Combination Skin - A Balancing Act

Find a cleanser that will gently mattify and purify. A gel based or cream cleanser can help remove excess oil and build up without stripping the skin to leave it feeling tight and dry. Avoid cleansers with SLS, this foaming agent can over-strip the skin of its healthy and natural oils and actually stimulate oil production to oily areas and irate sensitive skin.

No matter your skin type, moisturising is an essential part of any skincare routine. It is vital not to skip the moisturiser just because you have oily areas. Neglecting to moisturise can have a counter effect and actually cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. Moisturising encourages a healthy skin barrier which protects the skin from environmental factors and irritation. When the skin's barrier is disrupted it can lead to blemishes, redness and flaking skin.

Once or twice a week, gentle exfoliation helps lift off dead skin cells, dry skin, built-up sebum and excess oil to reveal a healthy and refreshed complexion. Exfoliation also improves the effectiveness of your skincare applied afterwards as it can penetrate the skin much better, allowing it to benefit from the active ingredients. Using a mask at least once a week helps remove impurities and reduce excess oil, leaving the skin looking clearer and softer to the touch. A gentle physical exfoliator can help unblock pores and remove dead skin cells to leave the skin feeling smoother and looking brighter. You can also use liquid exfoliators such as acids, also known as exfoliating toners. Liquid exfoliators tend to use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) to sweep away dulling dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and more radiant. Acid exfoliators are often considered more effective than traditional scrubs thanks to the active ingredients.