Taking Care of Combination Skin

Combination skin is usually characterized by two extreme skin types, such as oily and dry skin, occurring on the same face. While the presence of an oilier T-zone is considered normal, the extreme of a very oily T-zone and the presence of acne with larger pores along with very dry cheeks and smaller pores are considered to be combination skin. In some cases, this could be caused by a skin disorder called seborrheic eczema, so a visit to a dermatologist may be in order, to help your skin find the right balance. Taking care of this type of skin can be challenging, but it can be done. Here are a few tips on taking care of combination skin.

The first line of defense in combination skin is keeping the skin clean. Avoid using soaps or cleansers which are perfumed or colored, as these can irritate the skin. Also avoid using cleansers that are formulated for very oily skin, as this can irritate the parts of the skin that are dry. Use a gentle cleanser at least twice a day, and try for three times if you can. Experts disagree today whether toner is necessary in your skin routine, as most modern cleansers will help keep your skin feeling refreshed. But toner can help remove any residue from the cleanser and it does feel good on the skin. If you’re in the habit of using toner, you don’t need to stop as long as you’re not using a toner that contains alcohol, as this can severely dry the skin.

Always use a moisturizer after you wash your face. You can try a moisturizer formulated for combination skin or normal to oily. Moisturizer can help even the oily parts of the skin, as the cleanser has worked to remove the excess oils and the moisturizer helps keep the skin hydrated.

Finally, always remove your makeup before going to bed. Leaving the makeup on will clog the pores and help pimples and black heads to develop. No matter how tired you are or how late you get home, always get in the habit of removing your makeup at the end of the day.