Combination Skin Explained: The Perfect Skincare Routine for You

At the epicentre of skincare inquiries lies the enigma of combination skin. It's the tricky beauty puzzle where your skin plays both sides—dry in some areas and oily in others. But fear not! In this blog, we're about to demystify the art of combination skin care. From the very basics to insider tips and tricks, we're here to guide you on your quest for the ultimate glow. Get ready to rock that hydrated, glassy, and oh-so-gorgeous complexion without a hint of unwanted shine!

What is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is a common skin type characterised by having different areas of the face that exhibit different skin conditions. Typically, individuals with combination skin have a mix of oily and dry areas on their faces. The most common combination is an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), while the cheeks and other parts of the face may be normal or dry.

Here's a breakdown of the characteristics of combination skin:

• Oily T-Zone

The forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone) tend to be oilier than the rest of the face. This occurs because these areas have a higher concentration of oil glands (sebaceous glands) and are more prone to excess oil production.

• Dry or Normal Cheeks

The cheeks and sometimes the areas around the eyes and mouth may have dry or normal skin. These areas may feel tight, flaky, or have rough patches.

• Occasional Breakouts

People with combination skin can be more prone to acne or occasional breakouts, particularly in the oily areas of the face.

• Enlarged Pores

The pores in the T-zone can often appear larger due to increased oil production.

Best Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Taking care of combination skin involves a balanced skincare routine that addresses both the oily and dry areas of your face. Here's a step-by-step guide to properly care for combination skin:

1. Double Cleansing

Cleanse your face twice daily, in the morning and evening, to remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup. At night, use both oil and water cleanser and gently massage them into the skin before washing them off. Double cleansing helps the skin control the oil levels and removes any impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. When you choose cleansers. avoid harsh, alcohol-based cleansers that can strip your skin. 

Try: KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil - Speedy (230ml) - £14.99

We can never discuss Japanese beauty without this KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil, as it has held this popularity for years in Japan! This powerhouse product effortlessly banishes every trace of makeup, including the stubborn waterproof kind. But it doesn't stop there—oh no! It takes a deep dive into your pores, purging them of impurities, all while showering your skin with the TLC it deserves.

Try: BEAUTY OF JOSEON Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (100ml) - £13.90

Inspired by traditional Korean medicine, BEAUTY OF JOSEON Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is formulated to tackle skin concerns effectively with natural ingredients! Packed with 24% Green Plum Water and AHA goodness, it brightens, nourishes, and shields your skin from free radicals. Say goodbye to irritations, inflammation, and breakouts—it's the secret to radiant, clear skin!

2. Toning

Using a toner twice a day brings you multiple skincare benefits: hydration, balancing pH levels, minimising the appearance of pores, and enhancing absorption of other skincare products. Choose toners with ingredients such as heartleaf, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and tea tree oil to hydrate the skin and regulate the T-zone area's sebum.

Try: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner (150ml) - £19.95

This COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner has been known as the brand’s masterpiece, and it actually is - the product has won multiple Korean beauty awards over the years! It contains 72.6% Black Bee Propolis Extract and 10% Honey Extract, which effectively brightens and improves skin tone. Propolis and honey are also naturally anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This product will help calm irritated skin and keep blemishes at bay.

3. Moisturising

Moisturisers are necessary for all skin types, even if your skin feels oily during the day. Use a lightweight, oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturiser that won't clog pores but hydrates the skin.

Try: COSRX Oil Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap (100ml) - £25.00

4. Sunscreen

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, regardless of the weather. If you would like to reduce the shine around the T-zones, we’d recommend trying matte sunscreen around that area.

Try: BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ (70ml) - £16.20

Famous for its watery-light texture and skin-friendly, refreshing and non-sticky finish, this sensational BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence has taken the internet by storm. Its pioneering formula, introducing Kao Beauty's cutting-edge Micro Defense technology makes it truly groundbreaking. This revolutionary approach involves tiny capsules loaded with UV protection agents, guaranteeing uniform and comprehensive coverage across every inch of your skin. 

Try: BEAUTY OF JOSEON Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camelia SPF 50+ PA++++(18g) - £19.95

5. Exfoliation

Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week using a mild chemical exfoliant like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Pay extra attention to exfoliating the T-zone to prevent clogged pores.

Try: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad (70pcs) - £25.00

Drenched in a potent 77% Hearleaf Extract, ANUA Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad excels at purging impurities, easing acne concerns, and refining pores. With its textured side featuring PHA, it delicately exfoliates the skin, effectively unclogging pores and bidding adieu to pesky blackheads and whiteheads, leaving your skin velvety smooth. The flip side is brimming with anti-inflammatory Heartleaf and Madeccasoside, adept at pacifying acne, reducing breakouts, and quelling any redness.