Your go-to guide for choosing skincare products for combination skin

Managing combination skin may be difficult and overwhelming, considering it has the signs of both, oiliness and dryness. This combination can create challenges when choosing skincare products. And sometimes, what you think may work for dry areas of your skin might make things worse for the T-zone. Therefore, your skincare kit must include products for combination skin that can hydrate the dry areas along with controlling oil production and preventing greasiness. If you also want to make an informed and wise decision without falling into any trap, this guide is just for you. Read this expert-backed advice to pick the right products for combination skin.

What is a combination skin?

Combination skin type contains a mix of oily and dry areas on the face. “It tends to include an oily T-zone that is the forehead, nose, and chin, which will be oilier and more prone to shine and acne. The cheek areas are usually normal to dry or flaky. Some areas will be normal, some will be dry. There will be prominent and visible pores in oily areas like the nose and smaller, less noticeable pores in drier regions,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon. It requires a balanced approach, using lightweight, oil-controlling products for combination skin to manage oily areas and hydrating, gentle products for dry areas to maintain overall skin health.

What are the characteristics of combination skin?

Before choosing the best products for combination skin, it is important to understand its characteristics. This skin type includes signs of oiliness and dryness. The T-zone, including the forehead, nose, and chin tends to be oily, with enlarged pores, shine, and occasional breakouts, while the cheeks and other areas exhibit signs of dryness. “Many people notice increased dryness during winter months or heightened oiliness in warmer weather,” adds the expert. People may struggle to find a single skincare product for combination skin that addresses all concerns. A study published in Skin Resolution Technology states that regional and seasonal variations in sebum production of skin should be considered to define the combination skin. The study finds that the sebum secretions on the forehead, nose and chin were higher than on both cheeks.

Ingredients to look for in products for combination skin

When choosing skincare products for combination skin, you must pay attention to the ingredients to ensure that they can hydrate the skin along with controlling oil products. Some common skincare ingredients that you must consider include:

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid can soothe the skin and hydrate it by reducing irritation, adds Dr Rinky Kapoor. In a study published in the journal Dermatology Therapy, hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration and rejuvenation and reduce wrinkles with a 6-month follow-up.
• Niacinamide: It may regulate oil production, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. As per a study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery states that niacinamide the appearance of skin wrinkles, and yellowing and improves elasticity.
• Salicylic acid: Products for combination skin containing salicylic acid may exfoliate and unclog pores in oily areas, preventing breakouts. A study published in the journal Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine states that salicylic acid can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, scars and wrinkles.
• Aloe vera: It can soothe and hydrate dry areas while calming any irritation. According to a study published in the journal Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences states that aloe vera can improve wound healing, retain skin moisture and prevent ulcers.
• Antioxidants (vitamin C, green tea): They can protect the skin from environmental damage, brightening and evening out the complexion. A study published in the journal Anais Brasileiros Dermatologia states that antioxidants can neutralise oxidative reactions and create defence barrier roles against chemical, physical and biological aggressions continuously.

“Squalene is also one of the ingredients that will keep the skin hydrated and moisturised without clogging pores. Ceramides will repair the damaged skin barrier and help it stay moisturised,” adds the expert.

What ingredients to avoid when choosing products for combination skin?

When selecting skincare products for combination skin, avoid harsh ingredients that can disrupt its balance. Alcohol-based products for combination skin like denatured alcohol may strip moisture, cause dryness and trigger excess oil production. Heavy oils such as mineral oil or coconut oil may clog pores in oily areas, leading to breakouts. “Sulfates in the products chosen mindlessly can strip moisture of the skin, making it dry, dull and dehydrated. Fragrances in the product can wreak havoc on the skin by stripping the natural oil and making it dry and unpleasant,” says the expert. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic, and hydrating products for combination skin to maintain balance.

How to choose products for combination skin?

For combination skin, using skincare products for combination skin can help control excess oil production while keeping it hydrated and balanced. Here is a simple routine that you can follow to choose the right product:

1. Cleanser

When choosing the best face wash for combination skin, look for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that won’t strip your skin, adds Dr Rinky Kapoor. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid to control oil and glycerin or aloe vera to hydrate dry areas.

2. Toner

If you are looking for the best toners for combination skin, opt for an alcohol-free toner with niacinamide or witch hazel. They may refine pores and control oil. The hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid may maintain moisture in dry areas.

3. Hydrating products

The best serum for combination skin should be lightweight and non-comedogenic. Look for hyaluronic acid-based products for combination skin as they can provide hydration without heaviness, while vitamin C or niacinamide may help to brighten and even skin tone. “Don’t opt for any products just because they are promoted on social media,” adds the expert.

4. Moisturisers

“Lotion-based moisturisers work wonders on combination skin by hydrating it and reducing heaviness or greasiness,” adds the expert. Ingredients like ceramides and squalane may provide hydration without clogging pores.

5. UV protection

Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum, non-greasy sunscreen with SPF 50. “Look for lightweight, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores,” adds Dr Rinky Kapoor. Gel-based or mineral sunscreens for combination skin work well for combination skin to avoid excess oil.

6. Face pack

Include a clay mask for the oily T-zone to absorb excess oil and a hydrating mask with aloe vera or honey in your skincare kit.

This balanced approach ensures both oily and dry areas are maintained without overloading or drying the skin.

7. Exfoliators

Gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (BHA) or lactic acid (AHA) can work well. “These can help unclog pores in oily areas and remove dead skin cells from dry patches. Exfoliating once a week is a good idea and don’t go overboard,” adds Dr Rinky Kapoor.

What is the right skincare routine for combination skin?

• Start by using a sulfate-free cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping moisture.
• Then, apply an alcohol-free toner to balance pH and control oil in the T-zone.
• After this, use a lightweight serum to boost hydration and control oil production.
• Then apply an oil-free, gel-based moisturiser to oily areas and a lightweight lotion to dry areas.
• Then, use a broad–spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

“Avoid over-exfoliating the skin and do it once a week for optimum results,” adds Dr Rinky Kapoor.

What are some common misconceptions about combination skin?

There are so many misconceptions about combination skin. Dr Rinky Kapoor shares some of them:

• Myth #1: Combination skin is easy to managed

Fact: As ones with Combination skin are considered to have areas with different types of skin on the face, the approach will be altered to address both greasiness and dryness.

• Myth #2: Combination skin means the mix of oily and dry skin

Fact: Combination is often described as having normal to dry skin in some areas and normal to oily skin in others. The skin is not entirely oily or fully dry. It requires a prompt approach by the expert.

Here are some suggestions to help you maintain your skin health:

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Choose the right products for combination skin and improve its health!