Oily T-zone. Dehydrated cheeks. Congested pores. Unexplained breakouts. Ahh, the perils of being blessed with one of the most complicated skin types around – combination skin.
If the above symptoms ring true to you, I feel you. Every morning I battle with conflicting skin concerns, and with this comes the dilemma of choosing products that will balance out my skin throughout the day ahead – and this is before I’ve even decided what to wear!
Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, gives us the lowdown on recognising the signs of combination skin and how to combat them before you leave the house.
How do I know if I have combination skin?
“If you have combination skin, usually your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) will be oilier than the rest of your face. You can tend to get more congestion in this area, and perhaps some breakouts too. The rest of the face can be quite normal, just experiencing the usual things such as dehydration and perhaps some sensitivity,” explains Emma.
What causes combination skin?
“A skin type such as a combination skin is simply down to genetics. What influences the slight changes to the skin’s condition is down to environmental factors such as the weather, stress, pollution etc,” says Emma.
How do I treat combination skin?
Exfoliating
Emma says: “Use a hydroxy acid exfoliant twice a week to keep congestion down, but also assist the skin’s hydration levels.”
BH product picks: Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer, Yes to Blueberries Softening Facial Exfoliator, AWE Cosmeceuticals samskrta Skin Polish
Cleansing
“I’d suggest using a foaming facial wash, which will address oiliness without drying the rest of the face,” says Emma.
BH product picks: Bioré Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, KORA Organics Foaming Cleanser, Garnier Pure Gentle Deep Clean Foaming Wash
Moisturising
Emma advises: “Apply an oil-controlling lotion that specifically regulates sebum flow on your T- zone, followed with a hydrating spritz toner. This should all be sealed into the skin with a lightweight, moisture-rich moisturiser with SPF.”
BH product picks: Neutrogena Moisture Combination Skin, Olay Complete UV Protection Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Combination/Oily, Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner
Do you have combination skin? What products do you use to treat your combination skin issues?
Acids work so good with my combo oily skin. And a bit of retinol