we've all heard the saying "beauty is skin deep". it takes more than just a pretty face to maintain healthy and youthful skin. but how about someone with combination skin?
figuring out a beauty routine that keeps both your dry and oily skin happy can be quite the challenge. but don't worry, we're here to help. but before we dive deeper, let's first define what a combination skin is.
what is a combination skin?
for starters, a combination skin is a mix of both dry and oily skin.
according to board-certified dermatologist and aesthetic expert kavita mariwalla, md, faad, "combo" skin is typical; just like other types of skin.
the distinction is that combination skin is greasy in some areas and dry in others. for example, "it's typical to have an oily t-zone and dry cheeks."
so, what causes it?
well, the truth is, nothing in particular. it is the most common skin type and is genetically determined.
in other words, if your mom or dad had combo skin, chances are, you will too.
occasionally, as we age, our skin can change. so, what was once normal and oily skin can become dry, or vice versa. other times, it could be due to external factors such as the weather or the products we use, such as using contraceptives or certain medications.
what are the signs to look out for?
now that we know what combination skin is and what causes it, let's move on to the next question: how do you know if you have it?
the best way to find out is to pay attention to your skin throughout the day. if you have combination skin, you will notice the following:
- your skin is shiny and oily in your t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
- but dry or flaky on your cheeks
- you are prone to breakouts
- your pores appear larger than usual
signs of oiliness:
- shiny skin
- greasy or oily feeling
- dull complexion
- blackheads or whiteheads
- clogged pores
signs of dryness:
- tight, dry feeling skin
- irritated, itchy skin
- flaky patches
- dry lines or wrinkles
skincare routine for combination skin
now that we know how to identify combination skin, it's time to move on to the fun part: putting together a skincare routine that works for you.
1.) find a cleanser that suits your needs
if you have combination skin, you'll want to look for a product that can remove excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
a good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that contains harsh chemicals or sulfates. these ingredients can dry out your skin and make your oily areas produce even more oil.
2.) exfoliate
one of the benefits of exfoliating is that it helps to unclog pores. and when your pores are clear, they appear smaller.
but it's important to note that you don't want to overdo it. exfoliating too much can actually irritate and damage your skin.
we recommend exfoliating 2-3 times a week using a gentle scrub or exfoliating brush.
3.) moisturize
it's important to hydrate your skin, even if you have oily areas. the key is to find a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog your pores.
be sure to apply it evenly over your entire face and neck.
4.) protect your skin from the sun
wearing sunscreen is important for everyone, no matter what skin type you have. but it's especially important for those with combination skin because you're more prone to sun damage.
look for a sunscreen that has an spf of 30 or higher and is water-resistant. apply it liberally to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, chest, and hands.
5.) spot and treat any problem areas
if you have combination skin, you're likely to have both dry and oily areas. so, it's important to treat each area accordingly.
for example, if you have dry patches, you may want to use a hydrating serum or cream. and if you have breakouts, you may want to use a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
bottom line
combo skin is the most common skin type. it's caused by genetics and can occasionally be affected by external factors such as age, hormones, or the weather.
the best way to care for combo skin is to use a gentle cleanser, exfoliate 2-3 times per week, moisturize, wear sunscreen, and spot treat any problem areas.
if you have combo skin, it's important to find products that suit your unique needs. and remember, what works for you today may not work for you tomorrow. so, be sure to pay attention to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.
adewunmi offers organic and customized skincare treatments to address your specific skin care requirements.
adewunmi's organic skin care can help you manage any dry, greasy, thin, age spots, or fine lines.
adewunmi's personalized skincare will target every client's problematic areas. it does not imply that your demands will be identical to someone else with the same skin type and tone. you may customise your treatment based on your particular concerns using customized skincare products.
