Combination skin: how to recognize it?
Lucas PINOS
7 min
Summary
Are you wondering if you have combination skin ? It's entirely possible, as this skin type is one of the most common. Find out everything you need to know about combination skin to take care of it properly: definition, characteristics, causes, and consequences. "Knowledge is power!" said Bacon.
So here we go, we're taking back control. 💪🏼
Definition of combination skin
Combination skin is a skin type characterized by a combination of oily and dry or normal areas . This skin type is the result of uneven sebum production on different parts of the face.
What is combination skin?
Sebum is an essential fatty substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It creates a protective hydrolipidic film that helps maintain skin hydration.
Combination skin has more active sebaceous glands in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) than in the rest of the face. This area is prone to excess sebum, making it oilier and prone to blemishes.
In contrast, the cheeks, temples and eye area often have drier or normal skin, with tightness or a lack of hydration.
How to recognize combination skin?
To recognize combination skin , cleanse your face and observe how the different areas behave after about an hour. It is very likely that you have combination skin if:
Your T-zone starts to shine and become slightly oily,
Your cheeks remain dry or normal.
Another key indicator of this skin type is the presence of enlarged pores in the T-zone and tightness on the cheeks.
Normal to combination, combination to oily or dehydrated skin?
Does your skin seem to be in the middle of an existential dilemma? One day it behaves like normal skin, the next week it's bathed in oil, and the next month it suffers from dehydration? These variations aren't necessarily skin subtypes, but rather a reflection of the imbalances in your combination skin.
Let's take a closer look. 👀
Characteristics of combination skin
Combination skin reflects a delicate balance between two areas with very different needs. To maintain this balance, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each area.
Imbalance between dry and oily areas
Combination skin has a natural imbalance :
The T-zone tends to produce excess sebum.
The cheeks, temples, and eye area are often drier or normal.
The skin needs care adapted to the specific characteristics of each area: mattifying and purifying for oily areas and moisturizing for dry areas.
Contrasting texture and appearance
The contrast between shine and dryness makes combination skin uneven in texture and appearance.
In the T-zone, we observe the signs of overproduction of sebum:
Unwanted shine;
Enlarged and clogged pores;
Sometimes uneven skin texture and grain.
On the other hand, drier areas, such as the cheeks, present:
A finer texture;
A tendency towards dehydration, even flaking;
Tightness and redness;
Dull and tired skin.
Predisposition to imperfections
A major characteristic of combination skin is its predisposition to blemishes, particularly in the T-zone. Excess sebum creates a fertile ground: enlarged pores easily become clogged, leading to the formation of blackheads , pimples , and sometimes even mild acne .
On the other hand, dry areas of the face are often more sensitive and reactive and can develop redness and irritation , especially if they are not properly moisturized. In other words, pure bliss!
Because of this dual sensitivity , you need to be very careful when choosing your skincare products, so as not to exacerbate either of these problems.
Causes of combination skin
Why can't your skin just be normal? For once, you'd like to be normal. We get it. But it's not your fault—well, not entirely. 😊
Genetic factors
Your skin type is largely dictated by genetics. Genes influence how much sebum your skin produces and how it reacts to external aggressors. So you can add that to the long list of things to blame your parents for! 😉
Hormonal factors
Hormonal fluctuations , especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase sebum production in the T-zone. These tiny substances can turn your T-zone into an oil deposit. This is why combination skin is often more common in teenagers and young adults, but it can continue to haunt you well beyond that.
Diet
And then there's what you put on your plate. A diet high in fatty foods, refined sugars, or dairy can exacerbate skin problems and turn your face into a minefield. Conversely, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain a healthier balance. What you eat, your skin reflects—for better or for worse.
Environment and climate
The climate you live in can also influence your combination skin. A humid environment can cause overproduction of sebum, while a dry climate can aggravate dry areas on your face. Add to that pollution and smoking , which are harsh on the skin and stimulate sebum production, and you have skin that is constantly struggling to find balance.
Unsuitable care products
Finally, let's talk about unsuitable skincare products. Choosing the wrong product is a bit like adding fuel to a fire. Products that are too harsh can strip dry areas of moisture, destroy the hydrolipidic film , and signal to your skin that it needs to produce even more sebum to compensate.
The result? Even more unbalanced skin, with oily areas that sweat oil, and dry areas that cry out for food.
Tips for caring for combination skin
Combination skin is constantly seeking balance. You need to adopt a routine that balances the conflicting needs of each part of your face.
Cleaning routine
Cleanse your skin with a gentle product , such as a foam cleanser. It's important to regulate sebum without drying out dry areas to preserve your skin's natural balance.
Balanced hydration
Choose a light cream or moisturizing gel for the T-zone and a richer cream for the cheeks and temples. Make sure the products are non-comedogenic to nourish without clogging pores.
Use of mattifying products
To control T-zone shine, apply a mattifying lotion or serum. These products limit sebum production, but be careful not to overuse them or you risk drying out your skin too much. The product's effect could be reversed, and your sebaceous glands will respond to this dryness by overproducing sebum.
Gentle exfoliation
Stop scrubbing your skin with a pressure washer right away. Exfoliate once or twice a week with a light scrub or an enzymatic exfoliant to remove dead skin cells while respecting dry areas.
Masks and specific treatments
Use a purifying mask for the T-zone and a hydrating mask for the cheeks and temples. Alternating these treatments balances the different needs of your combination skin.
Precautions to take
Finally, here are some precautions to take:
Avoid products containing harsh ingredients like alcohol or sulfates, which can further disrupt your skin's balance.
Adapt your routine according to the seasons: in winter, choose richer creams to compensate for the cold and opt for light textures in summer.
Don't forget that during this time, our skin isn't forgetting to age. Use hyaluronic acid supplements to maintain your skin's hydration, tone, and elasticity from the inside out.
Caring for combination skin requires patience, but with the right routine, it's entirely possible to achieve beautiful skin: balanced, luminous, and blemish-free.
