How to develop a skincare routine can sometimes be a daunting task, more so when you have combination skin.
It can be one moment shiny T-zone, the next dry tight cheeks. It is a precarious equation but easier said done
but provided you get the consumables right then get your skin on the right side of the balance chart.
The Challenges of Combination Skin
The worst categorization of skin type to be in is the combination type due to the fact that the
skin has both dry patches and oily areas. Usually the forehead, nose and the chin area have larger
glands which make it oily and while the cheeks and the other parts of the face may be normal or even dry.
The major problem is that products designed for oily skin tend to be too stripping for the dry zones of the face, whereas products for dry skin can consequentially clog the pores of the oily areas. Well, how does one deal with both of these problems when developing their routine for taking care of their skin?
Common Signs of Combination Skin:
- Oily T-zone but dry or normal cheeks
- Occasional breakouts in the oily areas
- Sensitivity in certain areas due to dryness
- Skin that fluctuates between oiliness and dryness, especially with seasonal changes
A Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
The basic rule when it comes to combination skin is moderation. You need to have a skin care regimen that will help the dry areas get moisture without worsening the oily parts of the skin. Let me first demystify the process and pick out the elements and stages.
1. Gentle Cleanser: Start with the Right Cleanser
That said, for the skin type that is considered to be a mixture of the two, you can never go wrong with a mild soap to wash your face. Sometimes, you don’t want to go for something too strong that would leave your cheeks so dry, but then, you wouldn’t want to avoid getting one that does not clean off the oil on your T-zone.
Tip: To use, select an often-used gel-based or cream-based wash that doesn’t have strong chemicals in it. Shun products with alcohol content or sulfate since they are damaging to the skin and often create redness.
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
2. Toner: Balance the Skin
Toners are particularly effective on combination skin because they make the skin’s PH level normal if it’s chosen one that is both moisturizing and oil-free. The best toner has no alcohol and has ingredients such as witch hazel for oil control and skin that lacks moisture should ideally choose glycerine.
Tip: Take an essence in a balancing range that will hydrate the skin and help minimize the shine from too large pores. You can rub it on your entire face, or if you prefer only the T-zone area, you can do that also.
Try: Pixi Glow Tonic or Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner, both of these toners are easy on the skin but effective when used correctly.
