Skincare tips for combination skin type

 A skincare routine for combination skin is a little tricky but surely not rocket science. As the name suggests, combination skin is a combination of dry and oily skin. So, in order to curate a routine one needs to borrow the best practices from both worlds. But first, let’s learn more about it.

What is Combination Skin?

Everyone has a unique skin type. Depending on the major characteristics, it is broadly divided into five categories: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. If your skin tends to get dry after cleansing, you have dry skin. If it is greasy even after washing, you have oily skin. However, if you feel both symptoms at the same time, you have combination skin type.

Since the oil-secreting glands, called sebaceous glands that are spread unevenly across our skin; it tends to make some part of the skin oilier than the others. The most popular pattern seen in combination skin type is an oily T-zone (forehead and nose) with dry or normal cheeks. However, it may vary from person to person.

What Causes Combination Skin?

There is no absolute cause for combination skin type. Fundamentally, it is predetermined and based on genetics. However, change in weather, dietary habits, change in hormonal levels and medications may alter your skin type to a great extent. 

How to determine Combination Skin?

Combination skin may appear different for different people. It is not always a 1:1 oily to dry ratio. The oily zones and the dry zones can vary due to internal and external factors from person to person. However, there are a couple of signs to self diagnose your skin type. 

People with combination skin type will have both oily and dry skin concerns. Such as,

DRY SKIN SIGNS 

• Excessive Tightness
• Roughness
• Flaking
• Chapped skin

OILY SKIN SIGNS

• Shiny Appearance
• Greasy Feel
• Large Pores
• Acne

Skincare for Combination Skin

A combination skincare routine is a specially designed step by step procedure that takes care of both - dry and oily parts of the face. It helps to take away excess oil while moisturizing the dry patches of your skin. 

Here are some tips for taking care of your skin and the science that goes behind them -

USE A GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

Cleansing is the first and foremost step in any skincare routine. In case of a combination skin care routine, you need to cleanse off the excess oil while gently cleaning the drier regions of the skin. For this, you need a gentle and effective cleanser. Such as an  Avocado and Tea Tree Oil Face Wash which has the goodness of the super-fruit Avocado and the antibacterial properties of Tea Tree Oil. It is light on skin but cleanses it thoroughly.  

GENTLY EXFOLIATE

The hustle and bustle of the day takes a toll on your skin. Pollution, dirt, oil, flakiness, dead skin and grime form a layer on your skin. This clogs pores and causes acne. The drier regions means pores are clogged by the dead cells; and oily regions are sign of excess sebum. So, to save yourself from painful acne, you must exfoliate regularly. The exfoliator we recommend for combination skin type is gentle and filled with natural ingredients to moisture the skin. Such as, The Beauty Sailor’s Coffee Face Scrub which has moisturizing properties of coconut oil, sunflower oil, glycerin and beeswax; along with the gritty texture of walnuts and cocoa powder for deep yet tender exfoliation.  

HYDRATE YOUR SKIN

Water is as essential for your skin as it is for your body. Dehydration causes severe skin problems from loss of collagen, degeneration of skin cells, excessive dryness, to dullness. If you have combination skin, you must hydrate your skin well to moisturize the dry parts and boost skin cell regeneration. To hydrate your skin, you must maintain a healthy water intake and can use humectants such as Hyaluronic Acid topically. Hyaluronic Acid attracts water molecules and can hold more than 100x its own weight. 

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE EXCESSIVELY

Our hands are carrier of germs as they touch various surfaces throughout the day. If you touch your face excessively, the germs get transferred onto your skin. As dry skin is prone to inflammation and rashes; and large pores can offer pathways into the skin to the germs. It is highly important to maintain face hygiene. 

BLOT AWAY THE OIL

Repeated cleansing of the face may cause dryness on other parts of the face. Instead, use a blotting paper or a soft tissue to remove excess oil from your oily zones. This will keep your skin matte and won’t tear away the little moisture of the drier areas. 

MASKS ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS

Masks are a super comforting and pampering way to treat your skin concerns. We recommend masks in gel or cream form because their application is totally in control of your hands; they are the best skincare treatment for combination skin. You can use a variety of face masks at the same time on your face. We recommend using a nourishing and hydrating face mask for your drier areas. Look for masks with ingredients like Vitamin E, Glycerin and Caramel that are mild and nourishing. For the oilier parts of your face, use a clay-based face mask as it helps to remove all the excess oil from your skin. 

The Beauty Sailor

Last but not the least, whatever skin type you have, it requires immense love and patience. So, suit it up with skincare and remember to relax every now and then; celebrate your unique skin type as each type is beautiful.