Combination or oily skin? How to tell the difference and choose the right skincare products?
Camille VALLOIS
6 min
Summary
It can be difficult to differentiate between combination and oily skin. However, it's an important concept for choosing the right skincare products and adapting your skincare routine to your skin type. So how can you avoid confusing oily and combination skin? Here are all the explanations to help you choose the right skincare products.
Combination or oily skin: what are the differences?
It's not always easy to distinguish between oily and combination skin. However, it's important to identify your skin type to choose the right skincare for your needs. To do this, you need to know the difference between the signs of oily and combination skin.
👀 So, take the time to observe your skin and the evolution of its sebum production throughout the day, because it can vary.
Oily skin: main characteristics
Oily skin secretes excess sebum all over the face. It has a shiny appearance, enlarged pores and often feels oily to the touch. Prone to blackheads, pimples and blemishes, it can appear thick and makeup rarely lasts all day. On the other hand, it will be less marked by the natural aging process thanks to good hydration and elasticity.
Combination skin: main characteristics
Combination skin combines oily and dry areas. Sebum concentrates in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), which becomes shiny with more visible pores. The cheeks, on the other hand, are normal to dry, sometimes prone to dehydration, redness, and localized pimples. This combination can lead to feelings of discomfort, such as tightness and itching.
Is it easy to confuse oily skin with combination skin?
It is possible to confuse oily and combination skin , because some areas of combination skin can be excessively oily, such as the T-zone. It could therefore be confused with oily skin, but drier cheeks will reveal the combination nature of the skin. Confusion can lead to the use of unsuitable skincare for your skin type. It will then be necessary to carefully observe each area of the face to adopt the right skincare routine.
How to identify your skin type without making a mistake?
To identify your skin type without making a mistake and to differentiate between combination and oily skin, there are a few telltale signs that will help you easily define the appearance of your skin.
So, observe and feel to define the appearance of your skin.
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Notice the shine all over your face and throughout the day.
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Study the evolution of sebum during the day and over several days.
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Identify oily areas , which can be targeted just on the T-zone for combination skin or all over the face for oilier skin.
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A regular feeling of tightness in the cheeks and itching in the nostrils can be a sign of combination skin.
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Very supple skin after cleansing is skin that tends to be oily.
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Conversely, a tingling and discomfort sensation immediately after cleansing may indicate combination skin.
Routine and care adapted to each skin type
Gentle but effective cleansing
A good cleanse should purify the skin without stripping it. Cleansers that are too harsh can unbalance combination or oily skin by limiting sebum production and further drying out the face.🦎
For combination skin, choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that removes impurities while keeping non-oily areas moisturized to prevent tightness. It's essential to maintain a balance between oily and dry areas.
For oily skin, choose a purifying gel with zinc, salicylic acid, or niacinamide. These active ingredients help regulate sebum, unclog pores, and prevent blemishes without irritating the skin.
Balanced hydration: the trap to avoid
A common misconception is that oily skin doesn't need hydration. On the contrary, poorly hydrated skin produces even more sebum. You can look for products enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to hydrate while regulating sebum.
🤓 Just use the right moisturizer depending on its texture and that of your combination or oily skin.
For combination skin, choose a light emulsion or moisturizing fluid that nourishes without weighing it down. It will moisturize without overloading oily areas and relieve irritation.
For oily skin, opt for non-comedogenic gels and favor "oil-free" products to avoid textures that are too greasy or too thick.
Exfoliation: regulate without attacking
Whether your skin is combination or oily, facial exfoliation is essential for:
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eliminate dead cells,
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refine skin texture
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and regulate sebum.
It also needs to be adapted to each skin type to avoid irritation. Favor gentle exfoliation 1 to 2 times a week with AHAs (fruit or milk acids), which smooth the skin while respecting sensitive areas for combination skin.
Oily skin may benefit from BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid. They penetrate deep, unclog pores, and help prevent breakouts and blackheads without damaging the skin.
Mattify without suffocating the skin
Mattifiers are used to reduce the appearance of oiliness and excess sebum. For oily or combination skin, the type of product and application method differ.
For combination skin, apply light powders only to the T-zone to control shine without drying out the cheeks. Avoid overusing mattifying powders, as they can disrupt and stimulate sebum production.
People with oily skin can opt for treatments containing silica or clay, which are known to effectively absorb excess sebum from the entire face while allowing the skin to breathe.
Adopt the right actions every day
Taking care of your oily or combination skin also means adopting good habits every day:
🫸 Avoid touching your face to limit the spread of bacteria and the appearance of pimples.
🌞 Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect your skin without increasing shine.
💧 Drinking enough water helps limit dehydration in combination skin and regulate sebum in oily skin.
🥦 Rebalance your diet by reducing fast sugars and saturated fats. Foods rich in omega-3s, such as oily fish, nuts, and avocados, preserve the appearance of your skin.
🌡️ Regulating stress levels can also directly influence skin condition by stimulating sebum production.
🌨️ Adapt your skincare according to the seasons, because the appearance of the skin can change depending on the seasons. It will therefore be necessary to protect your skin more from the cold, or to mattify it in the summer.
You now have all the information you need to understand and identify your oily or combination skin type and choose the right skincare products. Observation is an essential step in identifying your skin type. Then, follow a few rules of good practice, such as moisturizing and cleansing your face.
