First of all, let's make it easy for you: combination and mixed skin are two terms for the same skin type. At least you don't have to do a Google search for that. But where do you recognize this skin type and how do you care for it?

Combination or mixed skin means that the different areas of your face have different needs. Therefore, people with this skin type often have trouble finding good care products. Nevertheless, we hope to help you on your way in this article. Do you want to eventually speak to a skincare expert? Then this article will make sure you are prepared. So use it to your advantage! Although of course it is not a test. ;-)

Combination and combination skin: what is it exactly?

The words say it all. Combination and mixed skin consists of two skin types. It is often the oily skin and dry skin.

It often takes a while for people with combination and mixed skin to find their skin type. Often certain areas of your face can mislead you. Do you suspect that you have this skin type? Then chances are you are familiar with the T-zone. In other words, your forehead, nose and chin are oilier than the other zones of your face. These areas are often more sensitive to impurities and visible pores. Your cheeks, in turn, may be more dry to the touch and dull. This can make putting together your skincare routine a little trickier. Or let's say, make it a challenge. That already sounds much more optimistic!

What causes combination and combination skin?

You can always look at internal and external factors for the cause of your skin type. In other words, sometimes it has to do with external influences, sometimes it's something genetic.

Internal factors of combination and mixed skin

Combination and combination skin is most common in young people. This is because the skin zones adapt to each other more and more as they get older. In addition, the skin often becomes drier with age. Another factor is heredity.

Your sebaceous glands can be another internal factor. You can see this in your oily T-zone. In principle, your sebaceous glands are actually very fine helpers. They provide your face with moisture based on the skin's natural oils. Some glands can be overactive. This can result in a shiny face or blemishes. The dry areas of your face - often your cheeks - have a shortage of sebum production. When sebum production is not properly adjusted to your skin's needs, this is considered an internal factor.

External factors of combination and combination skin

The use of certain skincare products can also be a cause of combination and combination skin. For example, products with irritating ingredients can stimulate sebum production - hi T-zone! - and actually dry out other areas. Often we are tempted to fight it by using oily creams, but this can clog your pores.

The weather also affects combination and combination skin. For example, extreme cold or, on the contrary, extreme heat can dry out your skin. The result? Your sebaceous glands are then out of sync with your needs.

Other external factors are high stress levels, lack of sleep or smoking. These factors can also increase your sebum production. On the other hand, they can lower your resistance. This gives bacteria free rein and you can suffer from acne. Bacteria can also affect this skin type in another way. When you touch your face a lot, you also bring more bacteria to your face. This also creates more sebum.

The best skin care for combination and mixed skin

Chances are that during the search for the ideal skin care for your combination and mixed skin, you use different products for the different zones of your face. Yet, at Routinely, we like to keep it as simple as possible. How do we do that? Through a select number of powerful serums. And with this step-by-step plan, which you can get to work with right away.

Step 1: Know the needs of your different facial zones

Whatever products you purchase, make sure they are mild and fragrance-free. Don't use soaps or one-piece cleansers. The ingredients in soaps can clog pores, dry out the skin (which can cause extra sebum production and therefore pimples) and even cause irritation.

Okay. Now you know what not to do. Of course, we're also happy to advise you on what to do. Always start the day with a cleanser. Use an oil-based cleanser, such as a balm cleanser if you have combination and combination skin. The oil cleanses deeper than a water-based cleanser, but also keeps your natural sebum production in balance.

Congratulations! As the owner of combination and combination skin, you have a choice of different serums. For example, the 360 Azelaic acid, Golden Vitamin C, Regenerating retinol and the Barrier Boost B3 are very suitable for your skin type. You can safely apply all our serums on top of each other. Would you like more specific advice? Our skincare experts are always ready to advise you.

After the serums, nourish your skin with a fine moisturizer. Finish with a sunscreen. There are many possibilities. For example, there are many full sunscreen products on the market for dry skin. Use something light for the oily parts of your face.

Step 2: Have a healthy lifestyle

We all know the saying "beauty is on the inside" and this statement does not exist for nothing. A healthy lifestyle does a lot for your skin. So hit the gym regularly, drink the recommended amount of water and eat your share of fruit and vegetables. And oh yes, alcohol dehydrates. Just saying...

Step 3: Give your skin extra love on cold days

Whether you have combination or combination skin, or dry and sensitive skin. Give your skin some extra attention in the winter. Your skin dries out quickly due to the warm temperatures inside and the cold temperatures outside. A slightly thicker layer of your favorite moisturizer will ensure that your skin barrier remains intact, even in more challenging seasons.