Let’s start off with the good news first. Combination skin is not equivalent to a more layered and complex skin routine just because you are dealing with oiliness and dryness at the same time. It means you need to create a balance in your skincare that helps you address them both. But how do you integrate the two? So that one doesn’t overlap the other?
It starts with identifying combination skin first. Combination skin is more responsive to stress, weather and hormonal changes as each zone reacts differently to the changes. The T zone feels shinier in a not so healthy way making it prone to enlarged pores and the cheeks and the jawline feels stretched out and cracked, giving your skin a dull appearance.
But there are further sub types:
- Combination -Oily - feels oilier, pores are larger and more prone to breakouts with dry cheeks
- Combination-dry is where T zone specific feels greasier while the U-zone ( cheeks and jaw) feels dried out
- And there is combination-sensitive - that also feels irritated and or reddens along with oily-dry mix.
Combination skin essentially means customised care as your skin is not defined by one specific type. Time to get specific! Because if your skin is combination-oily - gel-based formulations with humectants might suit better while the dry-combination might work better with creams that contain ceramides.
Skincare routine and products for combination skin
Balancing act - The act of catering to both skin types within combination means choosing the most balanced cleanser that is gentle but doesn’t strip your skin dry.
The best cleanser for combination skin is the one that cater to your skin natural pH balance, is either gel-based or cream-based - based on your sub type, also contain ingredients that soothe and calm the skin because combination skin is like any other type - it requires soothing ingredients too to maintain the balance and harmony between the different zones. Think Niacinamide, Zinc, Green Tea, that helps reduce sebum, calms redness, reduces the appearance of pores.
Your cleanser is the most important step for your face care routine. It is important to consider all parameters before zeroing on the most suitable one. It's safe to say - No soaps!
Toners - Not always a part of a skincare routine considering its high content of alcohol but today’s toners aim to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin and it can be the one step that makes all the difference to your combination skincare routine.
If your skin is combination-oily, you need to opt for a toner that lends your skin a matte finish - Niacinamide and any alcohol free ingredient like witch hazel may help with reducing the greasiness. But if your skin is combination-dry you want to choose a toner that hydrates and gives your cheeks a complete moisture boost - one with humectants like hyaluronic acid, rose-water that gives you a fresh, hydrated look
Targeted treatments - The biggest USP of combination skin.
Considering each zone requires a specific kind of area, targeted treatments work very well for combination skin. So the zonal approach is the way to go when trying our different activities for different zones.
- Niacinamide -Regulates oil and improves texture
- Hyaluronic acid - hydrated and refines
- Vitamin C - Evens out tone
Sunscreen is non-negotiable but opt for gel-based textures that won’t feel heavy and wont clog - A matte finish non-comedogenic light-weight fluid may be considered.
Moisturisation is essential for even combination skin but just like sunscreen, you can opt for a light-weight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that doesn’t clog pores and feel too heavy on the skin. Ingredients that are known to suit both sin types simultaneously are squalane, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Another thing to take note of when it comes to combination skin is that it is more dynamic in nature and reacts differently in different weathers.
- In summer, your skin might feel oilier
- In winter, it might feel drier
- PMS might trigger breakouts and travel might dehydrate it further.
That’s why your routine may require tweaking every now and then.
The D wave moisture Boost Gel Creme
The D wave moisture Boost Gel Creme , specially formulated to suit all skin types, can be used on combination skin - it is a light-weight non-comedogenic moisturiser that contains plant-based squalane, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Swiss apple plant extracts - all of which collectively helps regulate oil production and provides ample hydration without clogging pores. It also protects your skin from external disruptors and treats epidermal water loss. This product ensures your skin’s health is at its optimum while it treats the symptoms of combination skin effectively.
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Combination skin is not complicated - don’t make it so. This skin type is only asking you to balance it out - Cater to both zones whenever required and see effective results. Be gentle, don't try too much of one thing. The key is equilibrium and customised care for long-term skin health.
FAQ’s
Q1. Which type of moisturizer is best for combination skin?
Ans. A light-weight gel-based moisturiser that does not feel too heavy and sticky and does not create build-up within your pores is the most preferred. However if you have combination-dry skin, you can opt for one with ceramides, squalane for an added hydration boost.
Q2. How to choose skin care products for combination skin?
Ans. Combination Skin has its sub styles as well - Combination-oily, Combination-dry, combination skin that is sensitive. It is important you first identify your skin type and then choose products based on the same. While Niacinamide might help with sebum regulation, Squalane might help with hydration. Further you can opt for specific serums to target each zone for more pronounced results.
Q3. Which brand is best for combination skin?
Ans. Brands that work in sync with the skin’s PH balance, calm and soothe your skin, strengthen your skin’s barrier and hydrate your skin without clogging pores are meant for combination skin. Ultimately, brands that pay attention to your skin’s long term health are most favourable.
Q4. What products to use on combination skin?
Ans. Combination skin is like any other skin type even if it deals with two different zones. You can use a gentle cleanser, a hydrating toner, a light-weight moisturiser and sunscreen on combination skin. Additionally, targeted treatments that involve using specific serums on specific zones are recommended for combination skin.
