How to Take Care of Combination Skin

A lot of women have combination skin, which often means that they have a mix of normal or dry skin and oily skin. The most common place for oily skin is in the area referred to as the T-zone. That includes the area from the forehead down through the center of the nose. Sometimes it even runs to the base of the chin. The remainder of the skin in the cheek and jaw areas is something else altogether. Combination skin makes skin care a bit of a challenge. What will work for the normal to dry skin area of the face will likely create havoc in the oily areas and vice versa. Therefore, women with this type of skin must seek a balance in their skin care regimen. Read on to learn how to take care of combination skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A lighted mirror
• <br>Tissues
• <br>Skin care products for oily skin.
• <br>Skin care products for dry and/or normal skin

1. Make certain that you have combination skin. To do that, carefully cleanse your face and pat it dry. Allow the skin to rest without any other products on it for at least 30 minutes; more than one hour is actually preferred. Then, using a clean tissue for each area, gently wipe the skin on the forehead, nose and chin. Examine the tissue for oily residue. Wherever such residue is present, your skin is more oily. You may also want to perform the same test on your cheeks and jaw to make certain that the skin there is, indeed, different from your T-zone area. If it is, then you have combination skin.

2. If you are now certain that you have an oily T-zone, you must concentrate on determining the condition of the remainder of your skin. It may be normal, dry, or some combination there of. Examine your skin carefully in the mirror. Skin that is flaky or that looks parched or scaly is very likely dry. Skin that is smooth and soft is very likely normal.

3. Examine your skin carefully in a lighted mirror to ascertain if you have other skin issues to take into consideration in caring for your combination skin. Skin issues like acne, rash, rosacea or psorisis may have an impact upon the skin care regimen you choose. If you are at all uncertain about the condition of your skin, you may wish to visit a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis before proceeding with any skin care regimen.

4. Focus on obtaining healthy, balanced, evenly textured and toned skin that is well hydrated. Treat the various areas of your skin properly to maintain that balance once achieved. The skin care products that you choose should be geared toward solving any specific issues of your skin without damaging the normal, healthy areas. If possible, and affordable, choose skin care products that are specifically made for combination skin.

5. Cleanse skin with a gentle, moisturizing non-soap cleanser that can help strip away excess oil while also moisturizing any dry skin areas and hydrating the remainder of your skin. Do not scrub or use lathering products that will further dry out skin that may already be parched for moisture.

6. Exfoliate at least the oily portion of the skin. Use skin care products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and/or retinols once a day, preferably in the evening. These help to remove dead skin cells and can often even be used on the parts of the face that have normal skin. Sticky pads that are geared specifically for the nose and forehead area are another good way of accomplishing proper exfoliation without damaging the rest of the skin. Additionally, they allow you to focus treatment exactly where you want it. A word of caution, however, these strips only work if used properly so be certain to follow the instructions given very carefully. If the skin becomes irritated or red, you may want to cut back on exfoliation to two or three times a week.

7. Moisturize twice a day with a light-weight, oil free moisturizer on those portions of your face that are normal or oily. You may wish to use a slightly heavier lotion or cream style moisturizer for the dry areas of the skin. If your T-zone area is particularly oily, you may opt to forgo moisturizer in that area and instead use a glycolic acid pad or astringent across the skin in that zone. If so, then you can use a lotion or cream style moisturizer on the remainder of your skin.

8. Apply a sunscreen unless your other skin care or makeup products already contain a sufficient SPF to negate the need for additional protection. It is best to use at least an SPF 15.

9. Use makeup products that are geared for combination skin. Many cosmetic lines now make foundations and blushes that adjust to the needs of each woman's skin. For the most part, these products are no more expensive than standard cosmetics. However, the benefits to the skin are monumental. If you opt not to use self-adjusting cosmetics, then consider using all natural mineral makeup. Since these contain no additives, preservatives, or chemicals they are safe for all types of skin and will not dry out parched skin while helping to balance oily skin. A word of note. Mineral products are often slightly higher in cost than many other cosmetic lines. However, once again, the benefits of these products far outweighs the extra cost.

Tips & Warnings

• Whenever possible, purchase skin care and cosmetic products that are specifically made for combination skin.
• <br>Follow the directions of each skin care product specifically.
• <br>If you have sensitive and combination skin, use products that are suited for both rather than one or the either.
• <br>Cleanse the skin daily.
• <br>Moisturize the skin at least once a day.
• <br>Always use an SPF protection against the sun's damaging rays.
• Don't choose skin care products that you know are not right for your combination skin as they may do irreparable damage.
• <br>Specifically avoid astringents and toners that are dry out the skin.
• <br>Avoid foaming or lathering cleansers and exfoliating products as they will often even dry out once normal skin.
• <br>Do not over moisturize the oily area of the skin.