Written By: Zenani Sizane
Welcome back to another jam-packed and educational blog post on the ever-complicated combination skin. Combination skin is when you have multiple skin types at the same time, which sounds like a nightmare, right? Already dealing with one skin type requires effort; now you have to deal with multiple ones, which is crazy...fortunately, you have us here at Healthy together to figure it all out with you and find you the best possible solutions to help you maintain a beautiful and healthy combination skin.
What is Combination Skin
Combination skin, as the name implies, is skin that is a mix of skin types, a combination of all skin types. Yes, indeed! It has characteristics of all skin types. Oil production is excessive in some areas while it is insufficient in others. Combination skin occurs when oily, dry, sensitive, and normal skin types coexist. It is unknown why this occurs; however, it could be due to genetic factors or hormone levels that affect the amount and location of lipids, causing them to be unevenly distributed in the skin. The two most common types of combination skin are normal cheeks with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks with a normal T-zone.
The skin is not usually dry and oily at the same time. Oily skin, on the other hand, can have dehydrated or moist areas.
Normal cheeks with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks with a normal T-zone are the two most common types of combination skin. Oil-free products containing water-based humectants such as glycerin and Sodium PCA are recommended for skin with normal to dry/dehydrated patches. Products containing ingredients that stimulate and/or repair the skin's ability to retain moisture, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, essential fatty acids, ceramides, and/or cholesterol, are better suited for normal to dry skin. Working with this skin type requires using different products for different areas. The majority of people believe that combination skin is simply a mix of oily and dry skin, but there may be more than two types of combination skin. It is not a fixed term for oily or dry mixtures, as we commonly believe; it is up to you to determine where you fall on the spectrum.
click here to find out your skin type:
What causes Combination Skin?
Harsh Skin Care Products
Environmental Factors
Genetics
Climate
Lifestyle Habits
How to identify Combination Skin
Oily T-zone and Dry Cheeks (Vice Versa)
Sensitive Cheeks
Blackheads and Whiteheads
Appearance of Larger Pores
Breakouts on the forehead, chin and nose only
Not greatly affected by heat and temperature but cold weather may increase dryness and reduce oiliness, while warmer temperature may bring the opposite.
Types of Combination Skin
Dry To Oily Combo
Normal To Oily Combo
Normal To Dry Combo
Sensitive To Oily Combo
Sensitive To Dry Combo
Oily To Dehydrated Combo
Sensitive To Dehydrated Combo
Symptoms of Combination Skin
The pores on your your nose are larger than the pores on the cheeks.
You get breakouts and dry patches at the same time.
Skin never stays exactly the same easily affected by the weather.
You have multiple skin types simultaneously.
Treatment for Combination Skin
Use a gentle cleanser that help maintain the skin's pH levels.
Use an Alcohol-Free toner that nourishes your skin.
Use Two Moisturizers, one that is Lotion Based and Heavier cream one.
Use a BHA exfoliator.
Reserve emollients for dry/dehydrated/ sensitive areas and oil absorbing for oily/normal areas.
Tips for Combination Skin
Treat the dry cheeks and oily T-zones separately.
Try to mix and match products tailored for your type.
Drink Plenty of Water.
Find a balance between treating the oily/normal and dry/sensitive areas.
Keep your skin care regime proper and basic as possible.
Try more of the water-based oil-free moisturizers.
Recommended Skincare Routine
MORNING ROUTINE | NIGHT TIME ROUTINE |
CLEANSE | DOUBLE CLEANSE |
TONE | EXFOLIATE (not more than twice a week) |
SERUM | FACIAL MASK ( 1-2x a week) |
MOISTURISE | SERUM + TREATMENT |
SUNSCREEN | MOISTURISE |
What not to do for Combination Skin
Do not skip Moisturizing
Do not forget to exfoliate every week
Do not get stuck on one routine
Combination Skin Myths
You should avoid all plant oils
Sunscreen will not work especially on your oily areas
You should only moisturize your dry areas
The harder you scrub or exfoliate the better
Your skin needs aggressive cleansing
LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND CONSIDERATIONS
Lifestyle changes you can make for your Combination Skin
Drink Plenty of Water
Control and reduce smoking cigarettes
Reduce alcohol in take
Eat More nutrient-dense food
Get enough sleep (6-8 hours)
Exercise regularly
Wear sunscreen ( even in the cold weather months)
What to eat for Combination Skin
Pumpkin
Pumpkin, like most orange fruits and vegetables, contains caroteniods, a pigment that gives them their vibrant color and is high in antioxidants. These phytonutrients promote a radiant, healthy complexion and aid in the repair of UV damage. Pumpkins are also high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, which brightens the skin and stimulates collagen production, thereby improving firmness and elasticity.
Pumpkin minerals interact to repair and replenish skin cells, which is exactly what the skin requires to protect itself from the ravages of colder weather.
Carrots
Carrots are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts to vitamin A, which helps to repair aging skin tissue, aid cellular turnover, and protect against UV damage. Drinking a glass of carrot juice on a regular basis is said to protect you from sun damage because carrot juice acts as a sort of internal sunscreen, though this should be done in moderation. Carrots also contain potassium, which means they can help treat dry skin.
Beetroot
Beetroot contains special nutrients, one of which is betalains, which is responsible for its deep red color and improves liver function. The liver is an essential component of skin health. Beetroot has been used for centuries to heal the liver and help the body rid itself of toxins. Detoxification is beneficial to the skin because it reduces congestion and inflammation. Beetroot also promotes collagen production, which is necessary for skin elasticity.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk ingredient that contains a high concentration of beneficial bacteria and yeasts that work to restore a healthy balance of flora while also healing the damage caused by bad bacteria overgrowth. Kefir is high in amino acids, which are necessary for skin cell repair and new growth. It promotes good bacteria more effectively than "live" yoghurt.
Other Foods To Consider:
Spinach and Kale
Organic Legumes
Yoghurt
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Avocados
Foods to avoid for Combination Skin
Fried Food
Food that are HI GI
Too much Saturated Fats
Refined Sugars
Fizzy Drinks
Juices with a high sugar content
INGREDIENTS THAT ARE CONSIDERED GOOD FOR COMBINATION SKIN
HERBS | PLANT OILS | ESSENTIAL OILS |
ALOE VERA | NEEM OIL | TEA TREE |
BLUE LOTUS | TAMANU OIL | CLARY SAGE |
ECHINACEA | ROSEHIP OIL | CHAMOMILE |
DANDELION ROOT | CARROT SEED OIL | LAVENDER |
Ingredients to avoid for Combination Skin
Alcohols and Astringents that strip your skin of its sebum.
Synthetic Fragrances
Mixing Retinols and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Harsh Soaps and Chemicals
Conclusion
It may take some time to figure out the best regimen for your specific skin, but once you know what your skin likes and dislikes, switching products and mixing and matching them to your liking will be easier. Be patient with your skin, and don't forget to visit your dermatologist or a skin care professional for a thorough examination.
Love your skin.
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