Hi beauties! If you have combination skin, you can understand the struggle in trying to find beauty products that won’t clash with your different skin textures. We want to help you through it by giving you some tips and tricks that we’ve discovered over the years. Understanding your skin type is the first step in developing the best skincare routine for you.
What is combination skin?
You have combination skin if you have both oily and dry areas on your face. Combination skin can be tricky to navigate because you have to address different skin concerns for different parts of your face at the same time. A common sign that you have combination skin is if your T-zone (the forehead, inner cheeks, nose and chin) is oily but the rest of your face is dry.
What causes combination skin?
Combination skin can be the result of a variety of factors including: genetics, the climate, and hormonal influences. It can also worsen depending on the products you put on your skin. When it comes to this skin type, balancing your oil production is key!
Here are some suggestions for treating combination skin:
1. Use acid-based products on your T-zone
We recommend using a BHA exfoliant on the oily areas of your face. Since BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is oil-soluble, it can easily penetrate and unclog your pores. This results in less oil build-up and less breakouts.
Tip: A salicylic acid cleanser is a type of BHA product that can reduce excess sebum.
2. Go for neutral products or use separate products
Avoid harsh products that can exacerbate the dry areas of your skin by stripping away its natural oils (Yes, that means no apricot scrubs). You should also be careful not to use products that are too thick because it may lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
You can also use a lightweight moisturizer on your T-zone and a richer moisturizer on the dry parts of your skin for that extra needed hydration. Also, note that products with a thinner formula can be used on the whole face because they layer well. You can then apply an emollient product ie. serums or facial oils like Bulan Facial Oil on the drier areas.
Tip: Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that hydrates skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
3. Use blotting paper
Blotting paper is super useful for reducing shine and absorbing excess sebum. Keep them on hand for when your T-zone is looking extra shiny.
4. Use spot treatments
Keyword: spot treatment. Only apply them on problem areas to avoid irritation. It can be tempting to apply them on the rest of your face to prevent future breakouts, but these treatments may lead to excessive peeling and redness on your dry areas.
5. Double cleanse
It’s important to thoroughly wash your face using two types of cleansers. Oil-based and water-based products target different types of impurities.
Start with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to break down sebum, waterproof makeup, and sunscreen. Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to get rid of the left over residue.
Tip: Massage cleanser into skin and wash off with lukewarm water to prevent your skin from drying out.
6. Adding Facial Oils
Use non-comedogenic facial oils that helps to balance out your oil production and moisturize your dry areas. Bulan Balancing Facial Oil is a great oil to help with combination skin. Use it as the last step in your skincare routine to help lock in moisture and control oil production.
Written by: Anna Ky