Skincare is a delicate thing because you almost have to try to see what works for you and what doesn’t. Combination skin is simply having oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in other areas. Typically, there’s a mix of oily and dry areas on different parts of your face, with the t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) being slightly oily to very oily. Sounds complicated, right? Well, that’s because it is.
When it comes to combination skin, you almost have to treat different parts of your face differently. What works for your T-Zone may not necessarily work for other parts of your face. Here are 6 skincare tips for combination skin.
1. Correct the oily areas with blotting pads
Since not all parts of your face are oily then it makes no sense to treat them in the same way. For the oily areas, you can make use of blotting pads. Using blotting pads to absorb excess oil throughout the day is a dermatologist-approved way to keep oil-prone areas of your skin looking fresh and matte all day long, without irritating dry patches.
These papers are easy to fit in your bag and can offer you a quick way to cut back on excess grease mid-day. They’ll temporarily absorb oil without ruining your makeup.
2. Exfoliate, but with caution
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It can be done either mechanically or chemically. Just like with other skin types, exfoliating is necessary for combination skin.
A BHA exfoliant helps the skin shed dead cells normally without abrasion, unclogs pores, lessens oily skin, and at the same time gently smooths rough, dry, flaky skin and revives a healthy glow. For combination skin, a gel or weightless fluid or water-like liquid BHA exfoliant is best.
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3. Use a gentle oil-balancing cleanser
When it comes to combination skin, the idea is to balance the oils in the skin. This can be achieved using a gentle oil-balancing cleanser. Some ingredients, like denatured alcohol, may dry out and even prematurely age your skin. You can avoid harsh, skin-drying chemicals by opting for a gentler option. This will help mattify your oily T-zone without over-drying your cheeks and under-eye area.
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4. Stop touching your face
Our hands undoubtedly carry a lot of dirt and germs. We’re constantly touching things, and more often than not, these things are not 100% germ-free. That’s why you must avoid touching your face at all costs. For combination skin, you don’t want to transfer that to your face, as it could end up clogging your pores.
5. Try out multi-masking
With combination skin, your products have to be very specific and tailored. Multi-masking is a great way to take care of combination skin. Simultaneously applying different face masks to other areas of your face is the perfect technique for combination skin types. One rule across the board is to make sure it is non-drying and that it contains salicylic acid.
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6. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Sunscreen is important, not only for those with combination skin but for everyone. No skin type is exempt from the need for a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater and applied 365 days a year. Apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen (with an SPF value of 30 or higher) daily.
Spending time in the sun sans SPF protection can cause damage, which can lead to visible signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. For combination skin, an extremely feather-light formula with a soft matte finish works best all over the face, and don’t forget to apply it to the neck. Skincare: The Benefits Of Sunscreen And How To Apply It Properly
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