If you have a combination skin, the central part of the face (T-zone); the forehead, nose and chin may be oily, while other parts, like the cheeks and the delicate skin under the eyes, can be dry or normal. In other words, it is a combination that is characterized as normal and oily skin or, oily and dry skin. Exactly which areas are affected most often changes with age; like for example adolescents find their foreheads and noses a problem, which is linked to hormones, whereas older women find chins some times breaking out, most often linked to increased stress levels.
Caring for combination skin is therefore a delicate balancing act as it involves tackling the problem on one area of the face without harming the skin on the other areas. You don't want to over-moisturize the oily areas and you don't want to apply products formulated for oily skin to the dry skin and end up with a skin that feels tight, dry or scaly, especially around the eyes and mouth. With this type of skin, you may therefore require a little more time for the care regimen, but it will be well worth your time and effort since you will achieve a healthy looking and glowing skin.
The first step is cleansing. Cleanse twice daily with warm water and a gentle facial cleanser for combination skin. Avoid using hard water, soap or harsh cleansers formulated for oily skin or milky cleansers formulated for dry skin and instead use a moisturizing cleansing bar or facial wash. The foaming action strips the oil on the oily skin without dehydrating the dry areas on the cheeks at the same time.
Exfoliate periodically, using a gentle scrub, say twice or thrice a week to keep the skin looking fresh and radiant. Exfoliating reduces the dry flakes of skin from the dry areas on the cheeks that stick on the oily areas causing blockage of pores. To loosen blackheads, you can use pore strips. These are little sticky pads which you place over the blocked pores and then pull off. They are perfect for combination skins as they allow you to focus your treatment on the affected area (oily areas). To start, use the strips every day for three days, then, reduce to once a week.
Follow with a water-based or glycerin-based toner to help remove remaining residue as well as spread the excess oil in oily areas to the dry areas of your face. Avoid astringent toners, alcohol based toners and cleansing lotions as they strip off the moisture on your skin. These can be very harsh for combination skins.
The use of a facial mask is recommended at least once a week. Combination skin may require the use of two different masks to adequately meet your skin's needs. Start with a clay mask on the T-zone, it should feel tight as it dries. Wait for a few minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Follow with a moisturizing mask on the drier areas. Wait for around 5 minutes then rinse it off with warm water.
Finally, moisturize your skin. For an oily-normal combination, you need to keep it hydrated, but dry in the areas prone to excessive oil. Choose water-based moisturizers for this as opposed to oil-based ones, making sure to apply sparingly to oil-prone areas. For an oily-dry combination, use emollient-based moisturizers on the dry areas to keep the skin feeling fresh. You may need a heavier moisturizer for the eyes but be sure to keep it off the T-zone.
You can now apply your make up. If you choose to use a liquid foundation, try to find one that is made especially for combination skin, to better manage the oily and dry areas of your skin. Do not forget to apply a sunscreen at all times when going outdoors. Try to shop for foundations and powders that double up as make-up and sunscreen to make your life easier. Remember you are what you eat. Watch a healthy and balanced diet. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, essential oils, minerals, fibre and vitamins. Maintain high consumption of water to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
