by Kimberley Heit

Created on: February 26, 2012   Last Updated: February 27, 2012

The term combination skin is used to describe facial skin that has skin two types. It could be oily/normal combination, oily/dry combination, or dry/normal combination. It can be difficult to keep combination skin properly moisturized, because the products you choose to suit one area of your face, might not suit another section. This article looks at ways to get around this problem and ensure your skin is kept properly moisturized.

There are basically two main ways to ensure combination skin is kept properly moisturized. The first is to apply different products to different sections of your skin. The second is to use products specifically designed for combination skin.

Using different products for different sections of your skin

It can be a little cumbersome, but when you have different skin types one way to handle things is to treat them as different skin types. For example, if you have oily/dry combination skin try applying a water based moisturizer designed for oily skin to the oil parts. These are typically the forehead, nose and chin. Then apply an oil based moisturizer designed for dry skin to the dry areas, which are often the cheek areas.

Alternatively only apply moisturizer to the spots where it is needed and leave the other areas bare. Generally the test to determine whether an area needs moisturizer is to wait a few minutes after cleansing your face and see which areas feel dry or tight.

Also consider using different cleansers on different sections of your face and other products like masks and treatments. For example, you might like to use a hydrating mask on dry areas and a clay mask on areas prone to break outs.

Using products specifically designed for combination skin

There are all sorts of skin care products designed especially for combination skin. It is a good idea to buy all of your facial products designed for combination skin, rather than just a moisturizer, because other products, for example face wash, can also influence how hydrated your skin remains. Combination skin care products utilize ingredients that are good for either skin type and sometimes even ingredients that have a balancing effect. For example, there are some essential oils that can help control oil and hydrate all at the same time.

A beauty consultant at a department store or beauty salon should be able to point you in the right direction for the best products for your skin type. If you are looking to buy online some brands that make combination skincare products include; Pevonia, Neutrogena, Olay, Lancome, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder and Laura Mercier.

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