Having a combination skin means having, at the same time, two or more types of skin on different areas of the face. The skin tissue may be dry or scaly in some places, but you may also have a T-zone with oily skin, the one that affects the central part of the face - nose, chin and forehead. You may also have this skin type in combination with other problems, such as wrinkles, rashes, or rosacea. It can be difficult to take care of combination skin, but it is not impossible to do so: to take care of it in the most appropriate way, you must find the products that best act on the different types of skin present on your face and that, at the same time, do not cause irritations.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Follow a healthy skin care regimen consistently
A fundamental step in taking care of combination skin is to commit to following a specific regime both day and night: this means using the same products 1-2 times a day for at least a month, so that the skin gets used to it. to the treatment.
- Wash your face once or twice a day with a cleanser;
- Use the exfoliator in moderation; sometimes just once a week is enough.
- Finish with a moisturizer to apply morning and evening.
Step 2. Focus on the different areas of the face
With a skin of this type you will have to pay attention to the treatment of two different types of skin tissue: you will have to moisturize the dry areas and reduce the excess sebum on the points where the skin is oily, often around the T-zone (forehead, nose, area above the lips and chin). Instead of applying a single product all over your face, you will have to manage each section separately, taking into account its skin type.
For example, if you have a pimple on your forehead and you know that the skin in that area of the face tends to be oily, apply a specific treatment locally to manage excess sebum. If the skin on the cheeks tends to become dry and irritated, use a moisturizer only on that area
Step 3. Use an oil-based cleanser on dry skin
Cleansers based on natural oils, such as coconut oil or olive oil, are ideal for dry to very dry skin and, for this reason, are effective only in those specific areas of your combination skin. Although such a cleanser is not harmful to the skin, it is still not recommended for oily skin. You may also like the idea of preparing oil-based cleansers at home to try for a while: however, if rashes start to appear or you notice a negative reaction, you should consider using a professional cleanser that contains other ingredients to better care for oily skin. Start with a very simple cleanser based on natural honey:
- You will need 60g of honey, 150g of vegetable glycerin (available at most health food stores) and 40g of liquid castile soap.
- Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Pour everything into an empty bottle to use it more comfortably;
- Apply a small amount to your face and neck. With your fingers, massage the product into the skin for 30 - 60 seconds - this will dissolve any dirt on the skin surface. Once you have finished cleaning, rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry with a towel.
- You can also make an oil-based cleanser using coconut or olive oil and a warm towel. Look for organic coconut or extra virgin olive oil to make sure you are using the purest natural products on your face.
- Massage the oil into your face for 30 seconds with your fingertips, then wet the towel with warm water and pat it dry. Hold the oil on for 15 - 30 seconds, then gently wipe off the oil with the cloth. Don't rub it on your face, just wipe off the oil.
Step 4. Create a natural exfoliant
After cleaning your face, you can exfoliate your skin, especially if there are areas that are dry and full of dead skin cells. This step will also help prevent pores from becoming clogged and skin from looking dull. Start by using a homemade scrub once or twice a week.
- The exfoliation procedure is not recommended for those with delicate skin. Do this in moderation. For the first time, try the scrub on a small area of skin: if the skin tissue does not show irritation or lesions, you can also use the product on the rest of the face.
- Most homemade scrubs are based on brown sugar, since it is considered more delicate to the skin than granulated sugar. You can also use natural oils like patchouli, tea tree, and lavender to give your skin a healthy glow.
- For sensitive skin, combine 200g of brown sugar, 150g of ground oatmeal and 170g of honey and make a mixture. Massage it on your face for 30 - 60 seconds in order to remove dead cells and thus perform a gentle scrub.
- Make an exfoliant for oily skin by combining 30g of sea salt, 20g of honey and a few drops of patchouli oil. Wet your face and gently apply the exfoliant with your fingers. Massage the mixture into your skin for 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Create an exfoliating scrub by combining 30g of brown sugar, 15g of finely ground coffee beans and 15g of lemon juice. Add 10g of honey for added benefit. Apply the scrub to your face for 30 - 60 seconds, then rinse it all off with warm water.
Step 5. Apply acne treatment
To heal T-zone blemishes and prevent new pimples from appearing on this area, try using an acne treatment. This way you will focus on the areas that are most prone and will be able to not irritate other parts of the face. There are various natural acne treatments which include:
- Baking Soda: An inexpensive, effective, and easy-to-prepare acne treatment. Baking soda reduces the inflammation caused by a pimple and helps prevent future rashes. It is also an excellent exfoliant, capable of eliminating dead cells that can accumulate on the skin surface. Take a few teaspoons of baking soda and mix them with hot water until a thick paste forms. Apply it to dry areas of the skin or directly to blemishes. For the first few times you use it, leave it on for 10 - 15 minutes, then, as the skin gets used to this anti-acne treatment, gradually increase the exposure time, reaching an hour and even a all night long.
- Diluted tea tree oil: an antibacterial and powerful essential oil against acne that must however be diluted, since it could damage the skin if applied directly to the blemish. Prepare an acne treatment based on tea tree by mixing 5 to 10 drops of essential oil and 50 ml of water in a bowl. With a cotton swab, apply the treatment to areas prone to acne or skin imperfections. You can leave the treatment under the foundation and apply it again during the day.
- Lemon juice: an acne treatment based on the natural, antibacterial and astringent properties of this fruit. Grab the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon or purchase a bottle from any grocery store. Pour 10 g of lemon juice into a bowl and apply it to areas prone to acne or blemishes with a cotton ball. Keep it on for a period of 15 minutes to an hour for it to be absorbed by the skin.
- Aloe: If you have an aloe plant available, take advantage of its emollient properties and cut a piece of it. Squeeze the juice of a stem on the blemish or skin area with acne: you can apply this gel on the skin several times a day. You can also buy organic aloe gel at your nearest health food store. Look for aloe-based products with the fewest added ingredients.
Step 6. Use an organic face mask
Apply the mask once a week to refresh the complexion and give the face an emollient treatment. Many organic, 100% natural face masks are the result of a combination of fruit and oils which, together, create a perfect paste for the face.
- Put a banana, half a papaya, two carrots and 340 g of honey in a blender. Blend the ingredients together until you have a thick paste, then apply it to your face for 20 minutes. Finally, rinse it off with warm water.
- Make a lemon yogurt face mask by mixing 10 g of natural yogurt, 3 g of lemon juice and two drops of lemon essential oil. Apply the mask to your face for 10 minutes, then remove it with warm water.
Method 2 of 3: Use Professional Products
Step 1. Take care of your skin consistently
Committing to a day and night care regimen will allow you to get used to certain products and will ensure your combination skin looks healthy and flawless.
- Cleanse your face twice a day with a cleanser (morning and evening) to remove impurities from the skin surface.
- Apply an oil-based moisturizer to dry areas to prevent skin from losing moisture.
- If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, apply a firming mask or cream before going to sleep at night.
Step 2. Treat each skin type separately
Instead of applying a single treatment all over your face, focus on the different skin types present. Dry areas of the face should be treated separately from oily or acne-prone areas.
Step 3. Use an exfoliating cleanser
Look for a gel or foam cleanser to avoid dryness and inflammation. Do not use products that contain irritating ingredients or perfumes and always massage them gently into the skin making small circular movements. Cleanse your face every morning and every night for at least 30 to 60 seconds.
- This step is not recommended for those with sensitive skin. Do this every now and then. To be safe, try on a small area of skin first - if it doesn't cause pain or irritation, you can use the exfoliator all over your face.
- A light cleansing lotion is great for those with dry, red skin. Avoid soaps or soap cleansers as their ingredients can clog pores and dry or irritate the skin. Look for words like "delicate" and "for sensitive skin" on labels.
Step 4. Consider using a toner
Look for a toner that does not contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, natural or synthetic fragrances, or citrus-based oils. A good toner should be water-based and contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that will help the skin repair itself.
- You can find a list of the beneficial ingredients in tonics here.
- Using a cleanser or toner that contains beta hydroxide acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxide acid (AHA), such as glycolic acid, can bring out behind acne-prone skin, a healthy skin tissue. Look for a liquid or gel product for oily or combination skin that contains these elements.
Step 5. Hydrate with an oil-based product
Choose moisturizing products that contain vegetable oils to prevent the skin from drying out: the skin tissue is composed of oils, therefore, to balance its production, you should only apply good quality oil-based products. If you have oily or sensitive skin, use oil-free and non-comedogenic products instead.
Step 6. Use a different acne treatment for each skin type on your face
Be diligent in treating each skin type separately. It may seem like there are a lot of tricks to remember, and that you need to equip yourself with a lot of products, but, in the end, your combination skin will thank you for so much attention to the needs that different types of skin tissue may have.
- Use lotions or moisturizers on dry areas. Instead, apply oil-free or non-comedogenic products to areas with oily skin.
- Moisturize all dry areas of the face before applying foundation or make-up. This will prevent any further dryness from appearing.
- Apply an acne treatment to any blemishes or acne scars and avoid applying the treatment all over your face.
Step 7. Try a mineral-based, 100% natural foundation
Once you've used a cleanser, exfoliator, toner, and moisturizer on your face, the last thing you want to do is clog your pores with makeup. A foundation based on natural minerals will keep the skin hydrated and prevent the shiny effect from appearing on the T-zone. Look for a suitable foundation for combination skin.
- Don't go to sleep without taking your make-up off;
- If possible, look for a foundation that contains a sunscreen (SPF) to protect your skin from sun damage.
Step 8. Put on sunscreen every day
If you don't already use an SPF foundation, you should apply sunscreen daily, all year round, to protect your skin from the signs of aging. Wrinkles, sun spots and discolored areas can be avoided by simply applying a light protection with SPF 30.
On sensitive or red skin, use a sunscreen that contains active ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
Method 3 of 3: See a Dermatologist
Step 1. Make an appointment with a dermatologist
Ask your GP for a visit to a dermatologist who specializes in treating combination skin. You can find a list of dermatologists operating in your area at this link. Then look for information on training, experience and evaluations for each dermatologist and make a preliminary appointment to see if the one you choose is right for you.
- Ask about the different acne treatments - topical ointments, oral antibiotics, chemical peels, and laser and light procedures are just a few examples.
- Ask your dermatologist for advice on cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliants, toners, and sunscreen.
- You can also ask friends or family for advice. Check how long they have been with that particular dermatologist, ask for their opinion on how the clinic staff treated patients and how accessible they consider the information provided by the dermatologist on the procedures and treatments recommended for combination skin.
Step 2. Ask about topical pharmaceuticals
If over-the-counter products don't benefit your acne, your dermatologist may prescribe topical medication. There are three main types:
- Retinoids: These are drugs that can come in the form of a lotion, gel, or cream. Your dermatologist will probably tell you to apply them at night, three times a week, and then during the day as your skin gets used to it. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and plug the hair follicles, effectively blocking the production of sebum and therefore acne.
- Antibiotics: Your dermatologist is likely to prescribe a retinoid and an antibiotic (surface applied or taken by mouth) for the first few months of treatment. You will need to apply the antibiotic in the morning and the retinoid in the evening. Antibiotics work by eliminating excess bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation of the skin tissue. They are often combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotics themselves.
- Dapsone: This treatment comes in the form of a gel and is often prescribed in conjunction with a topical retinoid. If you use this treatment, there may be side effects such as dry skin and redness.
Step 3. Ask your dermatologist about chemical peels and microdermabrasion
To perform a chemical peel, the dermatologist will need to apply a chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, to your skin for several sessions. They may recommend that you combine this process with other acne-specific treatments.
- Remember: you should not take retinoids by mouth while you are undergoing chemical peel treatments, as the combination of these two types of drugs could cause skin irritation.
- Possible side effects of chemical peels include severe redness, blistering and scaling, and permanent discolouration of the skin. These phenomena are rare when the procedure is carried out by professional doctors or beauticians.
