Top 6 Skincare Tips for Combination Skin

Combination skin, some may argue, is one of the most confusing and frustrating skin types. You get the best and worst of both dry and oily skin features, and you're always searching for the right products. Finding the best products for combination skin may take some extra effort since products are more commonly categorized for either dry or oily skin. There is also this constant fear of oil-based products since your skin can tend to be oily sometimes, and the feeling that sometimes you don't need moisturizing as much as people with dry skin do.

Let us help you through this confusion by exploring what combination skin is, how to identify it and how to take care of it!

What is combination skin?

Combination skin is a skin type that has both dry and oily areas on the face due to non-uniform oil production. People with this skin type often have oily T-zone areas, which covers the forehead, nose, and chin tip. These areas then tend to have sebaceous glands and big pores as they naturally have more active oil glands than the rest of the face. Combination skin is also characterized by dry skin properties on the jawline, cheeks and hairline. These characteristics include dullness, fine lines and flakiness in some cases.

Combination skin is genetic like all skin types but can also worsen due to hormonal influences and environmental factors. For example, higher testosterone production can amplify oily skin symptoms. Other factors like heat and humidity can affect the skin condition. High humidity can cause shiny and oily skin, whereas low humidity can dehydrate the skin and render it more sensitive.

How to identify if you have combination skin

Your current skin type may not fit the above description of combination skin exactly since combination skin can be broken down into two categories. One category is normal-combination skin, in which the T-zone is oily, but the other areas are normal.

The other category is dry-combination skin; if you have this skin type, you will find that your T-zone is shiny and oily while your cheeks and other areas are dry.

How to take care of combination skin

When it comes to combination skin, the goal is to deal with both oily and dry areas for a clear and balanced complexion. Now that you understand what combination skin and know for sure that it is your skin type, learn how to take care of it by following the steps below:

Use gentle oil balancing facial cleansers

To clean combination skin, you will need a gentle cleanser that hydrates your skin while balancing oil at the same time. Try Johnson's® Even Complexion Face Wash that contains skin-loving soy and red berry extracts. It is suitable for all skin types, including combination skin, and it helps enhance skin radiance and smoothness while deeply hydrating dry patches.

Use a lightweight SPF cream

After cleansing your face, you will need to use a lightweight SPF cream to protect your skin from any environmental damage. In the morning, try Johnson's® Fresh Hydration® Day Cream SPF 20, which is known for its lightweight formula that instantly absorbs into skin to refresh it and keep it moisturized all day.

Exfoliate your face

Exfoliators are essential to get rid of pore-clogging sebum, oil and dirt, leaving your skin clear and fresh-looking. If you have normal to oily combination skin, you will need to use a light exfoliator that doesn't contain harsh chemicals.

Use blotting papers to remove oil

If areas of your face tend to become greasy during the day, use blotting sheets to remove the shine and get rid of any excess sebum. To avoid irritating the skin or spreading the oil around your face, use blotting papers gently by patting the skin instead of rubbing it.

Use a face moisturizer daily

When looking for the best moisturizer for combination skin, you might want to look for two different products, depending on your skin needs. If you have very dry areas on your face or dry patches, look for a rich moisturizer for these areas to hydrate them intensely. For oily areas, use a lighter cream for moisturization, like Johnson's® Even Complexion Night Cream, for example.

Use a facial mask

Using a face mask is part of following an effective skincare routine for combination skin. Many people skip this part since it might seem time-consuming to use a facial mask that needs to sit for 10 or 15 minutes. However, it doesn't need to be that way! Try Johnson's® 1 Minute In-Shower Face Mask, which is specially designed to refine your skin and leave it with a visibly shine-free look. It's a gentle formula that suits all skin types and helps unclog the pores without drying the skin.