Our skin can be broadly divided into four different types—oily, dry, normal and combination. While excess sebum and shine indicate that you may have oily skin; and a rough texture is a sign of dry skin; how do you analyse your skin type if you experience a mix of both? You may notice an oily T-zone and dry cheeks on some days, and acne breakouts alongside a feeling of roughness and tightness on other days. In such cases, chances are that you have combination skin.
To help you understand this skin type better and craft a regimen that works in your favour, we offer a detailed guide ahead.
Signs that you have combination skin
1. The T-zone of your face feels oily, while the rest of the face feels dry
2. 30 minutes after washing your face, you notice both oily and dry patches
3. Your T-zone has visibly larger pores, as compared to your cheeks
4. When you use a moisturiser for normal skin, your T-zone tends to get oilier than usual
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How to take care of combination skin
Try double cleansing
Start your skincare routine with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt and excess oil. Aminu’s The Little Helper Melting Balm Cleanser is a transformative oil-to-milk cleanser that will do the trick. Next, follow up with a gentle water- or gel-based cleanser that targets the dry and flaky patches. Sadhev’s Ayurvedic Facial Cleanser For Combination Skin rebalances the natural oil content, while deeply cleansing and nourishing the skin. A carefully chosen duo is a must for anyone building an effective routine for combination skin.
Tira recommends:
Aminu The Little Helper Melting Balm Cleanser
Sadhev Ayurvedic Facial Cleanser For Combination Skin
Use a serum—but choose it wisely
Individuals with combination skin should ideally pick a serum that is saturated with both oil-controlling and moisturising ingredients. Think: salicylic acid to combat excess sebum and hyaluronic acid or vitamin C for a boost of hydration. While there are face serums on the shelves that target both concerns simultaneously, layering two complementing products—after consulting with a dermatologist—is another way to balance combination skin.
Tira recommends:
Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum With Matmarine + Zinc For Reducing Oil & Blemishes
Pick a non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen
When your skin already has a complex structure, the last thing you want to do is clog—or further clog—the pores by slathering on the wrong product. Moisturiser and sunscreen are easily the most frequently applied formulations; so make sure you pick ones that are non-comedogenic. After all, you’ll be using these in the AM as well as PM. Apart from that, a hydrating pick will offer more benefits than its other counterparts as it will lock in moisture—that is essential for everyone, regardless of their skin type.
Tira recommends
The Face Shop Chia Seed Advanced Hydro Cream
Biore Uv Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen With SPF 50+ PA++++
Consider a clay mask that also has hydrating ingredients
Clay masks are known for deep cleansing the skin, by sucking out impurities and excess sebum. Mostly recommended to those with oily or combination skin, one can incorporate them into their skincare regimen once every week. However, you must look for a clay mask that is also infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Alternatively, pair two of them together—an oil-absorbing charcoal mask for the T-zone and a hydrating one for the cheeks.
Tira recommends:
Aminu The Supernatural Marine Clay Mask
