Combination Skin Type


Combination skin can be easily characterized by an oily t-zone - forehead, nose and chin, and dry cheeks. This is because the sebaceous glands are over-active in the t-zone, and the rest of the face is relatively dehydrated. As such, the cheeks feel dry and tight after washing. Also, the t-zone is prone to the development of several blackheads, whiteheads, acne breakouts, and blemishes, due to the prevalence of large skin pores in this area. Many people develop this combination skin as a result of both, internal and external factors, such as stress, anxiety, physical health, lack of exercise, improper diet, environment, and one's overall lifestyle. However, taking care of it is not such a difficult task, once you know what to do. It can easily be combated, and leave you with healthy, glowing skin.

Combination Skin Care Tips

Generally, people are always unsure about how to take care of combination skin. As mentioned before, you need to follow a routine that will separately take care of dry skin and oily skin. Adopting this approach is essential, because if you undertake treatment only for oily skin it will leave the dry patches drier, and if you undertake treatment for dry skin, it will further enhance the oily zones. Take a look at these skin care tips for combination skin.

Cleansing Routine
Though it is important to follow an overall cleansing routine, the oily zone in the combination skin type requires thorough cleansing. This is because oily skin is more prone to collecting dirt and resulting in breakouts. Use a gentle face wash to clean the skin, but massage it in thoroughly on the oily zone, before washing, to get rid of the dirt, and also the excess oils that are produced in that zone. Also, oily skin requires a comparatively rigorous skin exfoliation procedure. Scrub the oily areas more than you do the dry areas. There are also several combination skin cleansers available that serve the purpose of cleansing both skin types.

Toning Routine
The t-zone requires more toning in order to control the shiny texture that is created as a result of combination skin. When you begin toning, begin with the t-zone and then move into the dry zones. This way, lesser toner is used on the dry skin. If your skin has makeup, first cleanse your skin with a makeup remover, and then follow the toning procedure. You may also use a tissue paper to rid your skin of the excess oil, before toning.

Sometimes, using two different types of toners on combination skin will help. A strong toner for the oily zone, and a mild one for the dry skin, is an effective skin care tip for combination skin. Avoid the use of toners with alcohol as these will cause the dry areas to dehydrate further.

Moisturizing Routine
It is common knowledge that dry skin requires more moisturizer than oily skin. Thus, while using one, ensure that you massage the moisturizer completely into the dry skin, and in this case, lesser attention can be paid to the t-zone. Use a non-greasy moisturizer for the t-zone, while one specifically for dry skin can be used on the dry areas. You can also make your own moisturizer for your combination skin, to get results without any side effects.

Facial Masks
Different types of face masks are available for different skin types. It is better if you use a homemade facial mask to take care of combination skin. You will require a hydrating facial mask for dry skin, and one that can control oily skin for the t-zone. In extreme cases, you can also use two different facial masks to take care of the different skin types.

Combination skin types needn't necessarily comprise only of an oily t-zone and dry cheeks. In some cases, the cheeks and nose are oily and the rest of the face is dry. The only way to take care of it is to identify these zones with the help of a blotting paper, and follow the above mentioned methods to attain flawless, glowing skin.

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