Combination skin is arguably the trickiest to care for. In theory it should encompass the best of both worlds, but chances are if you have combination skin, it drives you insane. Oily in some places… dry in others? Infuriating! Well, panic not because we’re here to take away your headache with five simple ways to balance and treat combination skin.

While combination skin is the most common, it’s a tough one to look after. But here’s the deal: if you have combination skin, you’re stuck with it. Yes, you can maximise what you’ve got with smart lifestyle choices and great skincare (and you’re in the right place for that!).

And yes, your skin may get slightly oilier or drier as you get older, but your basic skin type is predetermined by your genes and there’s nothing you can do to change that.

On that note, let’s have a look at how best to balance combination skin so you can learn to love it, shall we?

Firstly, What Is Combination Skin?

Simple: it’s oily skin in certain areas and dryness in others. Most people with combination skin experience oiliness around the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dryness on areas like the cheeks or around the mouth, but to be honest, everyone’s different. 

If certain parts of your face feel slightly tight after cleansing but then, in the blink of an eye, other areas look shiny and feel greasy to the touch, you can be pretty sure you have combination skin.

What Are The Best Ways To Look After Combination Skin?

1. Choose Gentle, Non-Irritating Skincare

We believe this applies to all skin types, but it’s particularly important for combination skin. Harsh ingredients like synthetic fragrance, certain types of alcohol, parabens and sulphates can aggravate and irritate your skin which, for you, will make oily areas oilier and dry areas drier. That’s probably not what you’re looking for, so avoid nasty chemicals across all your skincare formulations and stick with gentle ingredients. Good news: all HIGHBORNs are sulphate and paraben free, plus they’re packed with ingredients combination skin simply loves. 

2. Cleanse With Care

Avoid attempting to strip every last drop of oil from your skin as this will a) stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil and b) irritate dry areas, causing redness and itching. 

To cleanse combination skin and help create balance, steer clear of hot water like the plague – again, this will stimulate oil production and irritate your skin. Use lukewarm water only and clean your skin gently with Crystal Cleanser which helps whisk away impurities while leaving your skin healthy, soft and glowing.

3. Make Toner Your BFF

A great toner like Diamond Toner is one of our absolute must-haves for combination skin. Why? Because it’s rich in antioxidants, aloe vera and glycerin to lightly protect, soothe and hydrate your skin without weighing it down. It also contains allantoin which is ideal for soothing irritation. 

Spritz it all over your face and neck after cleansing to calm, control and balance your skin.

4. Play Around With Your Moisturising Routine

Some people battle with two moisturisers in a bid to balance combination skin, but we believe that’s completely unnecessary. Instead, choose the correct formulation that hydrates and moisturises your skin without blocking your pores. 

Our Organic Hydration Gel is pretty spot on for combination skin as it’s healing and nourishing, yet totally non-pore-blocking so is near-damn perfect for soothing dry skin while reducing acne – which often comes hand in hand with excess oil. 

If you like a little extra moisturisation, you could also try layering Organic Age-Defying Facial Oil over the top of your moisturiser. And if you think “no way am I EVER putting oil anywhere near my t-zone,” don’t be too hasty. Rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, this well-crafted oil blends 20 botanical oils, yet is light enough for any skin type – yes, even super oily areas.

5. Say “No” To Blotting Papers 

An oily t-zone is frustrating, we get it, but blotting papers only work for a few minutes before the oil returns and you need to blot again. Pointless. For better results, you’re much better off controlling the problem with smart skincare choices instead of dabbing away at your t-zone with facial blotting papers.

You could also try a mattifying primer underneath your make-up for a little extra help where needed.