According to a 2005 article published by the National Library of Medicine, the combination skin type is most common . Moreover, it can change regionally and seasonally. Meaning that many of us will need a skincare routine for combination skin at certain times of the year.
But what exactly is combination skin? How do you identify whether you have combination skin? And what is the most effective way to use skincare for combination skin?
WHAT IS COMBINATION SKIN?
In the simplest of terms, combination skin can be defined by having signs of at least two different skin types at one time. The most common combination skin type includes areas of dry and oily skin. These are different in terms of brightness, shine, and breakouts and therefore, can require different skincare routines.
Many people with combination skin have excess oil on the T-zone. Covering the forehead, nose and chin but can have dry patches on the cheeks or other areas of the body. This oil is produced by sebaceous glands, which are found all over the body. However, they are greater in number on the face. With the Journal of Lipid Research stating a single centimetre square can contain up to 900 sebaceous glands. The natural oil produced, known as sebum, coats the skin, acting as a protective barrier. Whilst this can be good news for the skin, excess sebum production can lead to blackheads. Enlarged pores, and unwanted shine.
For those with combination skin, other areas may appear to be more dry, rough to the tough or even flaky. This can be caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, which prevents cell turnover from occurring regularly, leaving dead skin cells on the surface. Combination skin is often caused by genetics but can be created by external factors such as harsh chemicals. In addition, they can further dry out the skin whilst causing the overactive sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil, exacerbating the problem.
HOW TO USE SKINCARE FOR COMBINATION SKIN IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS
* Cleanse
Using a gentle cleanser over your whole body can remove any dirt. Whilst wiping away excess oils which have built up on the skin. This prevents sebum and dirt from becoming trapped in the pores, which can cause blackheads. Those with combination skin should look for a gentle cleanser which is suitable for all skin types. Allowing it to be used on both dry and oily areas without adding to the problem.
Malée’s Ochre Moisturising Shower Gel can be used daily to remove common impurities from the skin. Containing 100% natural active ingredients derived from plants. Toxins and dirt can be removed from the surface layer, whilst the addition of aloe vera helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. Fragranced with notes of cloves, cinnamon and petitgrain. The intriguing scent makes for a unique cleansing experience, elevating your daily routine. Your face should be cleansed twice a day. A deeper clean more beneficial in the evenings as the skin has been exposed to more external pollutants.
* Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation is incredibly important for those with dry skin. As dry areas are covered with layers of dead skin cells. Other skincare products such as moisturisers cannot penetrate and restore water or replenish lost nutrients. Those with oily skin should also exfoliate up to three times a week. Depending on skin sensitivity. Importantly, the excess oils can prevent regular cell turnover and dead skin cells can become trapped in the pores.
If you have combination skin, one option is to use products which contain salicylic acid. As it breaks down the lipids holding dead skin cells together. Alternatively, you can opt for a gentle skin scrub which removes dead skin cells to improve the texture, removing dull, dry skin. Malée’s Verdure Hydrating Body Scrub can be used as little as once a week to gently buff away dead skin cells. revealing the fresh, smooth, and healthy cells beneath. Our body scrub uses natural salt as the exfoliant. Also, it is enriched with natural oils sourced from plant life. Restoring nutrients, and promoting cell regeneration without exacerbating dry or oily skin.
* Moisturise
Although you may think that oily skin does not need to be moisturised, it is actually the opposite. Moisturiser works to rehydrate the skin and whilst oily areas have excess sebum, that does not mean their moisture levels are high too. Sebum production can be amplified when the skin becomes overly dry as the body attempts to compensate so restoring moisture to these areas can be just as beneficial as it is to dry skin.
Malée’s Verdure Hydrating Body Cream is light enough to use on combination skin, with the richness of a butter yet the non-greasy feel of a lotion. As with many good quality moisturisers, water is the main ingredient, and this penetrates the skin before becoming locked in, ensuring it reaches the areas which need it most. It contains no harsh chemicals which could further dry out problem areas, instead made with 100% natural ingredients. Plant-based natural oils are sourced from avocado, almond and wheat germ, each containing a range of vitamins and nutrients which replenish and revitalise the skin, resulting in a smooth, radiant complexion.
CONCLUSION
Combination skin is usually a mixture of dry and oily areas, which lead to different problems such as blemishes, flaky patches, and unwanted shine. To use skincare for combination skin, you should opt for a gentle cleanser which removes the excess oils and dirt that can become trapped in the pores. Both areas of the skin can be gently exfoliated to promote cell turnover and a lightweight moisturiser can be used all over the body to hydrate and restore, which could lead to great long-term results.
