Your skin needs care just like any other part of your body. If you want your skin to remain glowing, age well and be spotless, it is important to have a solid skincare regiment. The first step in design the care-plan is to know which type of skin you have.
Oily skin is very easy to ascertain as there is almost always a thin sheen of oil present on the surface of the skin. On the contrary, dry skin is marked by flaky and cracking texture. However, the third type of skin, combination skin, is perhaps the hardest to determine.
There are however some signs to look for to find if you have combination skin. If your skin is oily in some places, and dry in some places, you have a combination skin. More specifically, if your T-zone, which comprises of your chin, forehead, and nose, is oily, and the other parts of your faces are dry, then you have a combination skin.
The dilemma of people with this skin type is they do not know if they should use products aimed at dry skin or moisturizing products. Skincare for combination skin is also very hard to perfect but it can be done. Here are a few tips regarding skincare for combination skin that will help you tailor your skincare routine accordingly.
Table of Contents
1- Wash Your Face with Tepid (lukewarm) Water:
No matter what your face type is, never wash your face with hot water as it will dehydrate your skin and deplete its natural oils. This will make your skin itchy and red. Wash your face with tepid or room temperature water instead.
Follow with a serum to lock in moisture. A serum penetrates deep into your skin and is very hydrating. A good quality serum will also regulate sebum production and prevent your T-zone from looking oily. Moreover, serums also boost water retention.
2- Use A Mild Cleanser:
Another significant player in skin care for combination skin is a cleanser. As we expose our skins to the pollutant, dirt and other impurities, it is imperative to use a cleaner to wipe these harmful substances away from the skin. However, this does not mean that you go into overdrive and splurge for a heavy-duty cleanser.
A strong cleanser will be counterproductive as it will actually increase the oil production in your T-zone and make the dry areas of your skin even dryer. Therefore, buy a gentle cleanser instead which will effectively cleanse your skin without drying it out. Use it twice a day; in the morning and at night.
3- Use Different Products for Different Concerns:
You cannot rely on a single product if you have a combination skin. This is because your T-zone, which is oily, will require products made for acne-prone skin. The other parts of your face, which are dry, will need moisturizing products. Use a drying mask for your oily , T-zone and a more moisturizing one for the drier parts of your face.
4- Always Use A Toner:
Another essential part of skin care for combination skin is a toner. It is essential to maintain the pH level of your skin. However, avoid alcoholic toners as they will overdry your skin and increase oil production. Try using rosewater for a safe, natural and alcohol-free option!
5- Boost Your Vitamin A Levels:
Increase your vitamin A intake as this miracle vitamin is actually an antioxidant. Vitamin A will facilitate the shedding of dead skin cells that often accumulate inside a pore and lead to acne.
Vitamin A rich foods include spinach, kale, papaya, sweet potatoes, apricots, berries, milk, cheese, cod liver oil, mangoes, eggs, and organ meats. You can also ask your dermatologist to prescribe retinoid creams as they contain vitamin A derivatives which boost collagen production, unclog pores, and increase cell turnover.
However, be patient, as it will take three to six months before you notice a visible change in your skin.
6- Don’t Forget To Exfoliate:
Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin and the impurities that are holding the skin back. These buildups make the skin look dull and also can lead to pores getting congested.
Thus, exfoliate around 1-3 times a week to remove the excess clutter from your skin. Regular exfoliation will result in a smooth and even skin complexion. It will also prevent breakouts.
However, it is important not to overdo it. Over exfoliation strips the skin of its natural oils can thus can lead to the skin producing even more oils, which can cause breakouts.
7- Always Remember Sunblock:
Sun-damage to the skin is very important to counter to have a healthy skin. From wrinkles to more serious conditions like cancer, the harmful effects of sun exposure are aplenty. Therefore, sunscreen should be an absolute must in the skincare regimen.
However, use a broad spectrum one as it has better coverage against the damaging ultraviolet rays. Also, buy a non-comedogenic sunblock so that it doesn’t clog your pores. An SPH of 15+ should be aimed for.
Always wear a sunblock when stepping out of the house during daytime, even when it’s cloudy and put it on at least 15-30 minutes before stepping outside of the house
These are some of the ways that can help you sort some matters of skincare for combination skin, however, certain conditions may still require expert help. For your skin related concerns, visit a dermatologist right away.
You can book an appointment with a top Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
