Combination skin might be the most difficult skin type to take care of. This skin type combines some of the worst attributes of oily and dry skin into one skin type.
Some characteristics of combination skin include:
- Dry cheeks
- Oily T-zone
- Splotchy, red patches
- Sensitivity to products
Combination skin is so hard to care for because it has many different characteristics.
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Combination skin is a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Oily skin, which usually appears in the T-zone for people with combination skin, is the result of a genetic condition that causes more oil to be released than is necessary.
There are a few problems that people with oily skin face, none more prevalent than acne. Combination skin will often have breakouts in the T-zone because of the excess oil. Oily skin, while genetic, can become exacerbated by humid weather.
Dry skin, on the other hand, becomes exacerbated when there is a lack of moisture in the air. The winter months will often be harsh on the cheeks, jawline, and upper neck of someone with combination skin. Dry skin is the result or chronic, subclinical inflammation of skin cells. This inflammation is usually a genetic condition but is easily added to by dry climates or strong central heating in the winter.
Combination skin requires a lot of TLC and knowing what is best for your skin.
There are preventative measures you can take to make your skin less susceptible to the elements, including:
- Use sunscreen and avoid the sun between 10 and 4 p.m.
- Abstain from smoking
- Take warm, short showers instead of hot, long showers
- Eat a diet high in olive oil and fish
- Manage your stress levels
All of these measures can help to make combination skin less of an issue. But combination skin also requires a skin care regimen that takes into account the sensitive nature of combination skin and the differences between the T-zone and cheeks.
Combination skin benefits from skin care products containing anti-inflammatory ingredients that aren’t harsh or drying. DMAE is a great ingredient for the oily portions of your skin, especially when contained in a toner. Then, for the dry portions of your face, use a water based moisturizer.
To care for combination skin, use a cleanser made for sensitive skin. Doctor Perricone‘s Gentle Cleanser is perfect for combination skin because it can be used on the entire face. It is gentle, as its name suggests, while still removing dirt, excess oil, and make-up.