The way your skin functions depends on its anatomy and determines its overall look and feel – otherwise known as your skin type.
Having healthy and radiant skin is a goal many of us strive for, but the journey becomes a bit more nuanced when trying to tackle both the dry and oily areas that are so characteristic of a combination skin type.
If you find yourself somehow dealing with shine and flakiness at the same time, you might be in this category, but not to worry – you just need to understand this marvellous organ, why it’s working as it is and how best to embrace and work with it to achieve the balanced glow that you’re after. It’s perfectly possible, so let’s get into it.
Identifying Combination Skin
Curious if your skin is in the combination club? Look out for these signs:
Shiny T-zone: If you notice that your forehead, nose, and chin tend to get shiny and greasy throughout the day, you likely have an oily T-zone.
Flaky Cheeks: Dry patches, redness, or flakiness on your cheeks, especially after cleansing or exposure to harsh weather conditions, indicate drier skin in those areas.
Enlarged Pores: Enlarged pores along the T-zone and relatively smaller pores elsewhere are another sign of this skin type
Breakouts in Specific Areas: Breakouts are more common in the oily parts of your face, while the drier areas are prone to irritation and sensitivity.
Understanding Common Causes of Combination Skin
Sebaceous glands in the skin are responsible for producing sebum (oil). For individuals with combination skin, these glands are overactive and underactive in different areas of the face, resulting in inconsistent oil production across the complexion. Various factors can contribute to this:
Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a crucial role in determining your sebum production. If your parents or close relatives have combination skin, there's a higher likelihood that you'll inherit this skin type.
Hormonal Fluctuations: During hormonal fluctuations such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, oil glands can become more or less active, leading to increased oil production in the T-zone and decreased production elsewhere.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to varying climates, humidity levels, and pollution can trigger different responses in different areas of your face. Harsh weather conditions, particularly cold winds and dry air, can strip the skin of moisture, while high humidity might exacerbate oiliness.
Skincare Products and Routine: Having an imbalanced skincare routine can contribute to combination skin. Harsh cleansers and excessive exfoliation can strip the T-zone of its natural oils, prompting even more oil production. Similarly, providing insufficient hydration to the drier areas can worsen their condition.
Stress and Lifestyle Choices: Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect oil production, potentially causing oily patches. Similarly, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition and insufficient sleep can lead to dryness and overall skin imbalance and smoking, with its detrimental effects on blood flow, can deprive the skin of proper hydration.
Age: As you age, your skin's composition changes. Combination skin might become more pronounced due to the natural decrease in oil production in certain areas and a decrease in the skin's overall moisture retention capability. This can lead to even drier cheeks and oilier T-zones.
How to Care for Combination Skin
When it comes to skincare, one size doesn't fit all. The uniqueness of your skin requires tailored attention, especially if you’re trying to manage oiliness and dryness in tandem. This duality demands a skincare routine that addresses both extremes, striking the right balance between hydration and oil control.
Gentle Cleansing: The foundation of any skincare routine is proper cleansing. Opt for a gentle cleanser that won't strip away essential oils. Cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, to remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup.
Exfoliation: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing other products to penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliation can disrupt your skin's balance. Use a chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or salicylic acid) once a week to avoid irritation.
Hydration: The different parts of your face have different needs so you’ll need two moisturisers. This is an easy area to keep raw, natural and chemical-free, as our Earth’s organic botanicals make for some of the most effective moisturisers available. For the oily areas of your face, our Skin Oil contains some of the best natural oils to help regulate sebum production, such as Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil. You’ll want to avoid comedogenic ingredients on these areas, as these can clog the pores.For the dry areas, our Skin & Tattoo Balm contain these same sebum-regulating oils as well as nourishing emollients, such as Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, which are well-renowned for proving intense hydration and softening dry skin.
Multi-Masking: For oily areas, consider using a clay mask once a week to control excess oil. If you're dealing with dry patches, incorporate a hydrating mask to those areas at the same time to boost moisture levels.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen is non-negotiable, regardless of your skin type. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and that is non-comedogenic.
Balanced Diet and Hydration: Remember, skincare isn't just about what you put on your skin. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can greatly contribute to your skin's health. Drinking enough water also ensures your skin stays hydrated from within – this will nourish the dry areas and prevent the oily areas from over-producing sebum.
Consistency is Key: Achieving and maintaining balance requires consistency. Stick to your skincare routine for several weeks before expecting noticeable results. Be patient and give your skin time to adjust.
Professional Guidance: If you're struggling to find the right products or experiencing persistent skin issues, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can provide personalized recommendations and treatments tailored to your skin's unique needs.
Conclusion
Caring for combination skin requires a strategic approach that acknowledges its unique characteristics. By using the right products, maintaining a balanced skincare routine, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can achieve radiant and harmoniously balanced skin. Remember, it's not just about looking good – it's about feeling confident in the skin you're in.