Do you have dry, normal, oily, or the combination skin type? No matter where you fall on the skin spectrum, the truth remains we all need to identify skincare routines that match our skin type.
Having great skin is not only dependent on good genes; in fact, your daily habits have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. Maintaining good skincare is a personal choice, and the purpose of any skincare routine is to target any parts of your skin that you want to improve while also tuning up your complexion so that it works at its best.
This guide will discuss more on skincare for combination skin, particularly how to know if you have it, and how to manage it. Keep reading for the best and skincare routine for combination skin!
What is Combination Skin?
You’ve definitely heard about the different types of skin; dry, normal, oily, combination or sensitive. But which one do you have?
Just how dressing according to your body type can transform your fashion game, tailoring your skincare routine based on your skin type can do wonders for your skin. Every skin type reacts differently to various beauty care products, environments, and other factors. And ignoring your skin can lead to many skin issues, both short and long-term.
The normal skin type is less reactive to external factors, and it is easy to maintain. Normal skin is neither too dry nor oily. Dry skin, on the other hand, produces far less sebum than normal skin. The skin becomes dry because it lacks the lipids it needs to retain moisture and develop a protective layer against environmental effects.
The excessive fat production by the sebaceous glands causes oily skin to seem porous, moist, and radiant. This skin type is common in adolescents and young people under 30 years, and it is acne-prone. The sensitive skin type flushes and adversely reacts to spicy foods, new beauty care products, and other allergic reactions.
The combination skin is a mix of oily and dry skin. It includes areas that are dry as well as oily. The T-Zone is commonly the oily part, while the cheeks are either dry or normal. A variety of reasons can contribute to combination skin, but it just comes to DNA more often than not.
Different skincare for combination skin Malaysia can either make it great or worse, causing severe skin problems. And to understand the best skin care routine, you need to know the signs of having combination skin.
So, what are the signs that show you have combination skin?
What Signs Show That You Have Combination Skin?
The combination skin type is the most common, but it’s also the hardest to identify. In addition, your skin can change depending on various factors such as your lifestyle and surroundings; below are signs that show you’re dealing with combination skin.
- Oiliness in Certain Regions
Have you ever washed your face, and as soon as 20 minutes after cleansing, you noticed some parts are more oily than others? If so, likely you have combination skin. People with this type of skin will find that their T-Zone is shiny while their skin is drier along the perimeter of their face. Due to excess oil production, combination skin often displays occasional and mild acne breakouts. The acne blemishes concentrate in the T-Zone, where the sebaceous glands are most active while the cheek and jawline still feel dry.
- You Have Flaky Skin.
Do you suffer from pesky dandruff? There are high chances that you have combination skin. People with this skin type have patches of oily skin on their heads as well as dryness on their scalp. While normal skin reacts well to moisturizers, combination skin will show different reactions. The T-Zone will look oily while the other parts look dry and flaky. Another major indicator that you have combination skin is when you have acne spots along the T-Zone while the cheeks and jawline are drier and flakier.
- Differences in the Skin Texture
If you have a combination skin type, you will notice the different skin textures for the forehead and cheeks or other parts of the face. How oily parts of your face are and how dry the other parts are tend to vary depending on external factors. In a hot and humid country like Malaysia, skin can more quickly become oily. When the production of sebum in the skin increases, you’ll feel that your forehead, nose and chin will end up exceptionally oily. The opposite might happen during the rainy season.
- Large Pores around the T-Zone Area
Hyperactive sebaceous glands characterize the T-Zone area of combination skin. As a result, clogged pores are more likely to appear on your nose, chin, and forehead. When your pores become clogged with sebum, they must expand to accommodate the extra oil, giving them an inflated appearance. They can shrink back to their regular size with the appropriate skin care for combination skin.
The Causes of Combination Skin
Do you want to start buying the best skin care product for combination skin Malaysia? Then you need to know the causes of this skin type and what you need to know to treat it effectively.
- Genetics
Like all skin types, combination skin is also genetic. Whether you have a dry, normal, oily or combination skin type, you likely inherited it from your parents or grandparents. So, if you notice skin features like acne or freckles, they can all be part of your DNA, which is passed through generations. Therefore, understanding your biological parents’ skin types will help you know which category you fall on the skin spectrum.
- Aging
As you grow old, many things in your body are affected and change in how they work, including your skin. Aging causes the skin to lose its elasticity and slows down sebum production, thus making your skin feel and look dry. Young people’s sebaceous glands tend to be more active in producing sebum into the skin; however, this reduces as you age. When the skin starts to deplete its essential nutrients through aging, it can yield different skin types.
- Hormonal Changes
Most beauty experts and dermatologists agree that hormones play an important role when it comes to skin types. Fluctuating hormones and stress levels, especially during menopause and pregnancy, can cause your skin to be slightly off than usual. Skin issues can be exacerbated by changes in hormones’ stress can also aggravate hard-to-manage skin. Your sebaceous glands have receptors that respond to your hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. The higher the hormonal or stress level, the more sebum is produced in the skin.
- Using the Wrong Products on your Skin
As you may have noticed, using beauty products that include harsh or skin-irritating substances dries out some skin regions while stimulating oil production in others. Even though performing a frequent skincare routine for combination skin is great, using the wrong products can do more harm than good. For those into intensive beauty treatments, it is important to note that these procedures can cause micro-tears and inflammation. This is why you need to carefully select skincare products that are suitable for your skin.
The Guide to Skincare for Combination Skin
Beauty products that do not clog pores or strip the skin of its natural oils are beneficial to combination skin. Aside from checking the type of skincare product for combination skin Malaysia you buy, the order of application is incredibly important. Applying skin care products in the proper order ensures that your skin receives the full benefits of each product.
You don’t need to follow two distinct skincare routines because this type of skin contains oily and dry areas. Here is a step by step guide on the best skincare routine for combination skin.
- Cleansing
Cleansing is the first step to any skincare routine. Our skins come into contact with many impurities, toxins, dirt and other environmental pollutants each day, and they should be removed. The type of cleanser you use matters as you will need to use it twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores and dullness.
- Gentle Exfoliating
Some people prefer skipping this stage because of the lingering assumption that most toners are harsh and irritate the skin. Toner should be applied after cleansing just before applying anything on your face. People with combination skin need to exfoliate dead skin cells to keep their skin in great condition. It is formulated to gently smoothen the skin texture and remove the dead skin cells. They also help return the skin’s PH after it becomes too basic from harsh beauty products and soaps.
- Essence / Booster / Face Serum
A hydrating serum is the best option for combination skin types. Serums include concentrated amounts of active chemicals that help to maintain healthy skin. They aid in repairing most of the damage caused by environmental factors such as the sun and pollution. Serums hydrate the skin further, avoiding tightness and aiding in the reduction of dark spots. Even if you don’t have any skin problems, applying the serum to protect your skin from daily aggressors in the morning is important.
Essences operate in the same way that serums do, balancing and hydrating your skin so that it is ready to absorb the next skincare product you apply fully. Some are designed to hydrate your skin, while others exfoliate and brighten your complexion.
- Moisturizer
Even though your skin has sebaceous glands that produce its own natural oils, it is best to apply a moisturizer for extra hydration. Moisturizers help your skin to maintain a protective coating against harsh products or weather conditions like the sun.
For combination skin, the best option is to go for a hydrating moisturizer, but it’s not heavy or too greasy. Invest in a lightweight textured moisturizer to control oiliness while keeping the skin hydrated. In the morning, use a lighter moisturizer that will soak up fast and won’t cause a pile up under makeup.
And if your skin is drier, use a thicker formula to help build blocks of moisture retention in the skin. At night, apply an emollient serum or a gel moisturizer rich in antioxidants and other essential nutrients to your skin.
The best time to apply a moisturizer is while the skin is still damp, so immediately after applying your serum, apply your moisturizer to make sure you lock the right amount of hydration. If you have acne, you should avoid putting moisturizer on the affected areas to ensure that the ingredients don’t interfere with the active ingredient in your spot treatment.
- Lightweight Sunscreen with SPF
Sunscreen is a must for all skin types. Ensure that you finish your skincare routine for combination skin with a light, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to physically block UV rays. Spending lots of time in the sun can cause skin damage, leading to visible signs like fine lines, dryness, wrinkles, and aging. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help prevent the formation of certain skin cancers. Apply sunscreen on your face and include your neck and the back of your hands.
- Blot Away Oil on your T-zone
If you are struggling to control the amount of oil in your T-Zone, try using blotting papers. Bloating papers are highly absorbent papers that help absorb and control oil from the skin leaving it with a more matte complexion without ruining your makeup.
These papers are easy to fit in your makeup bag and can offer a quick solution to cutting back the excess oil on your skin. If you notice that your T-Zone is getting a little shiny throughout the day, use blotting papers to absorb the excess shine without tampering with your perfectly applied makeup.
What to Avoid if You Have Combination Skin
If you’re someone who is constantly frustrated at the appearance and feel of your combination skin, then there are some things you need to change. Below are tips on what to avoid if you have combination skin and want to take good care of it.
- Avoid Facial Masks
The main reason people use facial masks is to help them lift all the toxins and impurities in their skin. When using a facial mask that needs to be layered on the skin, the best idea is to start with thinner, water-based formulas before moving to thicker ones. This is because certain face masks may affect your face’s already dry skin areas, making them even drier. Therefore it is safer to put face masks on the oily parts of the face and should only be left for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
You might think that using exfoliates or cleansers with harsh products like alcohol or sulfates will help your T-Zone, but in truth, they actually encourage it to produce more oil. Skincare products with harsh granules or chemicals can easily strip off your skin its natural oils. It is highly advisable to avoid skin care products containing alcohol as it has strong drying effects.
- Avoid Oil-Based Products
When shopping for skincare products for combination skin Malaysia, always buy products specifically manufactured for this skin type. Avoid petroleum-based moisturizers and oil-based cleansers and instead choose water-based, lightweight ones. These products tend to add more oil to your T-Zone area, which blocks your pores, making it highly prone to acne. Therefore, if you notice that the area around your eyes is dry and prone to wrinkles, use a separate moisturizer for the area. If you have combination skin, avoid products with oil as they can cause more problems and make your skin worse, and you need to avoid them.
- Avoid Skincare Products with Excessive Fragrances or other Irritants
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances in skincare products are one of the most common causes of allergic reactions in the skin. Excessively fragranced skincare products may smell lovely, but they may be disrupting your skin’s natural pH balance. Avoid buying fragranced skincare products like moisturizers and treatments that sit on your skin’s surface for long as they may be irritating.
The Best Skincare Products for Combination Skin
Are you looking for the best skin care product for combination skin Malaysia? Then you came to the right place!
Having combination skin means it has characteristics of both dry and oily skin. For this reason, you have to be careful with the products you decide to maintain that delicate skin balance. These products need to be gentle on the skin and should not contain any harsh chemicals or ingredients that will strip your skin of moisture or ramp up oil production, causing breakouts.
As for the best products to use, people might need to cocktail their skincare routine for combination skin. Here are some of the best skincare products for combination skin Malaysia.
1. Effective Cleanser for Combination Skin – NUTOX Youth Restoring Cleansing Foam
Buy the Effective Cleanser for Combination Skin NUTOX Youth Restoring Cleansing Foam that is gentle yet effective. It is a soft, mild cleansing agent with an amphoteric structure, meaning it contains both positively and negatively charged parts.
Formulated with sweet almond oil, the Effective Cleanser for Combination Skin NUTOX Youth Restoring Cleansing Foam cleanses and refreshes the skin while protecting it from any signs of aging. This cleanser is mainly solvent for ingredients that do not like to dissolve in oils but rather in water. It dissolves waterproof makeup and pore-clogging impurities without drying your skin.
2. Purifying Toner for Combination Skin – COSRX Clarifying Treatment Toner For Combination Skin
If you’re prone to breakouts, make the most of your cleansing routine by using high-quality products. This is the best toner for combination skin has a pleasant cooling sensation, excellent for tightening pores and soothing inflamed skin.
This clay exfoliating toner is made with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), and purifying botanical components to improve skin texture, vitality, and pore oil control. To soothe inflamed skin, it’s also packed with all-natural, skin-friendly ingredients. This product also hydrates and rejuvenates while discouraging acne, helping you achieve your skincare goals.
3. Lightweight Moisturizer for Combination Skin – Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin Lightweight Moisturizer is a clinically proven oil-absorbing dual-action product that controls shine in the T-Zone area. It’s a mild moisturizer designed for combination skin that helps control shine while leaving skin feeling softer and smoother.
This non-oily formula absorbs rapidly and does not clog pores, which can cause breakouts. Because of its MICRISPONGES technology, the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin hydrates dry areas without leaving them oily or glossy. It has a non-greasy formula that helps to maintain a natural, matte look throughout the day.
4. CeraVe, PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe’s PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a rich yet lightweight night moisturizer that uses patented technology to keep skin hydrated all night. Dermatologists developed the CeraVe, PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, containing three vital ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide in an oil-free, non-comedogenic solution.
Hyaluronic acid helps to preserve skin’s natural moisture, while niacinamide helps to soothe skin. Ceramides are lipids that makeup half of the lipids in the skin barrier and are present naturally in the skin.
The moisturizer lives up to its “lightweight” claim, sinking into the skin rather than leaving a thick, greasy layer. People with acne-prone skin can use the CeraVe, PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion to eliminate blemishes and leave their skin feeling nourished and smooth.
Conclusion
Combination skin means you have both oily and dry areas. Balancing both can be quite hard because you have to buy beauty products that will treat excessive oil production and dryness without affecting the other.
Now that you know the causes and signs for combination skin, you can go ahead and start your skincare routine. Get that radiant skin by treating your combination skin with care. Use the right beauty products and follow the best skincare routine for combination skin for a glowing complexion.
Did this guide help you learn the essential skincare tips for combination skin? Feel free to leave a comment and tell us about your experience with combination skin.
Frequently Asked Questions on Skincare for Combination Skin
1. Is Vitamin C good for combination skin?
Yes, Vitamin C is good for combination skin as it helps maintain the protective lipid barrier of the skin and increase moisture. As opposed to creams and oils, Vitamin C serum is perfectly balanced and light-weighted, making it easily and effectively absorbed by the skin. It helps to treat damaged skin as well as brighten it while improving its texture and health.
2. Is aloe vera good for combination skin?
Yes, Aloe Vera is good for combination skin and other skin types. This is because it contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which help treat acne, burns, dry skin, and other skin issues. Using Aloe Vera as an everyday cleanser can boost the blood flow in your skin and kill harmful bacteria.
3. Does combination skin need a toner?
Yes, combination skin needs a toner. A toner effectively clears pores and removes residual oil while also treating and hydrating the skin. With combination skin, you can use water, light-weight cleansers that get rid of impurities, dirt, and makeup while leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
4. What type of moisturizer is best for combination skin?
Combination skin types demand two types of moisturizers. You can apply a heavy, cream-based moisturizer on the dry parts of your face to hydrate your skin. On the oily parts, apply a lightweight moisturizer to help in controlling oil production on your face.
5. Can combination skin change to normal skin?
Yes, your skin can change from a combination to a normal skin type. Your skin type can change over time based on various factors like age, hormones, environmental factors, and other health-related issues. Your skin will show different characteristics than you’re used to during the transition periods.