Combination skin is probably the most complicated one in terms of skincare. With many brands and products in the cosmetics market, searching for the suitable options may feel overwhelming. To help you avoid not-so-innocent cosmetic tests, let’s talk about the skincare priorities of a combination type, what ingredients to look for, and how to build a balanced, beneficial regimen.
What is combination skin?
People with combination skin have two or more skin types presented on their face. Skin condition may vary from season to season. Usually, combination skin is characterized by excessive sebum secretion and enlarged pores in the T-zone.
People with combination skin may experience difficulties in finding the right skincare and beauty cosmetics. Balance is the key: you should look for the products that provide extra hydration to dry areas and don’t add oiliness to your T-zone.
What are the specifics of a combo type skincare routine?
Combination skincare routine should solve two main tasks at once – intensely moisturize and regulate sebum production.
Season plays a big role here. For example, in winter time, when going outside, use a thicker cream with a matting effect. When staying indoors, a light moisturizer or cream-gel is preferable. Therefore, people with combination skin usually need two different creams. Both products should provide good amounts of moisture, as dehydration will increase dryness and stimulate sebum production.
To regulate the work of the sebaceous glands, use toner with AHA acids on your T-zone before applying the moisturizer.
Generally, combination skincare regimen includes the same basic steps as any other – cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. The only difference is that a person should combine two creams to ensure the skin gets the specific care it needs. For example, matting for the daytime, and hydrating for the nighttime.
Weekly exfoliation should also be included, as it will help to remove dead skin cells and clean the pores.
Which ingredients are the most beneficial for combo skin moisturizing?
The cream shouldn’t be too oily. It is better to give preference to products with light textures that are quickly absorbed: fluids, cream-gels, gels, or serums. Combination skin is often prone to acne breakouts. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the anti-inflammatory ingredients in the composition, like Сhamomilla Recutita extract, Сalendula Officinalis Flower extract, and Lamium Album Flower extract.
The primary ingredients to look for moisturizing are:
Aloe Barbadensis (aloe) leaf extract – it has hydrating, regenerating, and anti-inflammatory properties;
Рisum Sativum (pea) extract – it has antioxidant and moisturizing properties;
Echinacea Angustifolia extract – it has moisturizing, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory properties;
Сamellia Sinensis leaf extract – it has antiseptic and antioxidant properties, strengthens blood vessels and capillaries walls.
Another popular and helpful ingredient is Niacinamide. Next to hydrating, brightening, and revitalizing effects, it’s known for sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Two classic moisturizers used in cosmetics are hyaluronic acid and collagen. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, and is also known to promote collagen synthesis. Collagen reduces transepidermal water loss. It’s hygroscopic and can attract and retain moisture.
Which ingredients are a no-go for combo skin?
Oils are used as nourishing, antioxidant ingredients in creams and face masks. But some oils are not suitable for certain skin types, and moreover, they can be comedogenic. Comedogenicity is the ability of a substance to clog pores and cause blackheads.
The most comedogenic oils that don’t go well with combination skin type are cacao oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and wheat germ oil. Moderately comedogenic oils may be a fit depending on individual skin condition: corn oil, almond oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, soybean oil, apricot oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil.
Among other comedogenic cosmetics ingredients you should avoid are Lanolin Acid, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristat, Isopropyl Linoleate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Myristyl Lactate, Myristyl Myristate, Laureth-4, Oleyl Alcohol, and Octyl Palmitate.