Having combination feels like your skin's constantly confused about picking sides. It doesn't know whether it wants to befriend dryness or excess oil and so, it goes the middle route and chooses to be a bit of both which is not really fun eh? While we appreciate the diplomacy, it can get extremely tricky to tackle such skin. So after much trial-and-error, we decided to put our guns down and call in an expert to help deal with our combination skin woes — Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, who is a highly renowned dermatologist with over ten years of experience who helped us with insights and tips on managing combination skin effectively. Here's what she shared with us:
Dermatologist Shares Effective Skincare Routine For Combination Skin
What Is Combination Skin?
Combination skin means having both oily and dry skin areas on your face, typically with oiliness on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dryness on the cheeks. This duality necessitates a nuanced skincare routine that addresses both hydration and oil control. Understanding the distinct needs of this skin type is crucial for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion.
Key Formulations For Combination Skin
Dr. Geetika emphasises the importance of selecting the right formulations that can balance the skin's moisture levels without exacerbating either dryness or oiliness. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for oil control and to reduce inflammation, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E to protect your skin against the environment.
Skincare Routine For Combination Skin
It's absolutely essential to take your skincare routine seriously and work on balancing both the dry and oily skin aspects. However, you don't want to overdo it with too many steps and formulations, so stick to CTM with a single serum and sunscreen for keeping you protected from the harmful rays of the sun during the day. Here's what Dr. Geetika shares along with her product recommendations:
Cleanser
Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping the skin. A gel-based cleanser is ideal for the morning, while a hydrating cream or micellar water one can be beneficial at night.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Cleanser
₹1700
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Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Face Wash
₹755
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Toner
Opt for an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like witch hazel or green tea to balance the skin's pH and reduce the appearance of pores without drying the skin.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3
₹2950
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Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner
₹1899
Exfoliation
Incorporate a gentle exfoliant with BHAs like salicylic acid or AHAs like lactic acid 2-3 times a week. This helps remove dead skin cells, promoting a balanced and smooth complexion.
Pro-tip: Check out our recommendations for the best exfoliants here.Serum
A serum with hyaluronic acid is perfect for hydrating dry areas without adding oiliness. For the T-zone, consider a niacinamide serum to regulate sebum production and minimize pores.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
₹6200
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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
₹550
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Moisturiser
Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that hydrates dry areas without clogging pores. A gel-cream formula can offer the perfect balance for combination skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
₹3899
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
₹599
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Sunscreen
Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher in the morning. Look for a sunscreen that offers a matte finish to minimize shine in oily areas.
Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50
₹3400
Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF50+ PA+++ Face Sunscreen
₹299
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