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Keys to Hydrate & Care for Combination Skin

COMBINATION SKIN: HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND CARE FOR IT CORRECTLY

Proper care of your skin is important to keep it looking young and radiant. Finding the right moisturizer, night cream, and serum for combination skin is not so easy with the large number of products available. First and foremost: you should know exactly what your skin needs! In this article we will show you what skin care combination skin needs and what you should look out for.

What is combination skin?

It is sometimes not so easy to determine one's own skin type - and even more so with combination skin. Because, as the word "combination" already suggests, this skin type is a mixture of normal, dry, and oily skin. While the oily areas of the skin are caused by excessive sebum production, the dry areas are just the opposite. Thus, combination skin is composed of two different skin types: the dry or normal skin and the oily and acne-prone skin. The latter is mostly found in the T-zone, i.e., on the forehead, nose, and chin, while the cheeks tend to be dry.

Younger people between the ages of 12 and 30 in particular have this combination skin type, which is often accompanied by blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.¹ Due to the different areas of the face with different skin needs, combination skin requires a skincare routine for combination skin.

How do I recognize combination skin? - Symptoms

Distinguishing combination skin from other skin types is usually quite easy, as there are typical symptoms and appearance characteristics due to the combination of oily and dry skin:

Dry cheek area

The skin in the area of the cheeks tends to be dry to very dry in combination skin. This is often noticeable through feelings of tension as well as red and scaly skin. In this case, the cheeks are characterized by fine to almost invisible pores. Skin blemishes are typically not found in this part.

Oily T-zone

The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), on the other hand, is characterized by oily, shiny skin with enlarged, highly visible pores. Impurities such as pimples, blackheads, and acne are often found here. The oily skin area is often accompanied by an unpleasant, sometimes inflammatory sensation.

If you are unsure of your skin type, simply take our online skin analysis. The Skin [Age] Scan analyzes your skin and tells you more about your skin condition and the appropriate care.

How is combination skin formed?

So, combination skin occurs when the skin on your T-zone produces too much sebum. It's no secret that combination skin is most common in those aged 12-30. So, young skin in particular is affected by combination skin, and this is mainly due to the activity of hormones, which accelerates during puberty and is responsible for many metabolic processes in the body.

Causes of combination skin

You have little influence on your own skin type. Rather, the main trigger for combination skin is hereditary predisposition. Especially during puberty, hormones (especially testosterone) cause the increased formation of sebaceous glands, which are mainly located in the T-zone. This, in turn, results in an enormous production of sebum, which causes an oily film to form on the surface of the skin. The excess sebum accumulates and clogs pores, causing pimples and blackheads to appear. But also an unhealthy, greasy, and sugary diet can increase the tendency to develop combination skin. In addition, factors such as taking medication, psychological stress, or humid and hot weather also play a role.

Skin care for combination skin

It is not so easy to deal with combination skin, however, there are also special combination skincare ranges for it that include day creams for combination skin, cleansers for combination skin, serums, and more. A mix of skincare products for dry skin and skincare products for oily skin can be used, which is then applied separately to the respective parts of the face. The shine and the tendency to develop impurities and pimples on the oilier areas of the skin are thus effectively reduced, while at the same time, the dryer skin areas are supplied with sufficient nutrients and moisture.

Mattify oily skin areas

In any case, to get the oily skin areas under control, it is advisable to use skincare products for oily skin. A lightweight moisturizer like Aqua Pure Super Concentrate helps your skin breathe easier thanks to Biotech Plankton™ and salicylic acid. Excess sebum is balanced, pores are refined, and your complexion is mattified. Oil-free moisturizers are also good for oily skin and help the skin look refreshed thanks to their light texture.

Tips for when you're out and about: sometimes everyday life is hectic and you rush from one appointment to the next. But even if you're on your way to a date or going on a long shopping spree, shiny, oily skin is really inconvenient. Blotting paper is the perfect solution and helps you mattify skin on the go. It's best to always have them handy in your purse and dab the appropriate areas of skin with the absorbent wipes when needed.

Skin care for dry skin areas

Don't forget to treat the dry areas of the skin on your face after you've taken care of the oily parts. There are special moisturizers for dry skin. Are your skin areas outside the T-zone very dry? Then your dry skin would also appreciate a richer moisturizer which strengthens the skin's barrier.

How to reduce acne

The T-zone in particular is often affected by very oily skin and develops impurities such as pimples. And what helps against impure skin? The first priority is not to irritate blemished skin, but to smooth and cleanse it with gentle but effective skincare products.

The right active ingredients for combination skin

Biotherm facial care offers special combination skin products that contain selected active ingredients, such as:

HYALURONIC ACID

Biotech Plankton™

Biotech Plankton™ is a 100% natural ingredient that activates cell renewal and skin regeneration. It was discovered around 60 years ago in hot thermal springs in the French Pyrenees. These are living microorganisms whose regenerating properties have been scientifically proven. Biotherm uses the uniquely regenerating active ingredient in the Life Plankton™ Regenerating Serum to protect, care for and renew stressed combination skin.

RETINOL

Retinol or vitamin A helps to reduce the size of pores while reducing blemishes. Blue Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream is a multi-correct cream infused with pro-retinol that moisturizes and nourishes your skin while counteracting the signs of aging and stimulating cell renewal. And for men, the Retinol Serum Force Supreme Blue Serum [LP-XR] helps restore the natural skin barrier function with a unique active complex.

SALICYLIC ACID

UREA

How do I cleanse combination skin?

To cleanse combination skin on the face, there are special products that address the different needs equally. They do not irritate the skin, but are gentle and soothing, yet cleansing:

Cleansers for combination skin

Whether you use a foaming cleanser, toner, facial tonic, or gel for your combination skin is up to you. The only important thing is that you choose a cleanser for combination skin that’s gentle and effective.

Treatments for combination skin

In addition to daily cleansing, you should treat your face once a week to a suitable exfoliator for combination skin to thoroughly remove dead skin particles, dirt, and sebum.

Serums for combination skin

To really pamper, moisturize, and nourish your skin, you can use a deep-acting serum for combination skin. Moisturizing and regenerating serums such as the Life Plankton Regenerating Serum are particularly suitable for rebalancing your skin's protective barrier due to its texture and effectiveness.

Day and night care for combination skin

What face cream is good for combination skin?

In order not to do anything wrong and due to the variety of products, people are often confused when choosing the right cream for combination skin. The most important thing is that you know your skin type and skin condition, and what your skin needs most.

Makeup for combination skin

When choosing your make-up or foundation, it is best to look for products that are suitable for combination skin. Aquasource BB Cream Peau Claire is a complexion-perfecting moisturizer that gives you a naturally beautiful complexion without heaviness.

Men's care: skin care & shaving for combination skin

Combination skin occurs not only in women, but also in men, of course. But what should men consider when caring for combination skin? Men's facial skin once again faces completely different challenges, as the skin can be further aggravated and irritated by shaving.

Gentle shaving (care) prevents irritation

Shaving - whether dry or wet - always represents a mechanical irritation of the sensitive facial skin. It is not uncommon for the skin to react with pimples, redness, or dandruff. Therefore, care for the skin after shaving by applying an after shave.

The right care after shaving

To moisturize the skin after shaving, choose a skincare product that responds to your needs. The regenerating anti-aging men’s skincare range Force Supreme for example, effectively counteracts the signs of skin aging: wrinkles are reduced and a loss of firmness and moisture is balanced. Furthermore, the skin is stimulated and gains radiance by preserving intact cells and protecting them from negative external aggressors. Looking for the ultimate moisture boost for your skin? Then discover the Aquapower line.

The ideal skincare routine for combination skin

Especially for combination skin, it is particularly important to adopt a combination skincare routine that optimally cleanses and properly cares for the skin. If you stick to an adapted skincare routine, you will quickly get your combination skin under control:

Cleanser + toner
The thorough cleansing of your skin is the be-all and end-all and a prerequisite for the subsequent facial care. For this purpose, it is best to use a mild cleanser in the morning and evening and also a clarifying toner.
Regenerating serum
A moisturizing face serum deeply hydrates your skin with an extra dose of moisture that strengthens your natural skin barrier and leaves your skin glowing. With Life PlanktonRegenerating Serum, your cell renewal is stimulated and your skin is fully protected.
Best face cream for combination skin
The best face cream for your combination skin is a day and night cream with a regenerating, and lightweight formula. Aqua Pure Super Concentrate absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy film on the skin, intensely moisturizes, and specifically counteracts skin impurities. Salicylic acid also ensures that your pores are visibly reduced, and your skin appears more matte and cleaner overall. You can also pamper your eye area with an eye cream.

More tips for combination skin

The right cleansing and care for your combination skin will quickly help you achieve a radiant and purer complexion. But you can do even more for the balance of your skin and positively influence the characteristics of your combination skin:

LESS SKIN CARE IS SOMETIMES MORE

Your skin may have special needs, but that doesn't mean that you should overwhelm it with too much cleaning and care. Less is definitely more here! When choosing your care products, always pay attention to the ingredients.

Did you know? With its sustainability promise, the Biotherm’s Commitment, Biotherm has set itself the goal of using more sustainable ingredients, product forms and packaging and also entering into partnerships for marine protection. And that is not only good for the environment, but also for your skin.

ADAPTED LIFESTYLE FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Your lifestyle also affects your skin. If you live a healthy life, get enough sleep, avoid nicotine, alcohol and other body toxins, you do a lot for the health and radiance of your skin.

How much sleep is healthy? On average, healthy adults need about seven to eight hours of sleep a day.

Rule of thumb: If you can concentrate on working while sitting for a long time during the day without getting tired, you have found your personal sleeping quota.

How to determine how much sleep you have: Don't set an alarm when you're on vacation and stay in bed until you're awake! When you wake up and feel fit and rested, you've slept just as long as your body needs.

A BALANCED DIET IS IMPORTANT?

A balanced diet ensures your body – and thus also your skin – gets the necessary supply of nutrients, vitamins and moisture. Your diet should therefore contain a lot of fresh food such as fruit and vegetables and be as varied as possible. On the other hand, you should avoid sugar and “bad” fats if possible. It is also important to supply your body with plenty of moisture in the form of water and herbal teas.

DON'T TOUCH THE FACE!

Even if the skin itches, feels tense and uncomfortable, keep your fingers away from your face! Germs on the fingers also promote impurities such as pimples. For example, if you have to touch your face with your fingers to apply make-up, be sure to wash your hands beforehand and only apply care products and make-up with cleaned tools (brushes, sponges, etc.)!