Basic Skin Care for Combination Skin

As if life wasn't confusing enough, some people have to deal with combination skin on top of it! Combination skin is exactly that: Oily skin on the T-Zone, which includes the nose and forehead, and dry areas on the cheeks and chin. There are products out there that help out people with two types of skin, so you don't have to spend extra time and money to deal with both separately.

Most people with combination skin need to cleanse the oily parts of the T-zone, while hydrating the dry areas. Tricky as it may sound, you can use the same product on the whole face. Clean dirt and oil with a gentle, non-soap cleaner. Try to find a creamy cleanser, because they're easiest on facial skin. A good tip to finding the right cleanser is to stay away from anything that lathers up, because that causes excess drying.

In both morning and evening, apply a lightweight moisturizer on the oily areas, and if needed on extremely dry skin, add to those areas a heavier lotion. If the T-zone is really oily, you can swipe it with oil-absorbing rice paper. Don't add extra moisturizer or use alcohol based products on the oily areas, because this can either lead to more oil production or extreme drying out of the skin.

As with any skin type, be sure to add an oil-free sunscreen over the entire face, either alone or over the moisturizer. Also, be sure to always remember to purchase SPF 15 or higher so the face doesn't risk sun damage. You may find tinted moisturizers and makeup that contains an SPF, but just make sure it has enough protection.

Exfoliate skin with a cream that contains alpha-hydroxy acids or retinols every night. Both of these products help with skin cell renewal and adding collagen to the skin. If your face becomes red or irritated, cut back on the amount of time you use them to every few days. Always add extra moisture on very dry areas of skin.

The best rule of thumb when dealing with combination skin types is to use oil-free products on the oily areas and extra moisture on dry areas. If you're able to find something lightweight yet rich enough to moisturize the dry area, then you've found the perfect product for your skin type.

Use matte makeup on your face, especially on the T-zone area, and try to avoid shimmer or light enhancing makeup on those oily areas. Use a loose powder to lock in the foundation and also soak up any excess oils your face may produce. Many cosmetic companies sell oil-blotting papers, which can be used to swipe the skin and remove excess oil without removing makeup. These papers are small enough to fit in a purse and be carried throughout the day.

You may also find specially formulated masks for the T-zone that contain clay or salicylic acid, and these products help decrease the amount of oil on the face. Be sure not to do the whole face with these products, because they will dry out already dry skin. Combination skin is very common, so it's possible to find many products in stores, both lightweight and effective. Check your local store and find products that promote themselves for combination skin types. Many items are gentle enough for both types of skin, saving you money on twice the amount of products.