What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin occurs when different areas of your face behave differently and require different care. Combination skin often includes an oilier T-zone coupled with drier, or duller patches around the face If you have combination skin, it can be difficult to find a skincare routine that suits the varying needs of your face. Fear not though, there are plenty of ways to look after your combination skin type which we will be sharing with you here.

Combination skin can mean you have:

Pores that are open making them appear visibly larger in size
More prominent blackheads
Shiny or greasy skin
Flaking skin in only certain areas of your face

How do I know if I have combination skin?

People with combination skin typically have larger pores around the nose and drier patches on the cheeks[1]. A simple way to discover whether or not you have combination skin is to wash your face, but do not apply any products to your face after you’ve washed it.

After an hour or so, examine how your skin looks and feels. Is your T-Zone looking oily? And are your cheeks feeling tight? If this is the case, you will typically have combination skin.

What causes combination skin?

Combination skin occurs when the sebaceous glands in your oilier T-zone are more active which causes your skin to breakout or look excessively shiny in this area. At the same time, the drier parts of your face have a lack of sebum. This sometimes causes uncomfortably tight skin in these specific areas. Your genetics also play a large factor in your natural skin type.

Other factors contributing to combination skin include:

Touching your face too often and transferring bacteria onto your skin which in turn builds up sebum that blocks your pores.
Using the wrong skincare products.

For example, if you use skincare products solely geared up for oily skin, it will overcompensate with extra sebum. Likewise, if you use skincare targeted for dry skin only, the oilier parts of your face may find this too rich leading to breakouts.

Environmental factors such as the weather can cause combination skin.
Lifestyle factors such as stress can also cause different areas of your face to behave differently.

How to take care of combination skin

Since your face has differing needs, it’s important to develop an effective skincare routine that serves each and every part of your face. There are many formulations on the market that are designed specifically for the polarising nature of combination skin.

Skincare for combination skin

If you’re looking for the most effective way to care for your combination skin, we have collated the very best tried and tested products that are suitable for caring for the varying needs of combination skin.

The best facial oil for combination skin

Pai's Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil works with combination skin to restore balance and improve the appearance of combination skin that is oilier in some parts and drier in others. Enriched with Rosehip Fruit and Seed Oil, this potent oil helps to defend against environmental aggressors whilst promoting an even skin tone and improving dryness, blemishes, fine lines and scaring.

NUXE Eau Demaquillante Micellaire Micellar Cleansing Water (200ml)

£15.00

The best peel off mask for combination skin

Looking for premium skincare to work with combination skin? The Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Skin Vitality Mask is a peel-off face mask that is infused with nourishing ingredients such as ProVitamin B5, Comfrey Root and Zinc Extract. After just one use combination skin feels replenished, soothed and protected.

Erno Laszlo Vitality Treatment Mask (Pack of 4)

£88.00

The best cleansing balm for combination skin

For a radiant complexion that soothes and transforms combination skin, call upon the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm which transforms into a rich oil then a soothing cleansing milk. This expert cleanser unclogs pores to help the skin to maintain a healthy balance.

The best toner for combination skin

Offer your combination skin a treat with the Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner. The powerful blend of Salicylic Acid and organic essential oils works to draw out impurities from deep within pores. Whatsmore, this toner goes the extra mile to replenish vital hydration to prevent dryness and discomfort.

Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner 200ml

105

RRP: ~~£18.00~~Current price: £9.00

The best overnight treatments for combination skin

Combination skin is treated to a blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Vitamin E with the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. This nourishing overnight treatment is formulated with a powerful Vitamin A derivative that works to transform a combination complexion by preventing breakouts whilst serving up a healthy, hydrated glow.

249

£89.00

The Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial is ideal for combination skin thanks to a non greasy formula that leaves your skin looking glowing. Soothing and nourishing omega oils revive flat, dull and unbalanced skin leaving your combination skin feeling thoroughly treated after just one use.