60% of adults struggle with combination skin. This skin type features a unique mix of dry and oily areas on the skin. Though quite common, treating such a diverse range of skincare needs can be tricky.
Knowing your skin type is key to curating an effective skincare routine. Combination skin requires all-natural, gentle beauty products that can easily address both excess oil and lack of moisture.
At a Glance
- You Have an Oily T-Zone
- Your Skin Is Both Oily and Dry
- Your Skin Has a Glossy Yet Irritated Appearance
- Washing Your Face Leads to the Appearance of Dryness and Oiliness
Keep reading to learn more about the causes and signs of combination skin.
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What Is Combination Skin?
Everyone's skin is unique, and it takes time to fully understand your own. Combination skin can be particularly difficult to deal with due to its dual nature.
Combination skin is characterized by dryness and oiliness. While some women may simply have dry or oily skin, sometimes, these two types can coexist.
What Causes Combination Skin?
Not everyone's skin behaves the same. If you suspect you have combination skin, it could be due to any number of reasons. However, it often boils down to one common culprit: oil production.
A lack of natural oils can lead to a dehydrated skin barrier, which often results in dry patches. Without enough sebum, your skin is prone to dryness, irritation, and redness.
On the other hand, excess sebum can lead to oily skin and clogged pores. If your skin produces too much oil, it's likely that your T-zone will have a shiny sheen at all hours of the day.
Anything from genetics to diet can play a role in your skin type. If you've been struggling to heal and harmonize your skin, it might be worthwhile to take a look at your lifestyle and ensure you are following healthy wellness practices.
How Can I Identify My Skin Type?
Regardless of your skin type, your body will benefit from a ritualistic skincare routine. It's important to wash away the bacteria, dirt, and oil that build up in your pores at the end of each day. However, different skin types have different needs.
To curate an effective and well-rounded skincare routine, you need to be familiar with your skin type. It might be hard to figure this out, as most people likely have more than one skin type. The majority of people have combination skin, which is a mix of both dry and oily skin. Other skin types include sensitive skin or normal skin.
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How Do I Know if I Have Combination Skin?
There are a few different ways to tell if you have combination skin. This skin type has a few key characteristics that are hard to miss.
#1. You Have an Oily T-Zone
This is by far the most common way to identify combination skin types. Your T-zone is the area above your eyebrows and down your nose - if you traced it out, it would create the letter "T," hence the name.
Your T-zone is notorious for being oilier than the rest of your face. This area has more sebaceous glands than the rest of your skin, so it naturally produces more sebum. If your T-zone is noticeably oily but your cheeks are still somewhat dry, you likely have combination skin.
#2. Your Skin Is Both Oily and Dry
To become familiar with your skin, you should try to feel it out (literally.) Before touching your face, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands so you don't transfer any dirt or bacteria to your pores.
Gently feel the different parts of your face, paying close attention to areas with bumps, rough texture, or flakiness. This can signify a dry area.
Also, feel for oily patches with uneven texture and enlarged pores. These are signs of oily skin.
If you identify both types on your skin, you likely have combination skin. But if you're still unsure, it might be time to move on to step #3.
#3. Your Skin Has a Glossy Yet Irritated Appearance
Feeling your skin might work for some, but it's not a surefire way to ID combination skin. If you're more of a visual person, simply looking at your complexion might give you all the insight you need. There are certain aspects of oily and dry skin that stand out more in the mirror.
Oily skin will manifest as a glossy sheen. Your complexion likely appears shiny and glossy, and this will be easy to spot. These oily places might also have some blemishes or redness caused by the buildup in your pores.
On the other hand, dry skin will be obviously matte. You'll likely see some flaky skin and areas of redness. The lack of hydration can even lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on your skin's surface, which you'll be able to see.
Keep in mind that while you might not see all of these things, even a small amount is enough to potentially signify combination skin.
#4. Washing Your Face Leads to the Appearance of Dryness and Oiliness
If you've reached this far and you're still unsure if you have combination skin, it might be time for a test. Start by washing your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleaning product. Let your skin dry, and don't apply any product.
After waiting a few minutes, check the mirror. If you see flakiness and your skin feels tight, you have dry skin. If your face immediately starts to look shiny from oil, then you have oily skin. If you see both of these things, then you might have combination skin!
What Skincare Is Best for Combination Skin?
When curating a beauty routine for combination skin, you should look for skincare products that are oil-free yet hydrating. There are a few best practices you should always follow for healthy combination skin.
Whether you have oily or dry skin, you should always cleanse it. This helps remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria that can clog pores. A gentle cleanser like JUARA's Rice Water Cleanser leaves the skin feeling balanced by soothing dry areas and mattifying glossy skin. Plus, it's formulated with natural active ingredients like rice bran and plum fruit extract to prevent moisture loss and reduce redness.
The daily skincare routine for combination skin should always include a toner to reduce shine and manage sebum production. Our Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner is a fragrance-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free toner, designed to soothe sensitive and acne-prone skin. This gentle yet effective formula balances pH levels, provides deep hydration, and reduces oil all at once.
Final Thoughts
Though combination skin might seem tricky at first, it's easier to manage than it seems. Sometimes, all it takes is a hydrating body wash or a turmeric-infused cream to heal your skin. With the right all-natural beauty products in your bathroom, those dry cheeks and oily pores won't bother you anymore!
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