When it comes to treating combination skin, genetics play a role in having oily and dry skin. With combination skin types, there are an increased number of sebaceous glands within the T-zone area that causes oily skin.

As a refresher, the sebaceous glands are responsible for creating sebum which keeps the skin soft and supple. The glands within the T-zone tend to be more active compared to anywhere else on the skin, leading to excess oil and contributing to the occasional breakout.

Environmental factors can also trigger skin issues related to combination skin, including acne breakouts to dryness. Lifestyle habits, seasonal changes to using irritating products that contain drying ingredients can trigger your combination skin to produce excess sebum and oily skin, worsen breakouts within the T-zone, while drying out other parts of your face.

The key to treating combination skin types all comes down to balance when developing a combination skin care routine. Not too little, not too much. Offer moisture to much-needed dry areas without increasing shine and oil to others. Some basic steps can be a simple case of the following tips:

Avoid makeup and facial creams that clog the pores: Look to products that are non-comedogenic. These are specially formulated to not block your pores and cause breakouts. Excess oil is a common with combination skin, so it is important to control the effects of this by using the right products. You may find that the finish of your makeup can emphasise the uneven skin tone or skin texture.

Use two different moisturisers: You may benefit from using two types of moisturisers. Use a heavy, cream-based moisturiser to combat the drier portions on the cheeks and jawline. Use a lighter, water-based moisturiser around the T-zone to keep skin supple without overloading on the shine. The key is to find products that will help the skin retain moisture so you don't have dry patches or areas with excess sebum.

Don’t forget to exfoliate: For combination skin skin care, this is a crucial tip. Exfoliating regularly will open up and clear out clogged pores in the oily sections of the face, but allowing moisture to penetrate dry areas on the skin. With combination skin, it is common to have lots of dead skin cells that can become trapped by the oily areas and other products.

It is best to start with a gentle cleanser that does not shock the combination skin you have. Gentle cleansers will also help maintain the balance before targeting specific areas.

Combination Skin Types: The Features

Combination skin is the most common type of skin out there. If your T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) appear oily but cheeks and jaw appear flaky and dry, then you have classic combination skin.

• Appearance of an oily T-zone
• Flaky, dry patches on the cheeks and jaw
• Blackheads occur the same time as flakiness
• Enlarged pores around the nose
• Localised acne breakouts

Boniik’s Shopping Tips for Combination Skin, Skin Care

As we covered, it’s all about finding the right balance when it comes to shopping combination skin care treatments to develop a routine combination skin. While you aren’t short of skin care options, it is best to find options that can simultaneously target problem areas, maintain the skin's natural moisture, and combat signs of ageing.

When it comes to specific skin care products, we suggest lightweight “hydrating gels”, “skin revitalising cleanser and toners”, “gentle exfoliating scrubs” and targeting pore cleansers that simultaneously dissolve oils, impurities and remove dead skin cells while locking in moisture to the skin.

Should your combination skin be on the drier side when seasons change, you can swap out the lighter, face-revitalising gels with heavier products such as day creams and facial oils to treat the dry areas.

To prevent overloading the skin with oil, opt for oil-free formulas that you can comfortably use on the entire face. We also recommend avoiding soaps for combination skin which contain synthetic ingredients that dry out the face, and cause breakouts.

Additionally, using oil-soluble products on sebum excessive areas will maintain your skin’s oil production.

Crucial ingredients to look out for when shopping for combination skin, skin care products:

• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic acid
• Peptides

At BONIIK we are determined to have you feeling confident in your own skin! Unsure about your specific skin type and the skin issues you should treat first? Find out your specific skin type before you embark on your journey for healthy, acne-free skin!