinkle Super Restorative Night Cream are non-comedogenic creams that replenish moisture while you rest.
Your eye area is delicate, so banish fine lines and puffiness with the V Shaping Facial Lift Eye Concentrate, Total Eye Smooth, Double Serum Eye and Total Eye Revive. The Precious La Crème Yeux Anti-ageing Eye Cream effectively lifts the eye contour and plumps the skin around the eyes.
Face masks are effective moisturising products for combination skin. Clay masks like the SOS Pure Face Mask help to absorb excess sebum and minimise shine.
Hyaluronic Acid is a great ingredient that replenishes moisture without clogging the pores or making your skin oily. You should also look for skincare products containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, as they protect your skin and prevent breakouts.
Shop the best skincare products for combination skin here.
