What Is
COMBINATION SKIN?

Let’s cover all the bases from the ground up: what does combination skin actually mean for you? Split between normal and oily, your T-Zone can turn into an oil-slick with zero notice. The excess oil in these T-Zone areas leads to a build-up of impurities, which can clog your pores. That often means blemishes and pimples, with regular breakouts across your nose, chin and forehead at a moment’s notice. Then, when you try products to reduce the oil, you can accidentally dry out the other parts of your face. 

Treating combination skin is a bit of a balancing act. Some people think that because combination skin has some oily areas and some normal-to-dry areas, they can just spot-treat certain patches. That can be tough to get right, as the products might overlap and make dryness or oiliness worse – the exact opposite of what you’re after. 

It’s usually easier to use products that are specially designed for combination skin. Using one product across your whole face is much simpler than trying to map out and treat every tiny zone of oily or dry skin. 

Your first step should be figuring out your skin type – remember, there’s a really handy NIVEA article linked above that can walk you through it. 

If you’re still reading, you’ve probably gone from asking “what is combination skin?” to thinking “yep, that sounds like me”. Now you can start working with your skin instead of against it. What do we mean by that? Well, some people react to an oily T-Zone by assuming they’ve got overall oily skin and reach for products made just for oily types. Unfortunately, that can dry out the other parts of your combination skin, creating new problems and making your face feel like even more of a nuisance.

Once you’ve worked out your real skin type, it’s much easier to build a skin care routine for combination skin and gently refine your complexion.

You might have a few big questions, like “what’s a good skin care routine for combination skin?”, “what’s the best moisturiser for combination skin?” or “what’s the best cleanser for combination skin?”. We’ve got plenty of helpful info for you – just keep reading. 

Shopping for a new moisturiser can feel a bit daunting. But when you’re hunting for the best moisturiser for combination skin, we’ve got some great options. 

Our wide range of day creams is designed so every skin type feels as loved and cared for as it deserves to be. Each product is carefully formulated so our creams help give your skin great quality care and a smooth, well-balanced appearance.

If you’re worried about a shiny T-Zone or chin thanks to your combination skin, a mattifying cream is a smart pick.

Plenty of people are on the lookout for the best cleanser for combination skin. Our range of gentle cleansers is designed to optimise and refine your complexion. We’d especially recommend some of our refreshing gel cleansers, packed with Vitamin E to support your skin’s barrier, plus moisturising ingredients to help your skin feel revitalised in no time.

Use your cleanser daily for the best results. 

The first thing you’ll want to do is look for a few primers, powders and other makeup products that are tailored to combination skin.  

There are plenty of options out there, from loose powders to compact powders. You can also try a setting spray – these lock your makeup in place and can help keep excess oil at bay.

If you’ve got a busy day ahead, it’s a good idea to pop a few oil-absorbing products in your bag.

People with combination skin often find that the forehead, nose and chin get shiny throughout the day thanks to excess oil production in those areas. 

We’d suggest a powder compact for quick, on-the-go touch ups. These usually come with an easy-to-use puff applicator, or you can carry a small travel makeup brush if you prefer. Another handy option is blotting papers – these oil-absorbing sheets are stored in a little box or tissue-style dispenser and you can lightly press them over oily areas of your face. They’re a great choice if you’re worried about your makeup looking “cakey”, and they’re brilliant if you don’t wear much makeup at all. 

Some people feel like sunshine “fixes” their skin – it seems to get rid of oil, clear up blemishes and more. But you probably know it’s not that simple. Unfortunately, using the sun this way for less oily, slightly clearer skin comes at a cost – skin damage, faster ageing and excessive dryness. 

Facial sun creams that are specially designed for your face help you avoid that damage because they’re made for the more delicate skin there. They’re usually lighter than body sunscreens, which helps prevent breakouts. And the good news is there are oil-free versions that fit really nicely into a skin care routine for combination skin.  

And remember – sunscreen isn’t just for holidays. We recommend using a facial sun cream daily if you want to hang onto that youthful glow. 

Brisk mornings, blasting winds and sudden drops in temperature.

One thing you might not have thought about is how much central heating can affect your skin. Spending more time indoors with the heater cranked up can really dry your face out, so it’s worth giving your skin an extra hit of moisture. Don’t move away from products made for your unique combination skin, but maybe choose one with a bit more hydration than your usual summer go-to. 

And of course, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t still need water from the inside to stay healthy.