Combination Skin

How can my skin be both oily and dry?

Of all skin types, combination skin is the most common but managing combination skin can be quite a balancing act. Generally, the T-zone (the forehead, down the nose and on the chin) produces excess oil and occasional blemishes. At the same time, less oil is produced in the cheek, eye and neck areas, causing possible dryness, tightness and fine lines.

As with other skin types and conditions, the cause of combination skin appears to be genetic. However, lifestyle, stress, diet, makeup and the environment can contribute to the imbalance. In addition, climate changes can cause combination skin to be drier during the cold, windy months and shinier with more breakouts during warmer, more humid seasons.

The Skin Test

  • Does your skin experience more oil and blemishes on the forehead, nose and chin than other areas?
  • Does your skin feel normal or dry and tight on your cheek and eye areas?
  • Is your skin drier in the winter and oilier in the summer?
  • Does your makeup become blotchy in the T-zone and disappear on your cheeks?

Expert guidance for combination skin

Daily gentle cleansing and exfoliating with a natural exfoliants such as AHAs or BHAs will help remove dull skin cells that contribute to dry skin and can clog pores in the oily T-zone.

Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that is non-comedogenic (won¡¦t clog pores) which will moisturise the drier areas without contributing to excess oil in the T-zone.

Apply a gentle cleansing mask once a week to the T-zone.

Ingredients such as natural clays, vitamin A and enzymes help to remove pore clogging oil and dead skin cells - the cause of skin breakouts.

Use an additional moisturiser or hydrating mask more often during harsh, winter months. Ensure they contain strengthening antioxidants.

Avoid sun exposure and apply a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide daily with a minimum SPF 30.

DRINK plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.

Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup which will not clog pores in the oily T-zone.

Light therapy can help moisturise and balance skin.