How to care for combination skin

Combination skin is a skin type that combines different attributes. Genetics, climate, lifestyle and diet can affect people with combination skin in different ways. Let’s take a deeper look at how combination skin is defined and how to care for it. 

What is combination skin? 

Combination skin has both oily and dry areas on the face. Typically, the oily areas will be on the T-zone (forehead and nose) while the rest of the face is dry, or it can sometimes be normal. Those that have the skin type may also experience increased sensitivity in dry areas, clogged pores or acne. 

What does it look like? 

Combination skin can present itself differently for every person. With oily areas the skin will appear shinier, pores may become enlarged and there could be acne. On the dry parts of the face the skin may feel tight and be flaking or have redness. 

How will I know if combination is my skin type? 

If you are unsure of your skin type, there is a simple 5 step at home cleansing test you can do. 

1. Start by washing your face with a gentle ishga cleanser and pat skin dry.  
2. Wait for 30 minutes – 1 hour without applying any other products. 
3. Then take a tissue and gently pat the different areas of your face.  
4. As you pat each area, hold the tissue up to the light to see if there is any oil.  
5. If there is oil coming from your T-zone (but nowhere else), then you have combination skin. If there’s no oil, it’s likely you have dry skin. And if there’s oil all over, you have oily skin. 

If after the test it is still not clear whether you have combination skin, there are a few other signs that you can look out for: 

• Skin becomes oilier – If your skin feels dry in the morning then becomes oilier as the day goes on that may mean you have combination skin. 
• Affected by the seasons – Most people will experience drier skin in the colder, winter months, but if you have combination skin this may feel more noticeable. In the warmer, summer months your skin may become oilier than usual. 

Effective skincare routine for combination skin 

Daily 

1. Cleanse – Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Cleanse in the morning and evening before going to bed. ishga Active Cleansing Lotion will easily remove make up and daily grime while nourishing and soothing your skin. 

1. Tone – Applying a spritz of toner will help to balance the pH of your skin. 

1. Serum – A serum contains smaller molecules compared to a moisturiser so they can penetrate deep into the skin layers. ishga Regenerating Face Serum will hydrate and regenerate skin cells while aloe vera will soothe skin. 

1. Moisturise – Use a moisturiser that’s not too heavy for your skin type. ishga Balancing Marine Cream (currently with 20% off!) is ideal for combination skin with its easily absorbed, lightweight formula containing bergamot, patchouli and sandalwood. 

1. SPF – Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is at least SPF 30. 

Tip: If you have breakouts and wear makeup, try a double-cleanse at nighttime. This gives your products the best chance to work at optimum during the night. 

Weekly 

Exfoliating once a week helps to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clean. ishga Exfoliating Face Mask contains a powerful combination of seaweed granules and Scottish seawater which detoxify and stimulate the lymphatic system resulting in soft, glowing skin. 

ishga products are suitable for all skin types, thanks to our natural formulas. Whether you have combination, dry or oily skin, it will be transformed and nourished with our award-winning, results-driven organic skincare.