Everything you ever wanted to know about balancing combination skin

By Emily Algar

Combination skin can be tricky to manage. It features both oily and dry areas, often leading to confusion when choosing products or developing a routine. Simply knowing you have this skin type is half the battle.

If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. It’s actually very common and with the right products, your skin can be balanced and glowy. In this guide, we break down the causes of combination skin, how to identify it and ways to manage dryness and shine at the same time. Keep reading below.

What is combination skin?

Signs of combination skin include a T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) that is oily, while the cheeks and other areas are normal to dry.

It occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excess oil in some areas but less in others. Usually, the oily spots are where sebaceous glands are more concentrated. Underlying causes vary, but hormonal fluctuations, genetics, climate and skin care can all contribute.

How do I know if I have combination skin?

An easy way to zero in on your skin type is to cleanse and wait 30 minutes before applying any products. If your skin is tight and uncomfortable, it’s likely you’re dry. If you already have visible shine all over, chances are your skin type is oily.

If your T-zone is a little shiny and the surrounding areas are dry, you probably have combination skin. You might find that the differences in certain areas of your face fluctuate depending on the season or time of the month.

How to create a combination skin skincare routine

Developing a routine isn’t as hard as you might think. Focus on bringing things into balance: you want to be regulating oil production, while providing lightweight hydration. Below, we outline an ideal routine using combination skin care products.

  1. Double cleanse at night

Proper cleansing is an essential step for every skin type. For combo skin, focus on double cleansing at night to remove excess sebum. Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil will not make you more oily. In fact, it will break down dirt, sunscreen and makeup, purifying the skin while replenishing lipids. Follow up with Gentle Cleanser as your second step (bonus: it’s also the perfect morning cleanser).

  1. Don’t skip exfoliation

Mild exfoliation will ensure you’re getting rid of dull, expired cells on the skin’s surface. Not only does cell build-up increase the risk of congestion, it can also prevent the absorption of hydrating skincare products, exacerbating dryness.

Looking for the perfect combination skin exfoliator? For a deep clean, try our chemical-physical hybrid formula, Glycolic Scrub 14% (if you’re prone to breakouts, this is the one for you). And then there’s Expert Refine AHA Glycolic Toner, a liquid exfoliant that resurfaces for even, smooth skin. It’s a top combination skin toner for anyone experiencing dullness, fine lines or irregular texture. 

  1. Treat with Niacinamide

Niacinamide is an excellent ingredient for combination skin because it helps to balance oil production while simultaneously strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation and preventing moisture loss.  It also works to minimise pores, evens out skin tone and boosts overall glow. Try our 10% Niacinamide Power Serum as part of your morning or evening routine.

  1. Focus on light hydration

Water-based hydrators are ideal for combination skin because they provide lightweight moisture without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Aloe Vera and Pentavitin as they’ll increase water retention without overwhelming the skin. Moisture Defence Normal Skin is a great place to start. A bestseller, it's refreshing and hydrating yet super lightweight. If you prefer a dewier finish, try Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser.

  1. Opt for an oil-free sunscreen

SPF is a non-negotiable for every face, but we get that some sunscreens can be shiny and sticky (not ideal for combination skin). This is exactly why we made Face The Day SPF 50+. It’s oil-free so it won’t leave any residue, can be worn under makeup plus it has a slightly matte finish and will ensure your skin is soft, balanced and protected.

Want to do a deep dive on oily, breakout-prone skin? Check out our blog here.

 

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