Girlsn Beauty

September 19, 2024 Skin Care

Best skincare routine for combination skin

Are you tired of trying every skincare product that goes viral but doesn’t work for your skin? It’s because you’re not following the skincare according to your skin type. We all have different personalities, and similarly our skin types are also different.

We all have different skin types and our skin needs are different too. That is why not all beauty products do not work for everyone. There are four types of skin type: oily, normal, dry, and combination skin type. Today let’s learn more about combination skin.

How can I say I’ve combination skin?

If you have combination skin, you’re more likely to have two skin types character i.e. both dry and oily skin. Combination skin means your cheeks will be drier and T-zone areas will be oily.

At the same time, some parts of your face may be more sensitive than others. This is why not every skincare product works for this type of skin the need for different parts of your face is different.

To find out whether you have the combination skin or not, the easiest way is a cleansing test. In this test, all you do is simply clean your face as usual, and then let it dry. And, if you have combination skin, your cheeks may start to feel tight and dry while your nose, forehead and chin may have a bit of shine.

Also, some other ways to tell if you have combination skin, your skin will feel drier than usual in the winter season. If your skin gets more oily as the day passes by, especially in your T-zone area, these are the things to identify to know whether you’ve combination skin or not.

One of the major causes of combination skin is genetics, but external factors also play a vital role. Hormonal changes such as during puberty or menstrual cycles, lead to an overproduction of oil in certain areas of your face while leaving others dry. And, environmental factors, such as weather and humidity also fluctuations in skin texture.

Tips to maintain healthy skin for those who have combination skin:

Once you know your skin type and the steps of your skincare routine, it’s important to use them properly to get the best results. Because you don’t to waste your effort and money by using it incorrectly.

Here are a few tips for you:

• Apply the products in the right order: Always start with a cleanser followed up with the lightest product i.e. toner and serums, and then followed by heavier ones like moisturizer.
• Gently exfoliate and moisturise your skin deeply. This helps to get rid of dry patches while also nourishing and hydrating the skin.
• Use a moisturizing mask on your cheeks and hydrate dry areas.
• Always look for products that contain salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, etc.

Step-by-step routine for combination skin

Now, that you know about what combination skin is, let’s know more about it. Let’s talk about how an idle skincare of combination skin type should be:

Cleanse

Always start with a cleanser before applying anything. You should choose the right gentle cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

You can also look for a gel or foam-based cleanser to clean the T-zone i.e. forehead, nose and chin to keep it oil-free. While also making sure that the rest of your face is hydrated. So, cleanse your face twice a day and prevent clogged pores maintaining a fresh complexion.

Toning

Using toner is essential for combination skin. So always look for toner after cleansing as it helps restore the skin’s pH. But don’t just use any toner that’s available, always look for alcohol-free and soothing ingredients in toner like witch hazel or rose water.

This toner not only balances your pH level but also has hyaluronic acid that provides much-needed moisture and helps calm irritated skin. And, also before going for the next step, let the toner absorb fully in your skin.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating regularly with a gentle exfoliator is one of the best ways to get rid of pimples in your T-zone. Do not use physical exfoliators, as they are rough in texture and damage your skin with their harsh ingredients.

So, you should always check for ingredients like lactic acid while buying your exfoliator. Lactic acid is not only gentle to your skin but also helps remove dead skin cells.

Moisturizer

Many of us think that because we have combination skin, moisturizer is not something that our skin needs. But it’s not true hydration is the key to healthy skin for any skin type. So, don’t skip moisturizer in your routine even if you have combination skin.

If you’re someone struggling with combination skin, then look for a lightweight moisturizer and apply it after toner. And, while choosing moisturizer look at whether it contains hyaluronic acid or not as it helps skin retain moisture.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in skincare for any skin type. It is as important as your moisturizer. Sunscreens not only protect us from UVA and UVB rays but also from premature signs of skin ageing, and wrinkles. Apply your sunscreen that is of at least SPF 30 every morning for at least 15-20 minutes before you step outside.

Look out for the sunscreen that is oil-free, non-comedogenic and doesn’t leave a white cast, so it won’t clog your pores. Use sunscreen daily and protect yourself from harmful UV rays which can worsen your skin conditions.

Following all these above-mentioned steps daily will help your skin health be at its best. Also, making sure both the oily and dry areas are taken care of, this combination skincare routine is made for you.

Products/ Ingredients you should avoid if you have combination of skin

The combination is challenging to manage as it has two different skin type features i.e. oily and dry. So, you need to be more careful while using any skincare product.

Products that have excessive fragrance

Though some skin types can easily handle fragrance, other skin types can experience some redness, irritation, and even rashes in worse cases. For someone with combination skin, using products with fragrance makes the t-zone more oily and causes breakouts to happen. While on the other hand, it will make the dry areas like cheeks drier.

So, yes products that have harsh chemicals or fragrances in them are both worse for your skin and can worsen your skin conditions. So, make sure there is no fragrance on whatever skincare products you buy and keep your skin youthful and healthy.

Clay Face Mask

Yes, like every other skincare trend clay mask is very popular right now. But anything that is in fad doesn’t mean good for you and your skin too. Even though they are good options for some skin types, for combination skin clay face mask is not the right choice.

While clay masks do clear excess oil from the oily areas they also strip away the moisture from dry areas. So, it’s better to use gentle, hydrating sheet masks rather than clay masks that also suit your skin and help moisturise your skin without drying it.

Heavy Moisturizers

Even though rich and heavy moisturizers seem to be a good choice for dry skin, it’s a big no-no if you’ve combination skin. As it can clog pores in your T-zone leading to acne breakouts, etc.

So, if you’re someone who is struggling with combination skin, use a lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly and won’t clog your pores too. This will help to make your skin stay hydrated without worsening oily areas or causing breakouts while also preventing dry patches.

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