Do you suspect that you might have combination skin? If your skin feels oily in one area but dry in another, you’re likely dealing with a hybrid of two different skin types. Read on to discover what combination skin is and find the best skincare for combination skin.
What is combination skin?
Combination skin is a hybrid of two different skin types: oily and dry.
Typically, it’s characterized by an oily T-zone (the nose, forehead and chin) with enlarged pores, as well as tight and dry patches on the rest of the face (particularly the cheeks and hairline).
What causes combination skin?
Out of the 5 skin types, combination skin is the most common. There are many reasons why your skin may produce excess oil yet still be prone to dryness:
- Genetics play a large part in your skin type. If combination skin runs in the family, it’s likely to be passed down. However, with preventative measures and skincare for combination skin, it can be managed.
- Products that are too harsh or abrasive can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause the body to produce excess sebum to compensate.
- Diet and lifestyle can also contribute. Consuming excessive amounts of foods rich in fatty acids or oil (like fish or processed foods) can trigger excess sebum production.
- Changes in weather can also aggravate the areas of skin that are already dry or oily.
- A buildup of dry cells can cause dry, rough skin and dullness, particularly on the cheeks.
Skincare for combination skin
Trying to balance dry and oily areas of the face is often challenging. A skincare routine for combination skin should be hydrating to soothe and nourish dry areas, yet light on oils to balance the oily t-zone.
Read our guide to combination skincare below to find the best products for your skin.
Best cleanser for combination skin
If you’re struggling with combination skin, it’s best to avoid oil-based cleansers, as they can contribute to an oily T-zone. However, to maintain balance and hydration, the best face wash for combination skin shouldn’t be harsh or strip the skin of natural oils either. Instead, it should support skin’s healthy balance.
Formulated with 10% kaolin clay to absorb oil and impurities, No7’s Radiant Results Purifying Clay Cleanser is perfect for combination skin. Formulated to help protect skin’s natural, healthy balance, it gently cleanses and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, while mattifying the skin for a more radiant-looking complexion in just 1 week.
How to apply: Dispense a small amount onto slightly wet fingertips and gently massage into the skin. Then, rinse away with warm water.
Best toner for combination skin
Toner is designed to not upset the skin’s natural pH levels, maintaining its healthy balance. As such, toning is an essential step in any skincare routine for combination skin.
Formulated with No7's Tri-Vit Complex and meadowsweet, No7 Radiant Results Purifying Toning Water promotes a shine-free complexion that appears more even. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and looking shine-free.
How to apply: In the morning and evening after cleansing, dispense onto a cotton pad. Then, sweep over the skin in an upwards motion. There’s no need to rinse.
Best moisturizer for combination skin
The best face moisturizer for combination skin is non-greasy yet nourishing, helping to soothe and plump the skin’s appearance.
Formulated with No7’s HydraDrench Complex, No7 Hydraluminous Water Surge Gel is a cool, refreshing gel moisturizer that delivers an immediate burst of hydration, lasting up to 72 hours. It’s infused with Pollution Shield Technology and an antioxidant blend of Vitamin C and E. This moisturizer helps to protect the skin from external stressors, while supporting the skin’s natural glow.
How to apply: Apply every morning onto cleansed, toned skin, smoothing over the face and neck.
Primer for combination skin
Creating a base for makeup when struggling with multiple skin concerns can be difficult. A primer for combination skin is a perfect way to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and keep oil at bay, while hydrating the drier areas of the face for a smooth finish.
No7’s Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer helps to create the perfect base for effortless makeup application that controls shine and looks exceptionally smooth. It creates an effective barrier to shield the complexion from shine breakthrough, helping to keep makeup in place for up to 12 hours.
How to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount and smooth over moisturized skin, allowing a minute to absorb before applying makeup.
Best foundation for combination skin
The best foundation for combination skin is one that creates a flawless-looking complexion that lasts, without clinging to dry patches or slipping off the oily T-zone. Staying power is key.
No7’s Stay Perfect Foundation with SPF 15 keeps skin looker younger for longer with up to 17 hours of wear. With a lightweight and comfortable formula that’s transfer-proof, it won’t cake or flake on dry skin, nor look shiny on oily skin, making it the perfect foundation for combination skin types.
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