Skin Type – Oily & Combination Skin

Oily and combination skin is caused by an over-production of oil by the glands. Other signs of oily skin are visible pores and the skin usually has a sheen to it, especially around the nose. If you are having oily skin, a strict and regular routine should be implemented.

Oily skin is characterised by:

• your complexion is greasy, or oily feeling
• your skin is coarse with large pores
• regular cleansing or washing is needed to control the oiliness
• make up is easily absorbed into the skin
• skin is prone to blemishes and breakouts

If you have oily skin, consider yourself blessed. The oil is a build in lubricant that will benefit your skin as you grow older! Yes Of course, you may have to deal with a shiny nose and greasy cheeks now. The solution: don’t fight it, control it.

Cleansing
If you are using harsh soap, detergent-based soaps and alcohol-laden astringents to dry up the oil, Stop! Immediately. Over time, these products can damage your skin. Try an oil binding liquid or gel cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin. The most effective oil control creams are those made from herbs such as the Rebirth Tea Tree Cleansing Cream. It can reduce facial oil, minimise facial shine and does not irritate the skin or cause acne.

Moisturising
Depending on how oily your skin is, you may not need a moisturiser at all. But, if you think you need one, choose one that contains glycerin and vitamin C acid. These ingredients trap water in your skin without producing a greasy shine. Also, select a lotion as they’re lighter than cream and tend to contain less oil, so they won’t clog pores.

• Clean your face twice a day, in the morning and before bed with a mild liquid cleanser formulated specifically for oily skin.
• Use astringents no more than once a day. Better yet, don’t use them at all. Use a tea tree cleansing cream instead, it works!
• Choose an oil-free or oil in water moisturiser if you feel you need to use a moisturiser.
• Use oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day.

Don’t

• Over scrub your skin. Oil is your skins natural protective barrier.
• Cleanse your face more than twice a day unless you do strenuous activity.
• Develop an astringent addiction.
• Use moisturiser if you don’t need to.
• Keep slapping on powder to mop the oil, your skin will look chalky.

• your pores are medium sized
• you have a smooth and even skin texture
• your skin has good circulation and healthy colour
• your skin is sometimes dry on the cheeks
• you experience a shine caused by oil on your T zone (nose and forehead)

Caring for combination skin is a balancing act – you need to moisturise the drier areas, typically the cheeks, whilst treating the oiliness of the forehead, nose, and chin (the so-called T zone). But that does not mean you have to have a large collection of skin care product, just a few, well-selected products will do the trick.

Cleansing
If your T zone is very oily, use a Tea-tree cleansing cream.

Moisturising
The last thing you want to do is make your already oily T zone even oilier so use a moisturiser only where you need to which is usually on the cheeks of combination skin. If the skin under your eyes is dry, use a cream specifically formulated for this delicate skin. Eye creams contain preservatives that keep them sterile and prevent eye infections.

• Choose cleansers formulated for combination skin; they are gentle on dry areas such as the cheeks, and tougher on oily areas such as the nose and chin.
• Apply moisturiser only where you need it, as slathering it on your T zone may lead to breakouts.
• Use water-based or oil-free foundation.

Don’t

• Use a different cleanser or moisturiser for different parts of your face – it is a waste of time and money.
• Forget to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. Preferably, one that does not contain oil.