Your Step by Step Guide to Oily and Combination Skin

Both combination skin and oily skin are characterised by an oily T-zone (nose, forehead and chin)—enlarged pores, shininess, blackheads and breakouts are also common in these areas. Combination skin is characterised by normal or dry cheeks and under eyes. 

When it comes to taking care of combination and oily skin, balance is the name of the game. That means multi-tasking topicals with botanicals that reduce bacteria on your T-zone, while simultaneously keeping the skin hydrated. 
Consider this your comprehensive guide to treating combination and oily skin.

• Unclog pores: Cleansing is an essential step in the AM and PM. But not just any face wash will do. You might find that many of those that target acne are great for your T-zone but too drying for the rest of your visage. The solution? A mild emulsion that purifies but doesn’t strip skin. Our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk contains Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and balance sebum. Coconut Oil does double duty hydrating and regulating oil production, while Fruit Extracts even pigmentation and combat eruptions.
• Reduce surface oil and bacteria: Over the years, toner has gotten a bad rap. And that’s because, in the past, it was alcohol-based and notoriously drying. But nowadays botanical-driven formulas are offering a skin-friendly update on this staple. Our No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist harnesses the powerful astringent properties of May Chang to remove excess oil, refine pores and expel acne-causing bacteria. Coupled with stress-relieving Calendula and Fig, it leaves skin fresh and radiant.
• Soothe and repair: Acne is an inflammatory condition. Thus soothing products are imperative. Our & Botanical Water Gel combines the calming benefits of Chamomile and Cucumber with the antimicrobial abilities of Calendula and Echinacea. Antioxidant-rich Cranberry and White Tea enhance repair, while Aloe Vera provides oil-free hydration.

• Hydrate: Skipping moisturiser is a major no-no. When skin is dry, it overproduces oil to compensate. Your best bet? Use a lightweight formula like our No.4 Vanilla Silk Lotion—a blend of Camellia Seed Oil, Cocoa and Shea Butter moisturises without clogging pores. For an extra hit of hydration, try our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum. Hyaluronic Acid surges water deep into the skin, Kakadu Plum quells inflammation, Acerola lends antimicrobial support and Edelweiss protects against UV damage.  
• Balance sebum: An overnight mask is an essential in your oil-combatting toolkit. Our & Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse leverages Australian Pink Clay and Volcanic Zeolite to purify, decongest pores and banish breakouts. It also contains Avocado Oil, which is clinically shown to stop the conversion of testosterone into DHT (one of the hormones responsible for overactive sebaceous glands), reducing an oily T-zone by 70% in two weeks.
• Target congestion: Targeting congestion and reducing clogging of pores is the key to ensuring skin is kept clear of breakouts. Our Turmeric Brightening Serum is a booster serum designed to be used as a spot treatment, specifically on acne, cysts or congested areas to encourage clear and blemish-free skin. It is an overnight fix to congested and unhappy skin.
• Nourish: Regular exfoliation keeps pores clear of grime. While many products can be harsh—stripping natural oils and causing further irritation—our & Desert Lime Micro-Exfoliant is a kind-to-your-face polish that gently sloughs away dead skin cells and promotes epidermal turnover with Rice Enzymes. Ginkgo Biloba boosts circulation and Wattleseed refines pores. Cocoa Butter, Coconut and Camellia Seed Oil impart a triple dose of nourishment.

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (commonly added to face wash to make it foam) is what gives skin that squeaky clean feeling. Unfortunately, it strips skin of its natural oils, causing overproduction of sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic Fragrances are a major source of irritation for most skin types and are shown to trigger redness and inflammation.
• Mineral Oil: Mineral Oil is known to clog pores. It sits on top of the skin, creating a film that traps acne-causing dirt and bacteria beneath.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is an active ingredient in everything from cleansers and makeup removing wipes to acne treatments. The problem is that it's exceptionally drying and irritating. It breaks down skin's natural protective barrier and can actually exacerbate blemishes.
• Silicones: Silicones—found in many mattifying or smoothing products (e.g., primers, cosmetics and moisturisers)—can cause congestion and clogged pores.  
• Preservatives: The types of preservatives found in most beauty formulas, including Parabens, Ethylhexanol and even those claiming to be natural, are among the most common irritants. Instead, we use Sodium Anisate (derived from aniseed) and Sodium Levulinate (a cellulose starch) to keep our products stable.