Tips to Balance Combination Skin

Have you ever looked in the mirror and started to second-guess your skin type? Your nose and forehead require frequent blotting, while your cheeks and chin looked parch. If this sounds familiar, chances are you may have combination skin - a skin type that can be both frustrating and finicky to manage.

But fear not, because balancing combination skin is not as difficult as you might think. With the right skincare routine and a few tricks of the trade, you can achieve a healthy and radiant complexion that's neither too oily nor too dry.

What does it mean to have combination skin?

Combination skin is characterized by a mix of both oily and dry patches. In most cases, the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to get greasy, while the cheeks and jawline are dry. Having combination skin means needing a unique skincare routine that both balances oil buildup and retains moisture where necessary.

For our readers with combination skin, it’s important to be a bit choosy when shopping for skin care. Fortunately, your besties in beauty here at Moody Sisters have done the heavy lifting for you. Tag along as we reveal everything you need to know about keeping your combo skin healthy and radiant.

Understanding your skin type

Before we dive into the specifics of balancing combination skin, it’s best to know how to accurately identify your skin type. Combination skin can actually be the trickiest to recognize since it’s basically a blend of all skin types.

What causes combination skin?

How does one wind up with combination skin to begin with? The cause of combination skin can be attributed to a number of factors including:

●     Hormonal fluctuations - It’s no secret that your hormones change during different stages of life. You may notice these fluctuations causing your complexion to react.

●     Environmental factors - Drastic changes in the climate can alter your skin’s natural cycle. Be it something as ordinary as sunburn, or the chill of winter, your skin is certain to feel the effects.

●     Genetics - In many cases, your skin type is tied to your genes. If combination skin is typical for most of your family, it can safely be assumed that you’ll have the same.

●     Hygiene habits - Developing clean hygiene habits is key to keeping your skin healthy. We recommend cleansing your face morning and evening, and your body at least once per day, even when skipping the hair wash.

●     Poor diet - A poor diet will inevitably lead to skin that’s unpredictable and touchy to treat. Balance your diet, stabilize your skin, and clear the path forward to a gorgeous, glowing complexion.

●     Wrong product choices - Using products that are too harsh and abrasive may strip your skin of moisture, or worse, damage your dermis’s natural barrier. Oppositely, drenching your skin in dense oils or serums could clog your pores and leave a greasy residue.

Challenges of having combination skin

Best caring for combination skin means finding a way to deliver moisture to dry patches while keeping overactive oil glands free and clear. This presents a unique challenge for our readers when crafting their personal skincare rituals.

One obvious challenge is the fact that most products are developed to target a specific concern, such as uneven texture or breakouts. And in some cases, the ingredients needed to target one issue may wind up exacerbating another.

A great example of this is salicylic acid, which has proven effective at managing acne. It zaps oil and ensures that your pores remain clear of dirt and debris. But if not applied carefully, it can cause dry skin to worsen. 

Tips for balancing your combination skin

Best natural skin-balancing ingredients

Hyaluronic acid - a natural lubricant for your skin, hyaluronic acid delivers hydration, improves elasticity, and smoothes out uneven texture. It’s mild enough for every skin type and safe for daily use.

Niacinamide - frequently denoted as vitamin B3, niacinamide has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an excellent choice for soothing breakouts and limiting oil production.

Tea tree oil - excellent to use as a spot treatment, tea tree oil rids your skin of bacteria that builds up and blocks your pores from breathing.

Witch hazel - witch hazel is an all-natural astringent that easily absorbs excess oil and tightens your pores to prevent impurities from penetrating the skin.

Lactic acid - smooth out uneven texture and speed up skin cell turnover with the help of lactic acid. Ideal for acne-prone skin, lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that won’t irritate already sensitive skin.

Antioxidants - Antioxidants for skin care include vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C is one of the most popular antioxidants for combination skin, beloved for its brightening properties.

Must-Have Products For Combo Skin Types

Moody Sisters Balancing Skincare Essentials Set

Flawless skin that’s free of fine lines and blemishes is easier to achieve than you may think. With our Balancing Facial & Skincare designed for combination skin types, the complexion you’ve always dreamed of is within reach.

Avoid these common mistakes

●     Selecting products not suited for your skin type

●     Failing to shield your skin from the sun

●     Over-exfoliating your face