How to take care of dehydrated combination skin with enlarged pores?

Combination skin is characterized by enlarged pores in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and is naturally more prone to dehydration. This is because finding the right balance between a purifying routine (for areas with excess sebum) and a hydrating routine (for drier areas) can be challenging.

We’ll explain everything you need to know about combination skin: why it tends to be dehydrated, how to care for it, and how to reduce the risk of imperfections caused by enlarged pores.

The term “combination skin” is quite self-explanatory: it refers to skin that is oily in some areas and tends to be dry in others. For instance, with combination skin, it’s common to have an overactive T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) that produces excess sebum, while the cheeks may feel uncomfortable and dry due to fewer sebaceous glands in that area.

Combination skin is largely determined by genetic predisposition but can change over time due to:

As we age, skin naturally becomes drier, meaning combination or oily skin doesn’t remain that way forever. The balance between dryness and oiliness in combination skin constantly evolves, influenced by internal and external factors.

Combination skin doesn’t follow strict rules—it’s not perpetually “50% oily and 50% dry.” It varies based on your environment, hormones, and skincare routine. To effectively care for your combination skin, particularly when it’s dehydrated with enlarged pores, it’s essential to monitor its changes and adapt your routine accordingly.

Combination skin that’s also dehydrated often comes with enlarged, visible pores, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin. In oily areas, these pores tend to clog quickly due to a build-up of dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria naturally present on the skin. When this accumulation oxidizes upon contact with air, it leads to what we commonly call blackheads.

When dehydrated skin is added to the mix, affecting both oily and dry areas, the skin becomes itchy and prone to surface wrinkles or fine lines. These issues deepen alongside clogged, enlarged pores, resulting in a complexion that appears tired, marked, and more prone to imperfections.

Addressing this combination requires targeted care that balances hydration, regulates sebum, and minimizes pore blockages. A well-rounded routine can help restore a smoother, healthier appearance.

This is why Absolution has designed a skincare routine to hydrate and treat your combination skin:

Cleanse your skin every evening with Le Nettoyant Pureté. Formulated with Oat, Chamomile, and White Willow, it cleanses and purifies the skin while gradually reducing imperfections. In the morning, do not cleanse your skin to avoid weakening the hydrolipidic film, and opt for a hydrosol or fresh water from the tap if it is not too hard.

Tone your skin with La Brume Systémique. It hydrates the skin and reduces imperfections without drying out the epidermis.

Apply La Crème de Santé, our special care for dehydrated combination skin. Its rich cocktail of prebiotics and botanicals hydrates, balances, and regulates the epidermis.

Use makeup that does not dry out or make your skin oily. Absolution has partnered with Christophe Danchaud, the makeup artist to the stars, to create a makeup range that cares for and enhances the skin without any controversial ingredients.

In the evening, remove your makeup with La Crème Douce Démaquillante, made with Pracaxi, St. John’s Wort, and Neroli. It cleanses, removes makeup, and softens your skin without damaging your dehydrated combination skin. Don’t forget to complete your evening routine with a facial oil suitable for your skin.