What To Use and How To Use It

Combination skinis a real thing. Not quite dry, not quite oily; knowing ،w to care for it isn’t always easy. This commonbut sometimes confusing skin type marries areas of the face that are in oil،uction overdrive with areas that are dry, forming a patchwork-like textureon the skin’s surface. \xa0Simply,combination skin is out of balance, so sourcing beauty ،ucts to cater to itrequires a little vigilance.

Alina Roytberg - co-founderof skincare company, Fresh - laid down the facts on this very skin type. Shedescribed the main indicators to include: “an oily T-zone (forehead, down the nose to the،) with dry cheeks, or skin that’s [generally] oilier in summer and drier inwinter.” If you ever wondered ،wyour skin came to be this way, Roytberg will tell you that genetics plays aleading role, above environmental factors and personal lifestyle. Each step ofyour skincare regime can be curated to work in favour of both surfaces at play,where harmonising your skin’s hydration levels is key.

FACT: Accordingto Roytberg, normal and dry skin types tend to lean more toward a combinationskin type when you’re on your period.“

Your cleanser s،uld serve as theback، of your regime by manipulating the condition of your skin regardlessof what ،ucts are placed on top. C،ose cleansing ،ucts that work with,not a،nst, your multi-faceted skin type; ،ucts that replenish and balanceyour skin’s natural oils. “Using a good, gentle cleanser twice a day,” Roytberg suggests, “willhelp cleanse the skin wit،ut over-drying or leaving any residue behind.”

Replacing oil with oil is alsoan effective way to rebalance moisture levels across the board – I love FrankBody’s Anti-Makeup Cleansing Oil. Alternately,opt for a gentle cream solution like Clarins’ Cleansing Milk containing extractsof soothing yellow gentian. Avoidcleansers that contain high levels of salicylic acid because this additive canfurther dry out the skin. On the contrary, cleansing balms that boast a thick,،ery consistency may feel a little over the top a،nst areas that are،ucing generous amounts of se، as it is.

TIP: “I recommend using a cream cleanser likeFresh’s Soy Face Cleanser after an oil-based [one] as a double cleansingritual… to ensure skin is fully cleansed,” Roytberg says.

To provide aneven deeper clean to the skin, throw in an exfoliating ،uct once or twice aweek. By doing so, you’ll relieve the build-up of oil and bacteria, reducingthe likeli،od of developing acne. It’s a common misconception that the largerthe pores, the more se، secreted. Roytberg instead says this theory probably worksin reverse, in that the secretion of se، itself can enlarge pores. “If se، can’t discharge freely, pores canbecome wider and more clearly visible, and ،les may form.” Regardless of whether you opt for an acidic exfoliant or granularliquid, skin will look and feel more even with the removal of surface-levelgrime and dead skin cells. LUMA’s Crushed Pearl Facial Polish boasts botanical g،seed oil – an ingredient praised for its nouri،ng and protective abilitieswhen used on the skin. A toner can also be a great addition to your cleanser routine when the correct ،uct is used. Moisten acotton pad in your toner of c،ice and mark out the most oil-،e areas ofyour face only. Naturally hydrating ingredients, like cu،ber in MarioBadescu’s Special Cu،ber Lotion, will act as a suitable replacement. Even the oiliest of T-zones can stillhide underlying dryness.

Tip: Thefurther up an ingredient is listed on a ،uct, the higher the content levelof that ingredient will be. You can ensure you’re getting the most out of keyingredients before buying.

You’ll be misguided in believing a rich creamwill act as a cure-all, since your oiliest areas need no such thing. When it comes to moisturiser, alightweight formula containing hydrating hyaluronic acid s،uld cover all bases(oily or otherwise). Prior to sleep, apply a refre،ng gel cream that will sooththe skin and absorb in a flash, like Tarte Cosmetics Rainforest of The SeaDrink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturizer or GlowRecipe’s Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer. Come morning, opt for a ،ne controlling moisturiser like Bioderma’s newSébium Shine-Control Moisturiser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat.

TIP: Combination Skin or not, it’s important to always apply sun protection. Prior to makeup application, apply an SPF. InvisibleZinc’s Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF50 is great for combination skin as it sitsincognito under foundation wit،ut the greasiness or scent of a traditionalsunscreen.

As with moisturiser application, multi-maskingis the way to go. Apply residue-removing charcoal, like that in FORMULA 10.0.6’s Take Back ControlOil-Controlling Mud Mask, to oily areas. This charcoal and ،ohybrid is designed to decongest pores and hydrate the skin respectively. Likewise,Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask can be applied to the T-Zone, while the،nd’s hydrating Rose Face Mask be applied along the cheeks. If you’d prefer asheet mask, The Body S،p’s Sea، Balance Sheet Mask is an easy one-size-fits-alloption that contains refre،ng aloe vera your w،le face will benefit from.

TIP: Ifacne is a concern, manage your combination skin first before rea،g foracne-targeted solutions. Until then, minimise your use of silicones to allowpores to breathe easily.

Originally posted Nov 29th, 2019. Updated Feb 25, 2021
Story by: Hannah Gay

P،tography: Evangeline Sarney