How-To Tips on Finding the Best Products for Combination Skin

Facial Cleansers for Combination Skin
The different moisture levels of your combination skin may cause trouble if you use just one cleanser. Many will dry out parts of your face while aggravating oiliness in other areas. One option is to pick multiple products, one for each area you need to treat. Another is to look for oil-free cleansers that don't strip away moisture.

Even if you have areas of your face that are very oily, it's a good idea to look for gentle cleansers. Harsh products can actually increase your risk of breaking out by irritating your skin and encouraging it to produce even more oil. People with combination skin types can choose to use a little more cleanser in oily areas to even out their skin's moisture level.

Picking a Face-Friendly Moisturizer
Your moisturizer is extremely important for reducing the effects of aging and helping you avoid damage to your skin. Combination skin types may not suffer from dryness in the T-zone, but they often develop flaky or dry areas elsewhere on the face. Look for a light product that doesn't contain large amounts of oil. Gels and thinner lotions often work better than creams and heavier moisturizers.

Some moisturizers made with anti-aging ingredients can cause trouble for combination skin types. If you purchase a moisturizer that containers retinol or other vitamin A derivatives, make sure that it also contains anti-oxidants to combat this ingredient's drying effects. Use moisturizers sparingly to start with; your skin will soon let you know how much of any product it requires.

Choosing Combination Foundations
Even if you use an appropriate cleanser and moisturizer, you may find that many mainstream foundations perform poorly on combination skin types. If your foundation seems greasy on your forehead or encourages blemishes, you may need an oil-free foundation. You should also think about your desired coverage level. Many heavy coverage foundations cause problems for combination skin.

Remember that you don't have to apply your foundation consistently everywhere. You can use only a thin layer on oily areas or apply foundation just on your cheeks and other normal to dry skin, and then add a light powder all over. Stippling foundation on with a sponge can also help people with combination skin avoid a cakey look.

Paying attention to the unique needs of your skin can help you avoid the dry, scaly look or excessive greasiness that often comes with using standard products on combination skin. People with combination skin types don't have to feel like there's no right care routine. With the correct products and a little special attention, you can help your combination skin look young, healthy and fresh, with no risk of dryness or extra blemishes. Just take some time to determine what kinds of care the individual parts of your skin require.