Combination skin means that some areas of your face are oily, while the other areas have normal to dry skin. 

Typically, the t-zone area, i.e., the forehead, nose, and chin, are oily. Regardless of the amount of oiliness, taking good care of your skin is crucial. 

To choose the best facial cleanser for combination skin, you need to look for specific ingredients. But before that, let's understand why you have combination skin in the first place. 

Table of Contents:

• What Causes Combination Skin?
• Ingredients to Look for When Choosing a Cleanser for Combination Skin
• Retinol
• Activated Charcoal 
• Vitamin C
• Salicylic Acid
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Ceramides
• How to Take Care of Combination Skin
• Water-Soluble Cleanser
• Apply a Hydrating, Soothing Non-Irritating Toner
• Gel-Based Moisturizer
• Protect Against Sun Damage
• Remove Your Makeup Before Bed

What Causes Combination Skin?

Combination skin is caused when sebum is produced in excess quantities on some areas while not enough on the rest of your face. Multiple factors can contribute to combination skin. 

One of the most important factors is genetics your parents have passed down to you. 

The skincare products you use can also contribute to it. The wrong products can make your combination skin worse. 

Over-cleansing or using moisturizers with thick emollients can clog your pores on specific areas of your face. 

Using the right products may not help you get rid of combination skin. However, it will definitely help in controlling the oil production and managing your skin better. It can help in moisturizing the dry areas and minimizing the pores and oiliness on the other parts.  

Avoid using products with harsh or skin-aggravating granular ingredients. These ingredients dry out some areas of your face and stimulate oil production in other parts that were already oily.

Ingredients to Look for When Choosing a Cleanser for Combination Skin

Here is a list of ingredients that can help manage combination skin better. Make sure that your cleanser contains at least one of the following ingredients. 

Retinol

Excess sebum production on some parts of your face may also make you more prone to acne. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative. 

It increases the skin turnover rate. This, in turn, helps in getting rid of old skin cells and encourages the production of new healthy ones. It is generally used for anti-aging and anti-acne purposes. 

It helps in the evening the skin texture, unclog pores, prevents acne breakouts, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has various skin benefits, especially for combination and oily skin. It can help in preventing the occurrence of acne due to its antibacterial and porous properties. 

It absorbs and removes toxins and impurities from your skin, so your face feels cleaner. It does so by absorbing the excess oil from your face and helps in preventing the clogging of pores. 

Since it has a soft yet gritty texture, it can also serve as a natural exfoliant. 

WOW Activated Charcoal Face Wash

WOW Activated Charcoal Face Wash is infused with activated charcoal beads and plant actives which absorb and remove impurities as well as refine the texture and soothe skin. 

It does not contain any harsh chemicals which will dry out your skin. Deep cleanse your face every day and keep skin concerns at bay.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. On regular usage, it can prevent or treat hyperpigmentation as well as prevent aging of the skin. 

WOW Vitamin C Brightening Face Wash

WOW Vitamin C Brightening Face Wash will deep clean your face and get rid of all the dirt, makeup, and excess oils. 

It comes in a gel formula that is gentle on your combination skin. Packed with the goodness of mulberry, licorice extracts, vitamin C, and lemon and orange essential oils, it will refine your skin and protect your natural glow!

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for decreasing oil production and getting rid of dead skin cells. It penetrates into the pores easily and acts as a chemical exfoliant. It also unclogs the pores and prevents acne. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a beneficial ingredient for your entire face. It hydrates your skin without leaving any greasiness behind that could potentially aggravate the already existing oiliness.

Ceramides

Ceramides are fats that exist naturally in our skin. According to a study, they are vital for skin barrier function. 

They are found in high concentrations in the top layers of our skin. They help in hydrating, sealing in moisture, soothing, and protecting the skin from pollution, dry air, and other irritants. 

Make sure to use ceramide products only on the dry parts of your face. 

How to Take Care of Combination Skin

Now that you have chosen the cleanser with the right ingredients, it is time to move on to the other things you should keep in mind when selecting other skincare products for combination skin. 

Water-Soluble Cleanser

Choose a gentle cleanser, preferably in a gel texture. It will remove all the impurities but will not leave the skin feeling dry or tight. 

Always avoid face cleansers containing irritating ingredients, fragrances, and soap bar forms. 

Apply a Hydrating, Soothing Non-Irritating Toner

Use a soothing toner that contains antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. It will nourish the dry parts of your skin and minimize oiliness in the other areas. 

Avoid toners with fragrances, natural oils, and irritating ingredients like alcohol, menthol, or witch hazel. 

Gel-Based Moisturizer

Pick a gel-based moisturizer with antioxidants, skin-replenishing ingredients, and skin-restoring ingredients. 

These ingredients will help in calming the skin, reduce excess oil, and provide intense moisturization to the dry areas.

Protect Against Sun Damage

Apply matte-finish sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. It reduces the early signs of aging. 

Pick a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are beneficial in preventing the deterioration of combination skin conditions.

Remove Your Makeup Before Bed

Removing your makeup before bed should be a part of your daily skincare ritual. It washes away the cosmetics, impurities, and dirt, which would otherwise irritate your skin and accelerate the aging process. 

WOW Coconut Clarifying Micellar Water

WOW Coconut Clarifying Micellar Water is infused with coconut, cucumber water, and witch hazel extract to hydrate, balance, and tone your pores. 

It will deep clean your skin and remove pollutants, oil, and makeup. 

Explore other such products on the WOW website.