Most combination skins have an oily T-zone; the forehead, nose and sometimes the chin. These areas can be prone to spots, blackheads and a build up of natural oil, just like oily skins. However, the cheeks will usually be lacking in oil and prone to dehydration.
Choosing products which deep cleanse without stripping will help to balance skin. Hydration is also important in keeping all areas supple without being oily.
Deep Cleanser:
Oil and balm cleansers offer a deep non-aggressive cleanse. They are excellent at clearing out clogged pores and also offer the most efficient way to remove make-up. This will all insure that oily areas are cleansed well without causing dryer parts of the skin to become stripped.
- Use at the end of each day and choose a cleanser with a cloth for a squeaky clean feel. Try Nude or Elemental Herbology.
Gentle Foaming Cleanser:
Choose a foaming cleanser for days when a really fresh feeling is desired, or for morning washes. This need not be clarifying and cleansers for oily or acne prone skins might be too drying.
- Opt for a gentle wash without a harsh detergent base or strong artificial foam booster. Try Nude Cleansing Gel, Caudalie or Ren. This type of cleanser will give a clean feel to the skin, minimizing shine but will not cause flakiness or rough patches on dry areas.
Hydrating Water:
Hydrating waters can be used at any time of day to offer pure hydration to the skin, with no oil. This smooths, plumps and softens the skin without other consequences. Popular in Japan which has a more humid climate than much of Europe, these are available from Japanese skincare companies such as Shu Uemura and Shiseido.
- Use a hydrating water after cleansing. This will replenish skin all over and will also allow additional products to penetrate well.
- Wipe liberally over cleansed skin in the evening in warm weather, so that less or no moisturizer can be used.
Hydrating Moisturizer:
Combination skin still needs a little protection from the elements as well as replenishment. Choose a moisturizer for comfort according to the overall feeling of the skin. Those with a skin more oily than dry will prefer a light or gel texture. Make sure that the moisturizer is hydrating as this kind of moisture will help all areas of the skin.
- If skin becomes extremely oily in hot weather, use moisturizer only in the day and leave cleansed skin bare or with just a serum or hydrating water overnight.
- Beware of anti-wrinkle creams which can be too rich. If wishing to buy anti-wrinkle skincare then look for brands which cater for combination or oily aging skins rather than only mature, parched ones. Try Shu Uemura, Chantecaille or Natura bisse.
Balanced Deep Cleansing Mask:
A deep cleansing mask can help to tighten and clean pores, deep cleanse the skin as well as minimize shine. Clay based masks are extremely effective at this but they can make dry areas feel tight or stripped so choosing the correct formula is important.
- Use a clay mask containing additional softening and hydrating ingredients. These could be essential oils like rose which are anti bacterial but soothing at the same time. Aesop and Chantecaille both make excellent clay masks which will not strip a combination skin.
- Use a deep cleansing or clarifying clay mask only on the oily areas, for example t-zone. Leave dry areas bare or use a moisturizing mask instead.
Exfoliating Mask:
Exfoliation is very important in keeping skin glowing. By clearing excess dead skin cells, products penetrate better and pores also stay cleaner. This benefits both dry and oily skins so will help to balance a combination. Just relying on a scrub is not ideal for a combination skin as scrubs can feel irritating and scratchy to dry areas yet spread spots on oily areas. Even if one part of the skin is feeling okay, another might not be suitable for the scrub. Exfoliating masks are quick to use and can be rinsed off without the need to scrub. Try Natura Bisse 25% Glyco Peeling for smooth skin.
Instant Spot Treatment:
If skin is prone to the occasional large spot it can be useful to find a instant spot treatment that really works.
- Look for a treatment that can be used throughout the day rather than just at night time. Some spot treatments leave a visible deposit on the skin but if this will prevent use during the day, get one that can be rubbed in fully for maximum comfort and the quickest effect.
- Choose a soothing, hydrating and slightly exfoliating formula such as Dr Sebagh Spot On treatment. This will be much less likely to leave a dried out patch of skin that then scars, and the soothing action helps to reduce swelling making the spot less visible.
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