Experiencing excess oil? Unwanted shine? Skin that feels dry in some areas and sensitive in others? You may have oily or combination skin. Finicky skin can be tricky to treat, so we’ve created an in-depth guide to explain what each skin type is and the best products to incorporate into your routine.
How do you know if you have oily skin?
Oily skin is a result of too much sebum being produced from the glands beneath the skin’s surface. This can be caused due to hormones, genetics, stress, the weather or even by using the wrong skin care and cosmetic formulas. So, what does oily skin typically look like? Pores may be enlarged, skin can appear shiny and you may have blemishes too.
How do you know if you have combination skin?
Believed to be the most common skin type in the US, combination skin looks different on everyone. It’s exactly how it sounds; separate areas of the skin look and/or feel different at the same time. For example, you may have an oily T-zone, but your chin and cheeks feel dry.
What products are best for oily skin?
There are lots of great products in the market that help to care for oily skin. Generally, formulas that are non-comedogenic (that won’t clog pores) tend to be useful. But instead of giving you a list of our favorites (though we have that, too), we've put together a start-to-finish routine customized for oily skin.
A Routine For Oily Skin
Step 1: CleansePerfect for decongested pores, the EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gentle, pH-balanced formula that delivers a deep cleanse. The cleanser swiftly removes impurities and pollutants from the skin without causing irritation.
Step 2: Tone
NeoStrata's Oily Skin Solution uses alpha hydroxy acids to target and prevent future breakouts to promote a clear complexion. Formulated with 8% glycolic acid, this acne treatment gently exfoliates to remove excess oil, impurities and dead dermal cells, revealing radiant, more even-toned skin.
Step 3: Serum
PCA SKIN’s Acne Gel is formulated to help clear existing and future acne blemishes. Its proprietary OmniSome delivery system helps blemish-fighting salicylic acid deeply penetrate the skin while the addition of mandelic acid regulates excess oil production and unclogs pores revealing a smoother complexion.
Step 4: Eyes
It is important to choose the right product for the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. The SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream is a nourishing treatment that improves the look of the skin tone and reduces puffiness, perfect after a late night.
Step 5: Moisturize
Even if you have oily skin, you should never skip this step. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, the PCA SKIN Clearskin Moisturiser utilizes a blend of niacinamide and borage oil to help minimize excess sebum, visibly balance the skin and purify.
Step 6: SPF
The most important part of your everyday skin care routine, an SPF protects against damaging sun rays and signs of premature skin aging. We recommend the Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 for oily skin types.
Acne Scars
As previously mentioned, oily skin types may experience blemishes and acne due to the skin’s excess sebum and congestion. The Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Acne Oil works as you rest to soothe the appearance of breakouts and promote a balanced-looking complexion, while helping to smooth the skin.
What products are best for combination skin?
Creating a skin care routinethat adapts to the different skin concerns across your face can be quite difficult. We have rounded up a routine with some of the best products for combination skin and useful tips for how to take care of it.
A Routine For Combination Skin
Step 1: Cleanse
Ideal to balance skin without stripping it of moisture, the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, foaming formula that thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. Anti-inflammatory balm mint extract soothes inflammation while astringent lavender extract minimizes the appearance of pores and balances pH levels.
Step 2: Serum
A soothing gel serum, the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel hydrates, comforts and alleviates redness and sensitivity. Powered by hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and other botanical ingredients, it gently replenishes moisture and improves the appearance of visual redness while mulberry minimizes the appearance of discoloration to boost a brighter and fresher-looking complexion.
Step 3: Eyes
The Eminence Organic Skin Care Lavender Age Corrective Night Eye Cream is a nourishing formula that visibly minimizes dryness, soothes and protects against environmental aggressors, all while brightening the skin.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Specially formulated for normal and combination skin types, Elemis' Hydra-Balance Day Cream hydrates your skin while regulating oil production, thanks to hydration powerhouse hyaluronic acid and meadowsweet extract to control oiliness. It also has a blend of petitgrain, neroli and mandarin to soothe and comfort your skin.
Step 5: SPF
Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen has a weightless, colorless, scentless, oil-free formula that leaves behind a velvety soft finish that combination skin will love. It's nearly invisible, with hydrating meadowfoam seed and frankincense to soothe skin. The addition of red algae brings blue light protection and it also acts as a makeup gripping primer that’s perfect for all skin tones.
Devices
The FOREO LUNA Fofo Facial Brush with Skin Analysis cleverly adapts to your skin’s different needs. The device features built-in skin sensors that measure hydration levels in the skin; once measured, it creates a skin profile and bespoke skin care routine in the FOREO app.
Your skin’s needs can constantly change, so knowing how to look after your specific skin type is crucial. You can find even more of our extensive range of solutions and treatments for all skin types here.
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