How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Combination Skin

October 10, 2024

By Srishty Singh

With ill-suited products, skincare efforts may be like one step forward, two steps back. To help break this tiring cycle, we are bringing you the best-targeted solution for combination skin. Since this skin type carries both dry and oily skin characteristics – a little help from us to scour and vet couldn't possibly hurt. Scroll ahead for oil-control and hydrating skin care products for combination skin that address specific concerns like dullness, pigmentation, acne and more. But First, What Is Combination Skin? If you experience greasiness in the T-zone, forehead and chin while your cheeks stay dry, chances are you’ve combination skin. Still can't figure? Here are some additional signs for identification - 1. Enlarged pores: Due to the unregulated sebum production in and around the T-zone, the forehead, and the chin – you may observe enlarged pores. 2. Clogged pores: The never-ending oil slick on combination skin attracts dirt, grime, and impurities all day. This leads to an unwarranted creation of pore-clogging buildup on the T-zone, the forehead, and the chin. If further aggravated, these plugged pores may turn into pesky whiteheads or blackheads. 3. Frequent breakouts: Do you know what happens when bacteria start thriving in plugged pores? Conspicuous bumps with inflammation a.k.a. acne. If you notice frequent breakouts in and around the T-zone, the forehead, and the chin – you most likely have combination skin. 4. Uneven greasiness and dryness: The degree of greasiness or dryness combination skin experience is subject to change. When it is hot outside, the oily parts may become oilier while your cheeks appear normal and vice versa. 5. Blotchy makeup application: People with combination skin may have an unpleasant experience wearing makeup. It may slide off the oily areas while hugging your cheeks for dead life. What Causes Combination Skin? You may grapple with combination skin due to the following reasons - Your genetic makeup - Certain skincare products - Extreme weather conditions and environmental factor - Hormonal changes or influences What Are Some Non-Negotiables For Combination Skin? Before finding targeted solutions for combination skin, here are some non-negotiables you should bear in mind. Scroll ahead to learn and make an informed decision 1. Use gentle, hydrating and pH-balancing cleansers: To maintain combination skin, opt for a mild, hydrating formula that doesn’t meddle with your skin’s pH. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine, Aquaporin Boosters, Betaine and more. 2. Avoid oil-based formulas: Using oil-based formulas, especially creams can clog the pores and lead to breakouts. Instead, pick gel-based moisturizers to promote a healthy skin microbiome. 3. Use blotting paper: To effectively cut shine from problem areas, use blotting paper. Avoid aggressively rubbing your face with a towel, as it may lead to strain on the skin. 4. Exfoliate regularly: Use ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid to exfoliate the dermis. For those unaware, exfoliation cuts excess sebum and buildup to prevent whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. 5. Never skimp on moisturizer: Never skimp on moisturization to prevent greasiness and clogged pores on combination skin. Instead, opt for lightweight formulas that cut excess sebum while ensuring a big hydration boost to the skin. What Are Some Targeted Solutions To Deal With Combination Skin? If you’re looking to target specific skin concerns like dullness, acne or hyperpigmentation, here are the best result-oriented solutions for your consideration - 1. For oil control while ensuring hydration – Niacinamide To cut greasiness while rejuvenating dry spots on your skin, try skincare workhorse Niacinamide. A form of Vitamin B3 – Niacinamide blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores while improving your skin’s water-holding capacity. Additionally, the active ingredient upholds barrier health, soothes inflammation, and ensures a brightening effect for the skin. Our Recommendation – Foxtale’s 5% Niacinamide Serum 2. For intense hydration – Hyaluronic Acid If your skin is drier than its oily, we recommend adding Hyaluronic Acid to your daily rituals. The potent humectant can bind approximately X 1000 water molecules in its weight to the skin. Use the skincare acid to replenish moisture levels, regulate sebum protection, and soothe flare-ups instantly. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Hyaluronic Acid 3. For brightness – Vitamin C If you want to enhance your skin’s latent glow, might we recommend Vitamin C for your routine? The efficacious ingredient inhibits melanin synthesis in skin cells to fade dark spots and pigmentation. Results? Radiant, even toned skin. Additionally, Vit C possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it safe for everyday use. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum 4. For uniform complexion – Tranexamic Acid Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can make your skin look patchy. Enter Tranexamic Acid! The understated ingredient regulates melanin production while visibly brightening the skin. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Rapid Spots Reduction Drops 5. For youthful skin – Retinol Premature ageing is a prevalent concern, regardless of your skin type. To keep the worry of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet at bay, place your trust in Retinol. This holy grail of anti-ageing helps boost Collagen production in your skin to make it look firm and taut. Retinol’s ability to unclog pores and ensure mild moisture retention makes it a great fit for combination skin. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Retinol Serum 6. For acne-free skin – AHAs and BHAs Excess sebum, grime, and keratin can clog the pores, leading to acne. Topical use of AHAs, BHAs dislodge buildup to prevent whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. Popular AHAs and BHAs include Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, etc. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum FAQs 1. How do I know if my skin is combination? If you experience extreme greasiness on the T-zone, forehead, and chin while your cheeks appear dry and flaky – chances are you have combination skin. 2. What are the best products for combination skin? Step 1: Cleansing with Salicylic Acid Face Wash Step 2: Moisturize with Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer Step 3: Sun Protect with our Mattifying Sunscreen 3. What is the best face wash for combination skin? Try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash for combination skin. Salicylic Acid in the formula regulates sebum production, alleviates inflammation, and combats non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.

October 10, 2024

By Srishty Singh

Every skin type demands a unique approach for its upkeep and maintenance. Take, for example, the combination skin type. It carries characteristics of oily and dry skin, requiring formulations that cut excess sebum while ensuring intense hydration for the skin. Additionally, to tackle this tough combination of oil along the forehead, T-zone and chin while the rest of the skin feels dry – one must avoid certain skincare mistakes at all costs. Intrigued? Keep reading. Before we divulge this list of don’ts, let’s further understand combination skin. What Really Is Combination Skin? In simple terms, combination skin is both oily and dry – with the distribution varying from person to person. If you are confused whether your skin type is combination or not, here are some factors to consider. 1. Massive pores: Since combination skin carries excess shine along the T-zone, forehead, and chin – you may notice conspicuous and enlarged pores here 2. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne: The never-ending oil slick on your face attracts dirt, grim, and other pollutants all day. This unwanted buildup often clogs the pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and even acne. 3. Uneven distribution of oil/dry patches: Another challenge faced by the combination skin type – you may observe an uneven distribution of grease and dryness during transitional weather. Case in point, during the colder months, the oily parts can feel normal while the dry patches may feel parched. What Are The Best Ingredients For Combination Skin? Before we get to all the combination skin mistakes, here’s a quick look at the best ingredients for this skin type. 1. Hyaluronic Acid: The potent humectant binds water molecules to the skin, banishing dry spots and patches from the skin. Moreover, ample hydration regulates sebum production ensuring a balanced microbiome along the T-zone, forehead, and neck. 2. Salicylic Acid: The oil-soluble ingredient cuts excess oil, unclogs pores and soothes inflammation – making it a great fit for the combination skin type. Salicylic Acid is meticulous yet gentle, it doesn’t make your skin feel stripped or uncomfortably dry. 3. Niacinamide: Skincare acid Niacinamide helps strike a balance between effective shine control and hydration. The topical application of Niacinamide acts like a sponge that soaks excess sebum and prevents clogged pores while ensuring a brightening effect for the skin. Niacinamide also prevents TEWL (or transepidermal water loss), upholds barrier health, and alleviates inflammation. 4. Lactic Acid: The gentle exfoliant expels excess oil and improves your skin’s water-holding capacity, making it a great choice for combination skin. What Are Some Mistakes That Combination Skin Should Avoid? To double down on efforts for great skin, here are all the combination skin mistakes to avoid - 1. Using harsh cleansers: Cleansing is the most important step in a skincare routine that removes dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores. Using a harsh cleanser, however, makes your skin stripped and makes way for flare-ups. 2. Picking comedogenic products: It's no secret that combination skin is prone to clogged pores, especially along the forehead, down the nose, and around the chin. To avoid these concerns, we recommend using formulas that are non-comedogenic at all costs. 3. Giving your moisturizer a miss: Moisturization is key for healthy skin and combination skin type is no exception. A potent moisturizing formula creates a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL. This in turn preserves skin hydration and regulates oil control. 4. Going overboard: The best way to maintain your skin is by adhering to a simple yet effective daily routine. Use result-oriented formulas that address pertinent concerns and steer clear of redundancy. 5. Not exfoliating regularly: The process of exfoliation dissolves dead cells, debris and other impurities to elevate overall skin health. Additionally, exfoliation removes excess sebum and dry patches, making it a non-negotiable for combination skin. Having said that, we recommend steering clear of over-exfoliation as it makes your skin feel stripped, marrs the barrier, and leads to inflammation. What Are The Best Products For Combination Skin? Attain your skincare goals with the best skincare products for combination skin. From an efficient pH-balancing cleanser to a formidable mask – here’s everything you should cart. 1. Best cleanser for combination skin: Add Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash to your skincare rotation now. The Salicylic Acid face wash cuts excess sebum, prevents clogged pores and flattens acne bumps – making it the perfect choice for combination skin. 2. Best serum for combination skin: Folks with combination skin can reach out for various serums depending on their concerns. For effective oil control, try Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. To alleviate acne, blackheads or whiteheads, place your trust in Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum and so forth. 3. Best face mask for combination skin: If you want salon-like brightening overnight, try Foxtale’s Overnight Glow Mask. It contains Lactic Acid that helps exfoliate dead cells, minimize pores, and brighten your skin. Moreover, Lactic Acid and Provitamin B5 ensure a big dose of hydration, plump up the skin and make it appear soft and supple. 4. Best moisturizer for combination skin: A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing the active ingredients and water molecules from escaping. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. It balances sebum production and ensures long-lasting hydration without clogging the pores on your face. Powered with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Marine Extracts – this product is a Godsend for combination skin folks. 5. Best sunscreen for combination skin: Looking for a sunscreen that bodes well for combination skin. Try Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen STAT. The Niacinamide-infused formula blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores, ensuring a brightening effect for the skin. This broad-spectrum formula shields the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing episodes of tanning, burns, photoaging, and more. FAQs 1. What is a good routine for combination skin? - Start by cleansing with Foxtal’s Acne Control Face Wash - Apply treatment of choice - Follow up with Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer - Fortify sun protection for the skin with Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen

September 26, 2024

By Srishty Singh

Skincare shopping for the combination type can be a little tricky. One must seek formulas that cut shine from the face while ensuring long-lasting hydration. For those unaware, this skin type possesses characteristics of both oily and dry skin. So, you may notice excess sebum on your T-zone, forehead and chin while the cheeks stay relatively dry. Tricky sounds about right, doesn’t it? But fret no more. We bring you top-notch formulations that ensure a healthy microbiome for combination skin. These cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more target relevant concerns while upholding your skin’s overall health. In a bid to go above and beyond, we also help you with 7 mistakes to avoid at all costs if you have combination skin. But Before We Get There – What Are The Different Ways To Identify Combination? If you're struggling to discern whether your skin type is combination (or maybe not), here are some steps you can follow - 1. Examine your T-zone, forehead, and chin closely. If there is a never-ending oil slick on these areas while your cheeks stay dry – chances are your skin type is combination. 2. Since combination skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands, you might observe open/enlarged pores on the oily regions. These clogged pores may get further exacerbated, turning into whiteheads, blackheads or acne. 3. Folks with combination skin may face non-uniform sebum production/dry patches during the transitional season. Case in point, during the summer, your T-zone, forehead and chin may get oilier while the cheek may become normal. What Are The Best Ingredients For The Combination Skin Type Before we get to the mistakes one should avoid at all costs, here’s a look at all the best ingredients for the combination skin types - 1. Salicylic Acid: The oil-soluble ingredient is a must-have for combination skin. It cuts excess sebum, prevents clogged pores, and helps soothe inflammation. Try it with: Foxtale’s Acne Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid 2. Hyaluronic Acid: Hero humectant HA provides intense and long-lasting hydration to the skin, banishing the pesky dry patches and spots. Moreover, topical application of Hyaluronic Acid regulates sebum production on your skin’s oily areas. Try it with: Foxtale’s Daily Hydrating Serum 3. Niacinamide: The skincare workhorse serves combination skin on multiple fronts. Its topical application blots excess shine and prevents clogged pores, ensuring even, smooth skin. Additionally, Niacinamide maintains hydration in the skin by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Try it with: Foxtale’s 12% Niacinamide Serum 4. Lactic Acid: Another stellar addition to your combination skin kit! Lactic Acid gently exfoliates the skin while boosting its hydration. It doesn’t sting or burn on application and is the perfect remedy for blackheads and whiteheads. Try it with: Foxtale’s Overnight Glow Mask 5. Vitamin C: The powerful antioxidant Vitamin C forms a protective barrier on the skin, averting harmful pollutants, aggressors, and UV rays. Take a few drops of our emollient-rich serum and dab it gently on your face. Try it with: Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum What Are Some Mistakes You Should Avoid For Combination Skin? If you grapple with combination skin, here are some mistakes you should avoid at all costs - 1. Using harsh, abrasive cleansers: Cleansers that remove gunk and excess oil from the skin can be slightly abrasive to the skin. They marr the barrier, dehydrate the skin, and lead to inexplicable episodes of inflammation or irritation. 2. Skipping on moisturization: Moisturization is non-negotiable for all skin types. A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis to prevent TEWL – ensuring long-lasting hydration. This helps revive the dark spots and patches while regulating sebum product in and around the T-zone, chin, and forehead. 3. Avoiding exfoliation: Your skin (regardless of its type) demands regular exfoliation. The process helps shed dead cells and buildup from the skin, ensuring healthy cell renewal. For combination skin, exfoliation helps unclog pores, cut excess sebum, and remove flakiness from dry areas, administering smooth, radiant skin. 4. Not picking comedogenic products: Since combination skin has a greasy T-zone, forehead, and chin, it is more prone to clogged pores. So, before you make a skincare purchase, check its label for the non-comedogenic value marker. 5. Over cleansing: Over cleansing proves counterproductive to efforts for healthy skin. It dislodges natural oils from the dermis, making oil parts oilier and the dry patches even drier. 6. Wearing makeup to bed: Skin has a circadian rhythm that ensures its repair and rejuvenation activities at night. The process involves shedding dead-dried skin and signaling the healthy regeneration of cells. Wearing makeup to bed hinders this renewal process, leading to dullness, inflammation, clogged/enlarged pores, bumps and more. 7. Using too many formulas: Using too many products in your daily routine doesn’t always equate to great skin. If you want to see visible results, stick to a simple yet effective 5-step routine with result-oriented formulas. Simplify! Best Skincare Routine For Combination Skin The key to great skin is simplification. Instead of slathering numerous formulas, stick to a no-fuss, no-frills routine that guarantees result So, here’s how you can build an effective routine with the best skincare products for combination skin. 1. Cleanse: Cleansing helps remove dirt, grime, and other pollutants, ensuring a balanced skin microbiome. For combination skin, use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser that doesn’t make the skin feel stripped. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid The Salicylic Acid-infused formula cuts excess oil, unclogs pores, and helps soothe inflammation. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid in the cleanser ensures long-lasting hydration, rejuvenating dry and rough patches. 2. Treat: After your skin dries, use a result-oriented serum. If your skin is equal parts dry and oily, we recommend ingredients like Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s 5% Niacinamide Serum Ingredients: Niacinamide Topical application of this lightweight serum removes excess oil and prevents clogged pores while preserving your skin’s hydration. The best part? The best Niacinamide Serum in India also doubles as a primer. It adroitly blurs pores and cloaks blemishes to create a smooth, even canvas. 3. Moisturize: Next, slather a generous amount of moisturizer on your skin. For combination skin, you need a lightweight, non-greasy formula that doesn’t clog the pores. Moreover, this offering should be able to strike a balance between oil control and hydration. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Marine Extracts The lightweight formula regulates sebum production, prevents clogged pores, and soothes inflammation with use. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts in this gel-based moisturizer ensure multi-level and sustained hydration for the skin. 4. Sun protect: No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. This powerful formulation shields your skin against harmful UV rays, preventing burns, tanning, pigmentation, and photoaging. Folks with combination skin should opt for a lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic formula. Our Recommendation: Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen Ingredients: Niacinamide and Pro Vitamin B5 Formulated for oily and combination skin types, this sunscreen guarantees formidable sun protection. Niacinamide at the forefront cuts excess oil and prevents open pores while brightening the skin. Pro Vitamin B5 protects the skin against external aggressors and facilitates its prolonged moisturization.

September 26, 2024

By Srishty Singh

Combination skin – if you aren’t a skincare sleuth, this term probably confuses you. So, let’s back up a little. Combination skin has characteristics of both oily and dry skin, which makes caring for it a little overwhelming. Luckily, this is where we come into the picture. Think of this blog as a masterclass in everything related to combination skin. We help you with the signs of the combination skin type and bring you the best skincare products for combination skin. Understanding Combination Skin Better If you have an oily T-zone, forehead and chin while the cheeks stay relatively dry – you most likely have combination skin. Moreover, keep an eye out for these signs. 1. Enlarged pores: The excess spilling of sebum leads to enlarged pores on the T-zone, forehead, and chin. 2. Frequent blackheads and whiteheads: The never-ending oil slick attracts dirt, grime, and other impurities, resulting in buildup. When this unwanted buildup clogs pores (and is aggravated), it leads to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. 3. Breakouts and zits: Acne occurs when harmful bacteria proliferate in blocked pores. This is why it’s important to address buildup immediately. What Are The Best Ingredients For Combination Skin? The right pick of actives can transform your skincare journey. For the combination skin type, seek ingredients that regulate sebum production while ensuring multi-level hydration. 1. Salicylic Acid: This meticulous exfoliant is a must-have for combination skin folks. It cuts excess sebum, removes grime, and soothes inflammation, administering a healthy skin microbiome. 2. Hyaluronic Acid: To uphold the dry parts of combination skin, you need sustained hydration. This is why we recommend Hyaluronic Acid. For those unaware, HA is a powerful humectant that binds water molecules to the skin for its soft, radiant appearance. 3. Niacinamide: The skincare workhorse works on multiple fronts for combination skin. It adroitly blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores while persevering hydration. Moreover, Niacinamide possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate redness, rashes, hives and more. 4. Lactic Acid: Lactic Acid exfoliates the skin, reducing the appearance of pores, whiteheads, and blackheads. Additionally, the Alpha Hydroxy Acid derivative helps bind moisture molecules to the skin, ensuring its soft, supple appearance. 4. Squalane: The understated ingredient mimics the natural oils of your skin, ensuring long-lasting moisturization. The best part? Squalane, although an oil, is non-comedogenic and can be used for oily parts of your skin. The Best Routine For Combination Skin Now that you’re well-versed in the best ingredients for combination skin, let’s tailor an everyday AM/PM routine. Scroll ahead to attain your skincare goals with the best Foxtale products – 1. Cleansing: Cleansing removes dirt, grime, and excess sebum from the pores, ensuring a balanced microbiome. It helps in better absorption of the serums and treatments that follow. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash. The formula’s hero ingredient, Salicylic Acid, cuts sebum, alleviates acne, and soothes inflammation. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide in the cleanser ensure sustained hydration, making it perfect for combination skin. Key Selling Points 1. The best face wash for pimples removes excess shine from your T-zone, forehead, and chin without making the skin feel stripped. Folks with combination skin – the cleanser is a must-have for your vanity. 2. Packed with Alpha-Bisabolol, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid, the efficacious cleanser helps offset episodes of inflammation. How To Use: Use a coin-sized amount of the cleanser and gently scrub your skin for 30 seconds. Once through, use cold or lukewarm water for a double cleanse. 2. Treatment: Use a result-oriented formulation to address your skin’s underlying concerns. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. We know that Niacinamide cuts sebum and unclogs pores while intensely hydrating the skin. Moreover, our innovative formula doubles as a primer – blurring pores and cloaking blemishes while ensuring a matte effect for the skin. Key Selling Point 1. Topical application of Niacinamide Serum administers oil free radiance for the skin. It is the perfect formulation for improving your makeup’s longevity. 2. Niacinamide and Olive Leaf Extract reduce inflammation and other episodes of flare ups. How To Use: Take a few pumps of Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum and dab it on your skin. Always apply serum on a thoroughly cleansed. 3. Masking – Bonus Step If you want to rejuvenate your skin, we recommend a masking ritual now and then. Foxtale’s Overnight Glow Mask bids farewell to several combination skin woes. Infused with Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Mandelic Acid, the formula dissolves buildup for a renewed glow overnight. It helps retexturize your skin by reducing enlarged pores, whiteheads, and small bumps. The best part? Vitamin E, on the ingredient list, preserves skin hydration for prolonged periods. Key Selling Point: 1. The efficacious formula starts working in 30 seconds, ensuring visible results overnight. 2. Loved by skincare experts and consumers, Foxtale’s OGM bestows a long-lasting, salon-like glow on the skin. How To Use: Slather 2 to 3 pumps of the Overnight Glow Mask and leave it overnight. Ensure to follow it up with a moisturizer. 4. Moisturization: Yes, moisturization is crucial for the combination skin type too. A potent formula helps revive the dry, rough patches on the skin without adding oil or clogging pores. Luckily, Foxtale carries a brilliant offering that checks all of these boxes. Try the Oil Free Moisturizer only at INR 395. This Niacinamide-infused formula soaks excess oil, soothes inflammation and prevents clogged pores. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extract ensure sustained hydration to the skin. Key Selling Point: 1. If your skin has been looking dull or beat lately, this product should be on your radar. Niacinamide in the formula regulates sebum production while ensuring a brightening effect for the skin. How To Use: Take a generous amount of the Oil Free Moisturizer and massage it on your skin. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck, ears and décolletage area. 5. Sun Protection: A skincare routine is incomplete without SPF. This formula shields the skin against harmful UV radiation, preventing burns, tanning, pigmentation, and photoaging. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Ultramatte Sunscreen. Available in 3 hues, this featherlight formula ensures formidable sun protection while blurring pores and blemishes. Key Selling Points: 1. Crafted for oily/combination skin types, this sunscreen zaps sebum from the skin. 2. The innovative sunscreen formula is water-resistant – it doesn’t run with sweat or rain. 3. An efficacious multitasker, the sunscreen also doubles as a primer. Use it to create a smooth canvas with an ultra-matte finish. Results? A high-powered glam avatar that turns many heads. How To Use: Take two fingers’ worth of the Ultramatte Sunscreen and apply it on your skin.

September 25, 2024

By Srishty Singh

Regular exfoliation is indispensable for healthy, happy skin. Whether your skin type is oily, dry or something in between a.k.a. combination – exfoliation helps shed dead cells to reveal a smooth, radiant surface. This process is also responsible for removing flakiness, unclogging pores, alleviating dullness, and treating blackheads, whiteheads, and so much more. However, the numerous benefits of exfoliation are often outweighed by myths surrounding it. Rest assured – the right formulation and technique kick worries like photosensitivity, a compromised barrier, and uncomfortable dryness to the curb. In this blog, we delve into the benefits of exfoliation and how to go about the process for the combination skin type. We then bring you the best-selling exfoliating formula from Foxtale that help elevate your skincare game exponentially. Why Is Exfoliation Necessary? Your skin renews itself every 25 to 30 days, shedding old cells and regenerating from the basal layer. However, certain factors can slacken the shedding process, leading to unwanted buildup on the dermis. This delay can cause a gamut of skin concerns like clogged pores, acne breakouts, dullness, etc. Exfoliation helps accelerate the shedding process, revealing the cleaner, brighter surface sitting underneath. There are different methods of exfoliation which we discuss in the next section. How Are The Benefits Of Exfoliation For Combination Skin? Before digging deeper on how to exfoliate combination skin, let’s understand the many benefits of the process. 1. Improves skin texture: Exfoliation helps improve skin texture, revealing a smoother, brighter surface sitting underneath. 2. Unclogs pores: We know that combination skin has characteristics of oily and dry skin. The perpetual shine on these oily areas attracts dirt, grime, and other impurities that clog pores over time – leading to their enlarged appearance. A potent exfoliant removes buildup from the pores, ensuring smooth skin. 3. Prevents blackheads, whiteheads, and acne: Exfoliation reduces blackheads, whiteheads, and acne by buffing away pore-clogging buildup. If you notice recurring blackheads on your T-zone, apply the formula of choice topically. 4. Stimulates healthy regeneration of skin cells: By shedding away buildup, exfoliation also promotes healthy regeneration while boosting Collagen production. 5. Better absorption of serums and treatments: Not specific to skin type, but exfoliation helps exterminate the layer of buildup on the dermis. This ensures better absorption of your serum and further boosts its efficacy. 6. Enhanced glow: For combination skin peeps, dryness on the cheeks can make your skin look dull. Exfoliation helps clear the flakiness or extreme dryness from the face, granting it a renewed glow instead. What Are The Different Types Of Exfoliation? You can buff away the dead cells from your dermis, using one or more of the following options 1. Physical Exfoliation: Physical exfoliation involves using abrasive ingredients to remove dirt, debris, and dead cells from the dermis. These formulas boast grainy or beady substances (like coffee, sugar and jojoba) to ensure healthy regeneration of skin cells. Additionally, the use of loofah or washcloth also falls under physical exfoliation. However, one must observe caution while administering physical exfoliation as it may cause microtears, inflammation and other types of flareups. 2. Chemical Exfoliation: Chemical exfoliation uses active ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)and (/or) Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)to dissolve buildup. But that’s not all. These acids also tighten pores, reduce acne and ensure a long-lasting glow for the skin – without drying it. Best Products To Exfoliate Combination Skin For combination skin, we recommend chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs. These acids are meticulous yet gentle and ensure the best results while upholding overall skin health. Luckily, Foxtale carries two great offerings, a mask and a serum for your consideration. 1. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum Ingredients: Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid The mild yet effective formula dissolves buildup, ensuring a clean and clear surface. Chemical exfoliants (re: Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid) cut excess oil, tighten pores, reduce whiteheads, blackheads and acne from the first use. The best part? The topical application of the exfoliating formula doesn’t cause a tingling or burning sensation on the skin. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide help revive the dry areas on combination skin. 2. Overnight Glow Mask Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Vitamin E The best face mask for glowing skin starts working in 30 seconds, targeting concerns like whiteheads, blackheads, acne, dead cell buildup and enlarged pores. Glycolic Acid exfoliates the skin’s outermost layer, cueing healthy cell renewal. The best part? Lactic Acid and Vitamin E in the mask improve your skin’s water-holding capacity, making it a must-have for combination skin. How To Exfoliate Combination Skin Now that you are well-versed in the best products for exfoliation, why not make the most of it? Here are some practices for exfoliation that one must bear in mind 1. Precursor: Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to dislodge buildup from the skin. We recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash for the job. The Salicylic Acid face wash cuts excess sebum, reduces acne, and soothes inflammation. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide ensure sustained hydration for the skin – making it a great pick for the combination skin type. 2. How to apply: Once your face is dry, apply 2 to 3 pumps of the treatment on your face. Don’t rub your skin, as it may cause strain or stress 3. Frequency: For combination skin folks, we recommend exfoliation only 2 to 3 times a week (nothing more). Steer clear of over-exfoliation that is counterproductive to efforts for good skin. It dislodges natural oils from the skin, making it dry and uncomfortably tight. 4. Moisturization: Once you're through with the step, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to seal the treatment. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisture. The lightweight and non-greasy formula blots excess sebum while ensuring sustained hydration to the skin. 5. Prevent photosensitivity: Exfoliation may cause photosensitivity in certain individuals. To prevent this problem, we recommend applying two fingers’ worth of sunscreen in your AM regimen. For the combination skin type, you may try our Mattifying or Ultra Matte Sunscreen.