SKINCARE FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin is a common skin type characterised by a mix of oily areas and dry areas. It often presents with oiliness around the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) and cheeks prone to dehydration. Signs of combination skin may include an oily sheen, dry patches, blemishes on the nose, forehead and cheeks, and visible flakes and tightness around the cheeks. Combination skin can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, or environmental factors.

Combination skin types need to focus on balance to manage both oily parts of the skin and dry spots. Like oily skin, combination skin types are also more prone to enlarged pores and breakouts around the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin). To address these skin concerns, you can incorporate serums and moisturisers formulated with gentle chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid and LHA to manage excess oil production. To avoid exacerbating dry parts of the skin, include non-comedogenic hydrating products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides and squalane. Combination skin types can also benefit from adding a clay-based facial mask to their skincare routine, to gently purify the skin, and a toner to balance the skin’s pH.

Due to combination skin types having areas of both dry skin and oily skin on the face, it’s not always easy to narrow down on the ideal moisturiser. Some moisturisers for oily skin are too harsh for dry areas on combination skin, but richer moisturising creams could worsen an oily T-zone. For lightweight hydration, the Toleriane Dermallergo Fluid Lightweight Moisturiser is a non-greasy formula that hydrates the skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for combination skin.

Combination skin types tend to have areas that are both oily and dry. In such cases, it's recommended to wash your face with a cleanser that is not only gentle and hydrating, but also exfoliates and helps regulate oil and sebum production. La Roche-Posay’s range of cleansers are developed to do just that. We recommend using the Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser, a gentle cleanser that removes dead skin cells, impurities and excess sebum.

The right serum for combination skin will depend on what skin concern you want to focus on. To avoid layering too many products onto the skin, prioritise using only 1-2 serums at a time. Combination skin can benefit from adding the below serums to their skincare routine:

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid serums help attract and retain water to keep the skin hydrated and supple, without being heavy on the skin. Combination skin types can add the Hyalu B5 Suractivated Hyaluronic Acid Serum to their morning and evening skincare routines.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C serums have antioxidant properties that protect against harmful free radicals that can compromise the protective moisture barrier, which can worsen dry patches of the skin. The sebaceous glands can also produce excess sebum (oil) to restore the moisture barrier, which in the case of an already oily T-zone may exacerbate combination skin concerns. A vitamin C serum, like the Vitamin C12 Brightening Serum neutralises free radicals in the environment that trigger these reactions.
• Retinol: Retinol serums help speed up skin cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin. Retinol is also used to address excess oil production and breakouts which is common in combination skin. If using a retinol serum, like the Retinol B3 Serum, it’s important to gradually introduce the product and follow with a hydrating serum to prevent irritation.

Combination skin types can use a number of skincare products. The main focus should always be on maintaining balance. Key ingredients for combination skin include:

• Hyaluronic acid: While known for its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid benefits skin by regulating sebum production. It attracts moisture without clogging pores, keeping the skin balanced.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This multi-tasker helps manage excess oil and visibly reduce the appearance of enlarge pores, niacinamide also visibly reduces redness and dark spots, and comfort sensitive or dry skin.
• Salicylic acid (BHA): This chemical exfoliant can penetrate the pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells that can cause breakouts and a shiny T-zone. Combination skin should choose lower concentrations of salicylic acid for daily use, or use every other day, to avoid irritation.
• Zinc PCA: Zinc is used in facial cleansers, masks and moisturisers to manage excess sebum production, helping to mattify oily areas of skin.
• Clay: Certain clays, like kaolin and bentonite, can absorb excess oil on the skin’s surface without drying out the skin. Best used in masks or cleansers, using clay formulas gently purifies the skin for a smoother complexion.
• Ceramides: These lipids help strengthen the skin moisture barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental aggressors.
• Squalane: Squalane is a natural emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, moisturising the skin and improving its elasticity. Emollients, like shea butter and coconut oil, are great for sealing in moisture, but can often be too heavy on oily and combination skin. Squalane is a non-comedogenic emollient, so it won’t exacerbate oily skin concerns.

Salicylic acid is suitable for using on combination skin types as it helps remove dead skin cells and manage excess sebum production. However, higher concentrations can be too harsh on dry areas of the skin, which is why combination skin should use lower concentrations in their personalised skincare routine and decrease the frequency to 3-4 times a week, depending on the skin’s reaction to the product.

Common mistakes to avoid with combination skin include

• Using harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to redness and irritation. Always wash your face with gentle foaming cleanser that won’t compromise the moisture barrier.
• Using heavy, rich moisturisers that can clog pores and exacerbate oiliness. Lightweight moisturisers formulated with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are best for combination skin.
• Over-exfoliating, leading to irritation and dryness. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant like aha or bha, use only 3-4 times a week, follow with a hydrating serum and moisturiser, and monitor the skin for adverse reactions. This skin type might also want to opt for gentler exfoliants, like glycolic acid or lactic acid to purify the skin.
• Using comedogenic ingredients that clog pores and lead to blemishes. Instead, opt for non-comedogenic products that are labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic.

Combination skin types should look for balanced products that don’t overwhelm the skin or compromise the moisture barrier. Restoring hydration is important, but moisturisers and serums should always be non-comedogenic and lightweight to prevent pore-clogging around the T-zone. To address excess oil production, you can use exfoliating ingredients formulated for oily skin, but use in moderation, alternating days to avoid drying out the skin. Products formulated for sensitive skin can also be added to your skincare routine, as they won’t use harsh ingredients or will incorporate a lower concentration to prevent irritation.