No matter how much people who have been struggling with combination skin for years may think that everyone around them has it easier because no one else is such a complicated case, the truth is different. Dear ones with combination skin, know that you are not alone! Faces with combination skin are more common than we think because combination skin is one of the most common skin types, and research has long established that this type predominates among Europeans. The reasons why someone, perhaps you, have combination skin are usually genetic, but changes in skin type can also occur due to hormones, stress, age... But let's go step by step.

WHAT IS COMBINATION SKIN AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

Combination skin means that two or more skin types appear or are combined on the face, meaning that some parts of the face are dry (or normal) while other parts are oily. The most common combination in this coexistence of different skin types is when the cheeks are dry, and the so-called T-zone, which covers the central part of the face, forehead, nose, and chin, is oily.

HOW DOES COMBINATION SKIN WORK?

In the area of ​​the mentioned T-zone, the sebaceous glands are more active than on the rest of the face. This is also the reason why the pores in the T-zone are often enlarged, and this area is prone to inflammatory processes, blackheads, pimples, and acne. At the same time, in the case of combination skin, dry skin is most commonly found on the cheeks, which can cause this part of the face to flake, tighten, leave an impression of fragility, and rosacea may also appear.

IS COMBINATION SKIN THE WORST TYPE?

Although it is a demanding skin type, considering that there are several possible combinations of different skin types and conditions, there is no reason for excessive concern, especially not to conclude that it is the worst skin type. Combination skin requires a complex approach and careful care, but a routine, balance, and consistency will solve every problem.

CAN WE TURN OUR SKIN INTO A COMBINATION TYPE OURSELVES?

Unfortunately, we can, and completely unintentionally. So, a person with normal skin, which is the ideal skin type because it is balanced, neither too oily nor too dry, can turn it into combination skin, which is much more demanding, by choosing the wrong skincare products. If this is not noticed in time, we will realize that something unplanned has happened when the T-zone starts to excessively secrete oil, while the skin on the rest of the face begins to tighten due to dryness. It may seem to us that this happened suddenly, but, of course, it is not. The skin remembers, so it has also remembered the irritating ingredients of unsuitable products we have used. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully observe all skin reactions and act immediately when something bad is noticed.

SEVEN STEPS IN THE CARE OF COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin requires a carefully thought-out skincare routine, which will, on the one hand, reduce the intensity of oiliness and, on the other hand, the intensity of facial dryness. That is, to properly care for combination skin, you must roughly know how to care for oily and dry skin and then combine all that knowledge and apply it separately to oily and dry parts of the skin. Although it may seem complicated, with a little dedication, slowly, step by step, each individual problem can be brought under control. We bring you seven steps in the care of combination skin, which will make your face shine with health and freshness.

1. Cleansing in the morning and evening is the beginning of everything. The choice of product will depend on your combination within the combination skin type, as some skin may be more dry than oily, and vice versa, some may also be dehydrated, some may have rosacea, some may have acne... However, cleansing agents must be gentle, water-based formulas that will effectively remove dirt and oils from the skin's surface without further drying it out. When cleansing combination skin, it is necessary to be careful not to dry out the parts that are normal or dry, but also to thoroughly clean the pores and degrease areas prone to oiliness. Due to oily areas of the skin, it is easy to reach for some more aggressive cleansing agent. Do not do this because you can worsen the condition and, at the same time, stimulate the production of sebum and increase dryness on the rest of the face. So, let gentleness be your choice! There are many products that gently degrease the skin and clean the pores without disrupting its natural barrier.

2. Toning the skin is a necessary step in caring for combination skin. Look for formulas designed to balance the skin. A good choice is tonics containing herbal hydrosols, which will provide much-needed moisture and help calm irritated skin. Toner is applied morning and evening.

3. Mandatory exfoliation at least once a week. Using a gentle facial scrub is one of the best ways to reduce problems caused by increased sebum secretion in the T-zone area. Every skin type needs exfoliation because its task is to prepare the skin for better absorption of care products. Regular exfoliation makes the complexion appear cleaner and more even, promotes blood circulation in the skin, and the exchange of substances beneath the surface. One of the amazing effects of exfoliation is that it restores healthy color and youthful appearance to the skin. For combination skin, it is necessary to exfoliate at least once a week.

4. Deep hydration is the key to good care. Preserving moisture is one of the most important steps in caring for any skin, including combination skin. Opt for lightweight moisturizers during the day, while at night you can apply richer, nourishing formulas that will renew your skin while you sleep. When caring for combination skin, using multiple products at the same time is allowed, as different areas of the face have different needs. And don't forget the delicate under-eye area, where the skin is thin and dry.

5. Precious face oils and serums are your faithful allies. You can enrich your nighttime care routine for combination skin with cold-pressed face oils such as evening primrose oil, jojoba oil, or helichrysum oil, which balance and hydrate. Face oils formulated for combination skin will help open pores, remove acne-causing bacteria, reduce oil production, and moisturize the skin. You can apply a few drops to your face before your moisturizer. Your combination skin will thank you for it. Apply the oil to the skin by gently tapping. The result will be calmed skin, renewed epidermis, and a radiant complexion. Serums containing hyaluronic acid are an excellent choice for combination skin. This acid binds up to a thousand times its weight in moisture, not oil, to the skin.

6. Do not skip SPF face cream. Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 to your face at least 20 minutes before going out. It will protect your skin from harmful rays and act on the process of premature aging.

7. Use a mask once a week. Combination skin loves face masks too. A mask based on hydrating ingredients will deeply moisturize and energize all parts of combination skin, and you can apply it to the sensitive area around the eyes too.

NIKEL RECOMMENDATION

In addition to good advice, we want to help you choose the best products for your combination skin. Cleansing your face is the first step in morning and evening care, and you can do it with the Witch Hazel Cleansing Gel, which gently but effectively cleanses pores and removes oil without drying out your face. As we said, exfoliation is needed at least once a week, and for best results, use the Mild Olive Scrub, which removes dead cells and promotes skin renewal. Face masks should also be used at least once a week, and the Hyaluron Energizing Mask will be especially loved by dry parts of combination skin as it restores radiance and moisturizes skin cells. Apply the Lavender Toner to well-cleansed skin, which soothes and refreshes your face and prepares it for the next step. Serums are used to better focus on specific facial problems, which is crucial for combination skin. That's why we have the Hyaluron Serum to ensure your skin is never dehydrated. Finally, complete your care routine with the Control 365 Insert Aqua Moisturizer, which will leave your skin fresh and smooth. And don't forget the SUN PROTECT+C VITAMIN daily cream, which will help prevent the formation of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

And finally, a few practical tips that may seem trivial to some, but your combination skin would definitely not agree with. So, avoid touching your face excessively to avoid further irritation, always carry blotting papers with you as you can remove excess oil with a gentle press, and never treat acne and pimples on your own. With proper care, they won't appear as often anyway.