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Combination skin

Definition: A skin typology which is characterised by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with dilated pores and possibly blemishes (blackheads, pimples), with normal to generally dry areas on the cheeks, temples and around the eyes, potentially accompanied by redness, occasional tightness and a rough skin texture. It is therefore a mixture of two types of skin. The oily area is due to a significant amount of sebum, while the dry areas (temples, cheeks) result from a lack of sebum and a deficiency in lipids (essential fatty acids).

Internal and external causes: Skin ageing process, hormonal problems, surrounding climate, smoking.

How to reduce or eliminate: Opt for products containing active ingredients with sebum-regulating properties (salicylic acid, azelaic acid, etc.),hydratantes/ humectants (hyaluronic acid), exfoliants (lactic acid, gluconolactone, glycolic acid), antioxidants (ferulic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol) and emollients (ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, fatty alcohols). Avoid ingredients that are too aggressive for your skin; add a tonic lotion to your skincare routine to rebalance the skin’s pH.

Preventative steps to take: Avoid touching your face; wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days; exfoliate your skin once a week with a mild chemical exfoliant; wash your face daily with a mild cleanser; never forget to moisturise (ideally, use two different moisturisers: a creamy one for the drier areas and a lighter, water-based one for the oily parts); drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day; avoid products that are too abrasive.

Related articles: Related Articles: Combination skin.