What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is characterised by several different skin types at once. This means that while your skin might be dry or normal in some areas (like the cheeks), it may be oily in other areas (such as the T-Zone).

Combination skin is often shiny, with blackheads and larger than normal pores.

If you often find yourself suffering from dryness and breakouts at the same time, chances are you have combination skin. Similarly, if you find that the same moisturiser works perfectly on your cheeks but turns your nose into an oil slick, combination skin is likely the culprit.

This combo deal can be slightly trickier to treat as you’re left targeting different problems at once. Luckily, there are plenty of products formulated just for this skin type, plus heaps of ingredients that play nicely with it.

Ingredients That Work Well For Combination Skin Types

Combination skin works best with ingredients from natural sources – think fruits, milk, and plant extracts. You’ll want to opt for natural ingredients that won’t clog the skin. Our favourites include:

Honey – a natural absorbent, it sucks away excess oil and impurities from the pores. It’s also a humectant that’s perfect for keeping the skin hydrated. Honey can also prevent the oil glands from becoming overactive and making more oil. It’s natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties also make it perfect for acne-prone skin types.

Witch Hazel – this is a natural ingredient that helps lift the excess oil from the skin, as well as removing trapped dirt and makeup. A bonus is that it won’t dry the skin out.

Green Tea – chok full of antioxidants that works to protect skin and relieves dry, stressed skin, green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Propolis – a naturally occurring anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory made by bees, propolis is great for dealing with breakouts, and is also hydrating for dryness.

Best Korean Skincare For Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, start your skincare routine with a pH balanced cleanser that won’t upset your skin’s barrier. Something like Subi's Powder Cleanser is perfect, as it protects the face while you cleanse.

For your toner, try to avoid harsh, astringent ones and opt for something light and gentle. Try d'Alba's No Sebum Peptide Toner to offer light exfoliation and hydration at the same time.

Instead of a thick, heavy cream, try applying light layers of moisturisers and lotions instead. Korean Beauty products are perfect for this as they are specifically designed to be applied in light layers. This means that you don’t have to loading the skin up all at once, which helps to hydrate without burdening the skin. Try Jelly Ko Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask for the perfect hydrating layer that won’t weigh your skin down.

Products with gel, serum or liquid textures are likely to work best with combination skin types.

If you’re playing with acids, opt for gentle, leave-on chemical exfoliants rather than abrasive manual ones. COSRX’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is perfect.

As always, make sure you don’t forget your SPF!

STYLE STORY – Your Go-To for K-Beauty Since 2014