As a combination skin sufferer, I know what its like to have oily skin in the summer and be all dry around the nose come winter. Thick moisturisers make my skin feel slick and never sink in properly, yet light moisturisers do nothing for me. Sometimes it feels like I just cant win. Combination skin is well and truly difficult and at the best of times it's awkward to treat. Be kind to it and It'll be kind to you. Here are a few of my simple skincare tips to help troublesome combo skin.
Correct Cleanser:
Make sure to use a cleanser designed specially for your skin type. Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist tested are all buzz words you need to look out for on the packaging. Leave the cream or balm cleansers as they can be too heavy for combo skin and can cause breakouts. Opt for gel cleansers or clay based ones (and definitely avoid abrasive foaming cleansers) these are gentle on the skin and great for cleansing the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
MOISTURISE!
Now it's too tempting to skip this step when you feel that moisturisers don't sink into your skin properly. You just aren't using the right kind of ones. One of the worst things you can do is deprive your skin of moisture as oily skin can often get dehydrated and cause even more oil to try and counteract this. Look for a moisturiser that is balancing, one that's going to sink into those drier areas yet not enhance oil production.
Blotting Papers
A handbag must staple for us combo girls! If you get oily throughout the day then blot the skin rather than applying more and more powder. These are super cheap to pick up, and they don't take up too much room. I think its much better than over applying powder which can cake on your drier areas.
Treat & Protect:
Once a week, I like to go deep into my skin and give it a DIY facial. To do this I do a mini triple threat facial, First I use a AHA based mask to gently exfoliate the skin without irritating. Then go in with a deep cleansing clarifying mask to draw out all the impurities. Combination skin LOVES charcoal based masks. Then I like to go in with a facial oil to protect everything… this brings me nicely onto my final point….
Oil is not the Enemy:
I repeat, oil is not the enemy. So many people are scared of using an oil on their skin as they fear it'll make their skin more oily, but trust me it wont. It might sound counter productive using an oil on oily skin, but if you trust me for a moment it will change your approach to skincare. Clarins Lotus Face Treatment is an awesome treatment for combination skin as it works at drawing out impurities while also balancing out the skin's natural oil production and hydrating the skin all at once.
Source: www.etcllymlrs.com/2014/01/combination-skincare-tips.html
Image: Same
