Combination skin can be tricky to care for. You’ve got an oily t-zone and dry everywhere else. Sometimes moisturizer is too rich or a cleanser is too drying. Fret not combination skin peeps! Here’s a list of keywords to look for in products that actually work on fickle-complexioned skin!
CLEANSERS
Keywords: soothing, non-foaming, rinse off, that also removes make up. It’s tough enough to remove all the grime but does not lather too much that it makes your skin feel tight.
Texture: milk, foaming cleanser, non-detergent liquid soap.
Avoid: any face wash you have to lather like a gel or a soap.This might be ok for your oily parts but will definitely strip off the drier areas, leaving the rest of your face feeling tight.
EXFOLIATORS
Keywords: gentle micro-beads, rinse off formula, no residue. You still want something that washes away with water. Something simple enough to use at least 2-3 times a week.
Texture: micro-beads, instant peel or exfoliates on the spot by removing dead skin.
Avoid: fruit acids or retinol without the ‘go’ signal of a dermatologist. Must proceed with extreme caution because your skin is so fickle, these ingredients might need to be administered with supervision.
TONERS
Keywords: “Clarifying,” something strong enough to banish breakouts and oil in the t-zone area but gentle enough to keep dry areas soft.
Texture: lotion, which is another word for soft water, not to be confused with lotion you put on the body.
Avoid: astringent. Most clarifying lotions are gentler and have zero alcohol. The clarifying usually comes from enzymes instead of acids.
DAYTIME MOISTURIZER
Keywords: balancing, lightweight, broad spectrum sun protection. Basically you want a multi-tasker that does the job of a lot of products because layering on too many products not only takes time but makes your fickle skin even more fickle.
Texture: light moisturizer or gel with a minimum of SPF 15.
Avoid: anything that says cream or intense moisture which will leave you looking like an oil-slick during the day.
NIGHTTIME MOISTURIZER
Keywords: specifically says “Night cream”. There’s a reason why it should be used at night: because ingredients assist in building new skin cells between the hours of 10pm and 4am. You want a night cream that contains zinc to regulate oil, vitamin C and E so you wake up to bright skin.
Texture: cream
Avoid: anything that has acids and retinol unless prescribed by a dermatologist.
Related Products: