Have you ever looked at a mirror and saw that in some areas your skin looks perfectly fine while in others it looks very oily? If so, then you may have combination skin.
Seeing this for the first time may seem confusing, but don’t you worry! With the proper guidance, products, and skincare routine, achieving balance can be a breeze.
What is Combination Skin?
Combination skin is a skin type where you would have dry skin in some areas of your face while having oily skin in others. Usually, the oily areas of your skin would be the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin) while the rest of your face would be dry or normal.
The shiny and greasy look within the oily areas is caused by excessive sebum production from the sebaceous gland. The dry areas are usually caused by a lack of oil production which can make it look dry and flaky. Combination skin is mainly inherited but other factors like hormones, the environment, and using incorrect products could also cause or worsen the condition.
How to know if you have combination skin?
There are several ways you can use to determine if you have combination skin. It is also important for you to determine if you have this skin type in order to have the proper skincare routine.
Feeling your skin
With clean hands, gently feel the different areas of your skin. Fell through your skin especially your T-zone but you can also have dry and oily regions on different areas of your skin.
Looking at your pores
The size and characteristic of your pores can tell a lot about what your skin type might be. Combination skin tends to have large pores around the nose and smaller pores on the rest of your face.
Breakouts and dryness
If you have bad breakouts at the same time having dry and flaky areas in your face, you have combination type skin.
Results of moisturizers
When you apply a normal moisturizer, you could see its effects on your skin. If you have combination skin, it would feel normal on some areas of your face while having a very oily surface on some.
How your skin feels after washing
After washing or doing your skincare routine, some areas would feel very smooth and refreshed while the other areas would feel very tight and dry, then you may have combination skin.
Basic Skin Care for Combination Skin
Taking care of combination skin is no easy task. With having both dry and oily features in your face, it would be best to stick to a skincare regimen that would cater to both these conditions. Here are some steps that can help you in keeping your skin healthy and positively glowing.
Use a gentle cleanser
The good kind of cleanser for combination skin is one that can clean and mattify your T-zone and neutralize oily areas without dehydrating your cheeks.
Apply a non-irritating toner
A well-formulated toner keeps your skin healthy and well moisturized. Look for one that can nourish your skin and minimize the oil already present in your face.
Moisturize
No matter what skin type, it is always good to keep your skin well-hydrated and moisturized. However, when choosing a product, stick to an oil-free moisturizer that can hydrate your skin without adding any more grease in your oily areas.
Exfoliate
An exfoliant works to help shed dead skin that lingers on the surface of your face and is a must for keeping your complexion from looking dull. However, you should also remember not to over-exfoliate as it can cause skin irritation and inflammation. For combination skin, two to three times a week is recommended.
Apply Serums
Serums are lightweight moisturizers that have a higher concentration of active ingredients than a facial moisturizer. AHA and BHA serums are effective in minimizing pores and brightening dull skin.
If you are acne-prone, a BHA moisturizer will work best for you. Another kind is the retinol serum which works to even out skin tone, stimulate collagen, and minimize wrinkles. Retinol serum can be used by all skin types.
Protect with yourself with sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential in protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. That’s why it is always good to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days as clouds don’t block UV rays from penetrating your skin.
Why are Korean Oil Cleansers the Best
With its powerful advantage over water-based cleansers, Korean Oil cleaners are rising in popularity across the globe. Oil-based cleansers mix well with other oils and are able to effectively remove sebum and most makeup products.
Korean skincare routines start with a ‘double cleansing technique’. This method involves washing your face twice, first with an oil-based cleanser then by a foam cleanser to remove any excess oil.
Types of Cleansers
Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansers are effective in clearing oil found in make-up and excess sebum that lingers in your face. They also replace the sebum and can soothe and hydrate the skin, making it softer. Oil cleansers don’t introduce harsh chemicals, which makes your face healthier and fresher compared to using other, more rash, methods.
Foam Cleansers
Foam cleansers build a layer of foam that can go deep into the skin and is effective in removing oil, make-up, and other impurities. They work best if you have oily or acne-prone skin but are not recommended if you have dry skin; this is because they are designed to slightly dehydrate the skin. However, some foam cleansers are filled with emollients that give your skin moisture.
Cleansing Water
Cleansing water is simply purified water infused with other ingredients like plant extracts, minerals, and collagen. Depending on the ingredients used, it can give your skin plump hydration, and freshness. It is sometimes confused with water-based cleansers, but they are very different products. Water-based cleansers have water as their main ingredient fit for oily skin types, but the difference lies within the form that they take, which is usually foam or gel.
Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Combination Skin
Nature Republic Forest Garden Argan Cleansing Oil
Perfect for all skin types, this cleansing oil is made with Jeju sparkling water, Jojoba Oil, and Argan Oil. These ingredients work together in order to ease inflammation, control acne breakouts, and ultimately balance your skin tone for a radiant glow.
MISSHA M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil
With its powerful but skin-friendly formulation, the MISSHA Deep Cleansing oil can effectively remove waterproof make-up, grease, dirt, and other residues. It also contains Nourishing Botanicals and antioxidant oils that moisturizes your skin and leaves it soft and clean. In addition, the cleansing oil is water-soluble and non-greasy, which makes for an easy and convenient use.
Banila Co New Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Deeply cleaning your skin without interrupting its natural moisture balance, the Zero Balance technology is formulated with active botanicals, hot spring water, and Vitamins C & E. This product is great for instantly removing make-up and moisturizing your skin, keeping a soft and healthy complexion.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Make your skin look healthy and young again with this deep cleansing oil. Using a unique water-soluble formula, this Deep cleansing oil can thoroughly rinse all traces of dirt, cosmetics, and waterproof mascara while nurturing your skin with its vitamins and antioxidants.
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Featuring a unique set of ingredients composed of Black Bean, Black Sesame, and Black currant seed. This natural cleansing oil offers a lot in combating many skin problems but still be able to give gentle care, even for those who have sensitive skin.
The Face Shop Light Cleansing Oil
With rice water as a key ingredient, this cleansing oil is packed with vitamins A,B, and E. It also contains Ceramide and minerals to nourish and give your skin a soft and supple tone with a bright shine.
Our Pick
We highly recommend the Banila Co. Cleansing Balm, a small amount of this oil cleanser can gently lift off the excess oil from your skin as well as strip off thick layers of makeup without the harsh rubbing of cotton pads. We also highly suggest that you get the Klairs Black Deep Cleansing Oil since it really helps in dealing with a lot of skincare problems.
Best Korean Foam Cleanser for Combination Skin
Holika Holika Aloe Facial Cleansing Foam
By maximizing the power of aloe vera, this product can absorb into your skin 4 times faster than water. This gives it the ability to clean deep into your pores while providing the proper hydration for your skin and leave your face with a very moisturized feel.
Etude House Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam
If you’re having trouble with cleaning BB cream residues, then this is the perfect product for you. With a triple-power cleansing, it can completely and easily remove long-wearing BB cream residues. The rice bran, baking powder, and silica found within its ingredients are also great in clearing out dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities lying on your skin.
SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Having a slightly acidic formulation, this cleanser is a must for healing dry, damaged, and irritated skin. This is best if you have Alkaline skin conditions as it relieves your weakened and/or exposed skin. This product is also hypoallergenic tested and is safe for sensitive skin.
Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
This powerful cleansing product can solve many problems you might have on your skin that minimizes its use of artificial ingredients to give you a natural cleansing. It offers deep cleaning on your pores, solution for dry and sensitive skin, and gives a soothing moisturizing effect to keep your skin smooth and healthy.
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
Featuring a Jeju Volcanic cluster in its formulation, this cleansing foam is excellent in removing excess sebum present in your face and is highly recommended for those who have very oily skin but not for those who have already dry skin. With only a small amount, this product is already effective in purifying your pores.
Mamonde Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser Facial Cleansing Wash
With a sweet floral aroma and the petals infused in this cleanser, it is truly a one-of-a-kind product. Not only that, but it is also designed with a ‘double-cleanse’ formula, combining oil and foam for a double cleansing action. Its water-soluble component is good for removing base make-up and residue while giving moisture to your skin.
Our Pick
We highly recommend the Mamonde Facial Wash, this product is super effective in cleaning out dirt and make-up in your skin, and the smell is just simply amazing. We also highly suggest you get the Holika Holika Cleansing Foam as it really helps to keep your skin moisturized.
Best Korean Cleansing Water for Combination Skin
Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Cleansing Water
By using the properties of blueberry extract, this product works to balance the oil and moisture content of your skin. It is effective in removing dirt, skin impurities, and makeup residues. Its anti-oxidative action also keeps your skin healthy and moisturized.
Mizon Micellar Cleansing Water with Probiotics
Give yourself defense from dirt and free radicals with this Mizon Cleansing Water. This jam-packed cleanser uses probiotics to help in skin balance and ensure an optimal enhancement of your skin barrier. It also contains a 3 in 1 action that cleanses waste, exfoliates, and moisturizes to keep your skin clean and hydrated.
SoonJung 5.5 Cleansing Water
Give yourself defense from dirt and free radicals with this Mizon Cleansing Water. This jam-packed cleanser uses probiotics to help in skin balance and ensure an optimal enhancement of your skin barrier. It also contains a 3 in 1 action that cleanses waste, exfoliates, and moisturizes to keep your skin clean and hydrated.
Nature Republic Jeju Sparkling Cleansing Water
Experience the feel of nature with this Jeju Cleansing water. Using this product will make your face smooth and soft and really give you a younger look. Its gentle and calming aroma also helps you relax after a stressful day.
SKINFOOD Rice Daily Cleansing Water
By utilizing the benefits of rice water, you can achieve a bright and nourished skin tone by using the SKINFOOD rice cleansing water. This mild cleansing water keeps your skin soft and moisturized while removing any impurities without having to double cleanse.
The SAEM Healing Tea Garden Cleansing Water
With a very gentle and skin-friendly formula, this product is effective cleansing water for all skin types. It contains Australian tea tree oil which is effective for removing excess sebum in your pores and other flower extracts to soothe and refresh your skin.
Our Pick
The SAEM Cleansing Water is a product that we highly recommend. It is infused with many natural ingredients, making it very gentle and soft on the skin, and is effective in removing make-up without making your skin dry or becoming oily. We also highly recommend you get the SoonJung 5.5 Cleansing Water as it is effective in strengthening the protective layers of your skin while keeping it moist.