Article Overview
- Achieving a balanced complexion first begins with understanding your skin type – from there, you will be able to provide the right care. As normal and combination skin types remain the most common, determining which type you have will play a major role in finding a balanced skincare routine that pays equal attention to both your oil and moisture levels. There a certain signs to look out for within each, as a normal skin type will typically have a natural and healthy balance between oil and moisture, meaning that the skin is not too dry and not too oily. This balance allows the skin to generally absorb active ingredients, without usually being prone to increased skin sensitisation. With a naturally balanced complexion, normal skin types require a preventative and protective skincare routine to maintain this inherent skin synergy.
- With signs of both dry and oily skin, combination skin requires a carefully targeted skincare routine to manage and balance the common effects of both. Combination skin can be exacerbated by environmental factors and inherent genetics, typically presenting as an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin area) that is prone to enlarged pores and acne-breakouts, with the addition of dry and flaky skin on the cheeks. There are variations of combination skin, which can present in different severities, however each requires an overall balanced skincare regimen that will not accelerate dryness or oiliness when treating the other concern. A skincare approach that can evenly manage combination skin will create a visibly clearer complexion.
HOW TO IDENTIFY NORMAL AND COMBINATION SKIN TYPES
By taking note of your skin’s common signs you will be able to identify whether you have normal or combination skin - these identifiers will give guidance on how to manage you skin long term.
Normal skin types will usually show some of the following signs:
- With an even skin tone, normal skin types typically have a balanced complexion,
- Normal skin usually reacts well to active ingredients without skin reactions,
- Irritants do not usually exacerbate skin concerns, normal skin’s healthy protective skin barrier does not become extra vulnerable when exposed to external factors.
Combination skin types generally demonstrate one of the following elements:
- Combination skin can present with an oily T-zone with drier skin patches around the cheeks,
- Enlarged pores and acne-prone skin around the nose, forehead and chin with dry skin in other areas of the face,
- An inconsistent skin pattern with an uneven skin complexion.
MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR NORMAL AND COMBINATION SKIN
As both normal and combination skin require a balanced skincare routine, they should both incorporate nourishing ingredients that will hydrate without accelerating sebum (natural oil) production.
1. Cleanse away impurities with a targeted face wash
Refresh your skin with a facial cleanser to remove any oil build-ups or impurities from the facial canvas. Maintaining a balanced face begins with cleansing, the Blemish and Age Cleansing has been designed to decongest skin to give the face a naturally fresh complexion. Suitable for both combination and normal skin types, apply a small drop of the LHA Cleanser onto a moist face and neck each morning.
2. Get deeper into the pores with a facial toner
Toning removes any last remaining impurities while also balancing your skin. Use the SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Toner to minimise clogged pores and address breakout-prone skin. Apply the toner twice daily directly after cleansing using a small amount of product on the face.
3. Soften and reveal younger-looking skin with an eye cream
Brightening the eyes can make a big impact on transforming the face, revealing a more youthful-looking appearance with the SkinCeuticals Eye Balm. This eye cream is gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes and uses rich, emollient ingredients to reduce puffiness for a more even complexion. Use the Eye Balm once or twice daily on the skin around the eyes and beneath the brows, avoiding the eyelids for optimal application.
4. Vitamin C serum can provide antioxidative protection
Formulated with 10% pure l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel utilises the power of antioxidants for advanced skincare. Antioxidants are effective in targeting free radicals which are unpaired electrons that can cause visible skin damage when left unmanaged. The SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel can address these these skin aggressors to create a more even complexion. Phloretin CF should be used in daily skincare routine for combination or normal skin types.
5. Boost the skin’s hydration through the power of hyaluronic acid
An important ingredient used in the skincare industry to improve the skin’s hydration, hyaluronic acid is a molecule that can retain up to one thousand times its weight in water and encourages hydration at the skin’s surface. The SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Serum replenishes the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels to improve overall moisture in the skin. This hyaluronic acid serum can hydrate dry areas on combination skin without exacerbating an oily T-zone making it a suitable serum for combination and normal skin types.
6. Apply a moisturiser for combination and normal skin
Moisturising is an important part of a skincare routine for combination skin and normal skin as it provides hydration for a healthier-looking result. SkinCeuticals Moisturisers have a range lightweight creams and serums that can hydrate while minimising the appearance of enlarged pores, an ideal feature for combination skin types. Apply moisturiser cream to the face, neck and chest every morning and evening.
7. SPF protection is a crucial step for skin protection and premature ageing skin prevention
Harsh UV exposure damages the skin and can cause visible signs of premature ageing. Protecting against the sun’s harsh effects, the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ is a very high protection UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields the skin from UV exposure. Protect combination and normal skin with the daily application of Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions
EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR NORMAL AND COMBINATION SKIN
As a final step, make sure to protect your skin from the external aggressors it has faced throughout the day. Integrate a balanced evening skin regimen for combination skin or normal skin with SkinCeuticals scientifically-backed skincare.
1. Remove make-up to rebalance the skin
It is very important to remove all makeup at the end of the day, this is to stabilise the skin in preparation for the evening skincare routine - for both combination and normal skin types. The SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is a non-abrasive cleanser that effectively removes makeup and dirt while softening the skin. Apply a small amount of the Gentle Cleanser at the start of your evening skincare routine.
2. Cleanse away impurities with a face wash
After being exposed to environmental irritants and aggressors throughout the day, use a cleanser that can reset and rebalance the skin. The SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser is formulated to remove dirt, impurities or any residual makeup for a fresher and cleaner face. Gently massage one pump of this cleanser onto a damp face and neck each evening.
3. Manage the skin’s complexion with a clay masque
Using clay as a skincare ingredient has been proven to help visibly clarify the skin, absorb excess sebum (natural oils) and minimise unwanted shine. The SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque unclogs congested pores to visibly reduce skin impurities. Apply this richly formulated masque to address combination skin and help maintain normal skin.
4. Include retinol in a normal and combination skincare routine for visible results
Retinol is a powerful vitamin A derivative associated with anti-ageing, pore minimising and calming skincare properties. Incorporating the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Cream for combination or normal skin can reveal visibly balanced and healthier-looking skin. Be sure to apply retinol in the evening for optimal use. Always use in conjunction with a high protection sunscreen during the day.
5. Hydrate the skin with a moisturiser
Finish your evening skincare routine for combination skin and normal skin with a hydrating moisturiser. The SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is an ideal moisturiser for combination skin due to its lightweight texture and pore-minimising abilities. Applying this cream in the evening will allow it to seep deeply into the skin overnight.
WHY YOU NEED AN EFFECTIVE DAILY SKINCARE APPROACH
A balanced skincare routine for combination skin and normal skin is crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin. Choose skincare that is formulated with rich ingredients to target your individual skin concerns. SkinCeuticals offers scientifically-backed skincare that has been developed by dermatologists to enhance and protect your skin.
Want to learn more on building the right skincare routine for your skin? Discover our step-by-step guide on how to follow the ideal skincare routine order.
Next: Which antioxidant serum is right for you?