Skin Type | Combination Skin
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
Combination skin is one of 4 skin types. It is usually partly oily and partly dry, and as such can have the characteristics of both skin types.
Typically, combination skin has a shine on the forehead, the nose and the chin (the T-Zone). These areas tend to show more enlarged pores and can have the same characteristics as oily skin:
- Oily shine all over the face
- Thicker texture
- Frequent breakouts
- Possible comedones
- Acne prone
The cheeks and other areas of the face usually appear drier and can have the characteristics of dry skin:
- Lack of sebum
- No oily film present
- Tight/ taut sensation
- Lack of suppleness and tone
- Matte complexion
- Closed pores
- Rough texture
- Flakes of dehydration
Treatment
It is very important to balance the T-Zone area on combination skin types, as well as to gently cleanse and exfoliate the areas with drier skin.
Products like cleansers, toners and those that control bacterial activity like acne-spot treatments, which contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, sulphur and salicylic acid for example, can be used in the prevention of acne, breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads in the T-Zone area.
Products that contain harsh alcohols and aggressive cleansing agents should not be used on the face, for any skin type. These products strip the face of it’s natural protective layer, and disturbs it’s balance. Doing so only triggers an automatic response by the skin to produce more oil.
Exfoliation
Mechanical exfoliation, in the form of gentle facial scrubs are recommended for use 1-2 times per week on combination skin types, with particular attention being paid to areas of the skin that experience dryness or flakiness.
Combination skin can also benefit from chemical exfoliation treatments, particularly in the oil prone areas like the T-Zone area. The use of products that contain a mix of alpha and beta hydroxyacids (AHAs and BHAs), such as glycolic and salicylic acid respectively, work well for combination types. Glycolic acid will help combat any signs of premature aging, like the formation of fine lines and wrinkles on dry skin areas, and salicylic acid will of course help control any unwanted bacterial action present in areas that are prone to excess oiliness.
These products should not be used in the eye area.
Dehydration
Like dry or oily skin, combination skin can also be dehydrated. When skin lacks water, it compensates for this by producing more oil. You may find that on days where you are not on top of your water intake, your skin appears shiner, and oilier than usual. Even the parts that are usually flaky appear to have excess oil and you think that your skin type is suddenly oily.
A water-based, fluid moisturizer that would take care of the dryness and balance the oil on skin works best for this type of skin. Also, keep water intake up and incorporate more vegetables in your diet.
Aging
As we age, the skin’s production of sebum decreases, and skin gets less oily and more dry. In the case of combination skin, it is recommended that you incorporate the appropriate skin care products and treatments to help delay premature aging of the dryer skin areas.
And of course, wear sun screen.
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