Skin that is oily in some parts but dry or normal in others is considered as combination skin. On most days, your skin will probably feel normal or dry on most of your face and the oily part will be concentrated in the T-zone, the area across your forehead and down your nose and chin. This type of skin is very common, and it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, so special attention is required because the dry parts of your face need to be considered, whereas the oily parts need to be kept clean to avoid breakouts. Here are some simple ways to manage combination skin.
Attend to your face as a whole. Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser up to twice daily. Washing your face less than this could leave excess dirt and oil to clog your pores. Washing more than twice daily could suck moisture out of your dry areas, causing redness and irritation.
Treat dry and oily areas differently. Dry skin is lacking the moisture which is needed to keep the skin supple looking; therefore it has a flaky, dry look. Dry skin needs a daily moisturizer plus possibly a heavier, overnight cream to keep it in a healthy condition. When cleansing, avoid alcohol-based cleansers, and don't use soaps since they tend to have a drying effect. Wash the normal-to-dry areas of your face very gently. Don't scrub or rub too hard or it could cause over-drying and irritation. Use astringent sparingly and then apply a moisture-rich cream or moisturizer which affects the skin by increasing the water absorption in to the skin or by decreasing the amount of water evaporated out of your skin surface. Make sure to avoid your T-zone or the oiliest part of your face for it doesn't need any more oil.
While oily skin is characterized by shiny skin that usually results from overactive sebaceous glands. Daily cleansing, as well as a possible astringent from time to time is needed for this skin type. Apply a gentle astringent or a toner formulated for combination skin upon these areas. Use oil-free or oil-absorbing cosmetics on these areas to control shine. Matte-type foundation and dusting powders help to absorb oil. Removing makeup each night before bed is important because oil-prone areas can thrive under make-up. At least once each week, apply a mask formulated to fight oil and blackheads. Only apply it to your oily areas.
No matter what combinations your skin comes in, the most important detail in your skincare regimen is knowledge of how to treat specific areas. Keep your skin clean and drink lots of water to keep it hydrated. Utilize products made especially for combination skin problems. With combination skin care it may require a little more time for the regimen, but it will be well worth your time and efforts to see healthy looking skin.
