Combination skin is a worry to many people. It may be hard to know if you have a combination skin and even trickier to care for it. A combination skin is a mixture of oily and dry skin. You can know if you have a combination skin by finding out if your T-zone has more oil. T- Zone includes the nose, forehead and chin area. There are different reasons why you may have a combination skin some of the reasons being hormones and hereditary. You should not be frustrated if you have a combination skin; below are tips on how to take care of a combination skin:
1. Follow a Regular Skin Care Routine
Following the same skin care routine daily and at night will help your skin to get used to the type of products that you are using. This ensures that your skin remains blemish free and is healthy. Clean your skin at least twice daily; in the morning and at night with a cleanser to remove the debris that are on the surface of your skin. To keep your skin from drying, ensure that you apply oil based moisturiser on the dry areas. If your intention is to reduce the wrinkles and fine lines on your face, use firming cream or firming mask at night.
2. Treat Every Skin Type Differently
Before using any cream on your face, identify the different areas of your skin. Treat the oily parts differently from the dry parts. Focus on each skin type by ensuring that the oily parts are taken care to prevent them from developing acne, and the dry parts remain moisturised.
3. Use an Exfoliating Cleanser
Use a foaming or gel based cleanser to prevent inflammation and dryness. Avoid using the cleaners that contain irritants and fragrance. When applying the cleanser, massage it on your skin gently in small circles. Ensure that you clean your face at night and in the morning for at least one minute. Before using the exfoliator first, test it on a small hidden patch of your skin. If the exfoliator does not irritate your skin, it is safe to use it. Exfoliators are not the best to use on sensitive skin. For rosacea and dry skin, a lightweight lotion cleanser is recommended. Avoid using bar cleansers or bar soaps as they cause the pores to clog and can cause irritation to the skin. Look for cleansers with labels such as, for sensitive skin and gentle.
4. Consider a Toner
A good toner aims at aiding your skin repair itself. Look for a water-based toner with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Avoid toners that contain irritants like menthol, alcohol, witch hazel, natural fragrance, citrus based oils and synthetic oils. Look for a toner that contains alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid that can help in revealing the healthy skin that is hiding underneath acne prone skin.
5. Spot Treat Each Skin Type
Paying attention to your different skin types is important, and you will only appreciate it once you start treating each part differently. It seems to be involving, but it is all for the benefit of your skin.
- For the dry areas use a cream or lotion based moisturiser.
- Before applying your foundation on the whole face, hydrate any dry areas. This will aid prevention of foaming in the dry parts.
Do not apply treatment to all areas of your face. Apply acne spot treatment to any acne scars or blemishes.
6. Use Natural Mineral Based Foundation
Once you are through with cleaning, exfoliating, toning, and moisturising your face, you would not want to clog your pores with makeup. By using a natural mineral based foundation, you will keep your skin hydrated while preventing oils from forming on the T-zone.
- Do not wear makeups while sleeping
- Choose a foundation that contains SPF so that you can protect your skin from UV rays.
7. Wear Sunscreen on Daily Basis
If your foundation does not contain SPF, ensure that you wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen is one of the skincare tips that help in protecting your skin from signs of ageing. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 and be sure to protect your skin from sunspots, wrinkles and discolorations. Choose a sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for rosacea and sensitive skin.
Conclusion
A combination skin is a skin type like any other, and it should not worry you. With the guideline given above, you will be in a position to take care of your skin. Apart from that always ensure that you eat a balanced diet. Water is key to your body, and it helps in keeping your skin hydrated. Exercise enough as well. Use the most appropriate products for your skin and be sure to have a smooth and beautiful skin.
