Did you know that combination skin is typically the most widely self-identified skin type? So if you think you have combination skin, you're in the majority!
What is combination skin?
A common misconception about combination skin is that it's simply a mix of oily and dry skin. Yes, this is combination skin, but actually a wider range of varying levels of lipid production is considered combination skin. For example, if someone has normal to dry skin in some areas but normal to oily skin in other areas, that is also combination skin. Or if someone has normal to oily skin in some areas and very oily skin in other areas, that is also combination skin. Or if someone has slightly oily skin in some spots and extremely oily skin in others, that would also be considered combination skin.
Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that the skin on the face is not uniform in terms of natural lipid production and therefore, special attention might be needed on some areas of the face.
Wait, but do I know if my skin is dry, oily, very oily, normal and so forth?
Another common misconception is that the T-zone is always the oily spot. And that if one has blackheads or pimples, then that area must be oily. This isn't always the case. Some people have oilier skin on the cheeks. And some people have persistent blackheads even if their skin is dry.
The best way to determine your skin type is actually observing the level of lipid production. How much oil / sebum our skin naturally produces is largely based on genes, though things can swing one way or the other based on how we care for our skin.
Here's an easy way to determine your skin type on various areas of your face. Cleanse your face in the morning and then conduct the 10-minute, 1-hour, 3-hour and then mid-day test. See what your skin feels like after 10 minutes post washing without applying any of your skincare products. If your skin is uncomfortable and tight, your skin is dry. And of course there are varying degrees of dry. If your skin is starting to look a bit oilier, you likely have some degree of oily skin. If your skin is relatively smooth sailing and feels comfortable and relatively supple without shine (even if you feel that of course you'd benefit from the rest of your routine), you likely have normal, well-balanced skin. Now proceed with the rest of your routine but avoid heavily hydrating oils or heavily mattifying products. At the 1-hour, 3-hour and mid-day mark, observing your skin can reveal just how dry or oily your skin might be. If after one hour, your skin has a lot of shine, you're likely on the very oily side versus someone who may only notice some shine starting mid-day.
And you would observe this for various parts of your face. This way you'll be able to pinpoint that your skin is actually oily on the cheeks for example and dry in the T-zone even if you're struggling with blackheads on the nose.
How to address combination skin?
Depending on the type of combination skin you are, there are specific ways to combat extreme dryness or oiliness for example. However, all kinds of combination skin benefits from the following:
Gentle and thorough cleansing - Opt for a low pH, non-stripping cleanser to keep skin barrier respected while cleansing down to pores with the Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser. No matter how much lipid production you have, using a harsh cleanser can lead to irritation and a weakened protective skin barrier.
Deep hydration - Both oily and dry skin and everything in between needs ample hydration within skin as the moisture content helps keep skin operating in an optimal way. Dehydration can lead to many skin issues, so using a well-absorbing, non-irritating serum like the Glass Skin Refining Serum that's formulated to impart deep and lasting hydration is key.
A thriving skin microbiome - Our skin microbiome is essential to our skin thriving no matter our skin type. Pre and probiotics have been studied to help our microbiome thrive. The Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer includes a vegan pre and probiotic complex to help fortify and balance skin's natural oils.
By using gentle cleansers, keeping skin deeply hydrated and considering your skin's microbiome, combination skin can become visibly more balanced.
We hope this breakdown of combination skin was helpful, Peaches. Please let us know below if you have any questions!
Cheers to radiance!
