Taking care of combination skin
You may have found yourself unsure about your exact skin type. Some areas look shiny, others feel dry, your skin can feel tight and it may also react sensitively to changes in the weather.
This is completely normal. Very few people have skin that shows only one clear skin type. This is why professionals often classify combination skin. It is usually shiny on the forehead, nose and chin while the cheeks and the area around the eyes tend to be dry and sometimes even a little rough. A general feeling of tightness is also common and is usually caused by significant dehydration.
The causes are varied. A large part of it is genetic but diet and lifestyle can strongly influence the condition of the skin.
How should we care for combination skin
A well structured daily routine can help balance out the issues.
Choose a light yet thorough cleanser because removing impurities and makeup completely is an essential part of effective skincare. Active ingredients cannot work properly on a dirty surface. Even during cleansing it is important to support the hydration of the skin. A cleanser can contain Aloe vera such as the JimJams Aloe Vera foaming gel cleanser or ingredients like Urea or Panthenol which help with this.
Use a nourishing toner. Make sure your toner does not contain irritating ingredients especially drying alcohol. Although alcohol can create a matt look at first it disrupts the balance of the skin over time and can increase oil production which leads to even more unwanted shine. It also dries out the already dry areas which is definitely something to avoid. It is worth choosing a toner with softening hydrating and antioxidant ingredients.
Exfoliate. Not daily but once a week is recommended because the buildup of dead skin cells prevents the skin from breathing and can aggravate problems. Combination exfoliators work best because they rely not only on physical particles but also on acids that loosen the bonds between cells and help renew the skin. After exfoliating avoid direct sunlight or use sunscreen.
Use pore cleansing products on problem areas. There are easy to use pore strips available that remove discolored blackheads in one quick motion when placed on the skin. They are fast and practical but keep in mind that more problematic skin may still require professional help. The JimJams pore cleansing strip provides an effective and speedy solution.
Prepare the skin if it is very dehydrated. Just as dry soil cannot absorb water properly the skin cannot either. It should first be saturated with a small amount of moisture so that it can retain it. Serums are ideal for this because their light texture allows them to absorb quickly and pre hydrate the skin. Many brands also offer skincare activating gels which penetrate the skin easily due to their structure and prepare it for better absorption of creams. Using the JimJams Aloe Hyaluron Extra Activating gel fills the skin with moisture and makes it firmer and more elastic.
Use more than one face cream. Apply a richer hydrating cream to the drier areas of the face and choose a light gel based product for the T zone. In the evening opt for a more nourishing cream with skin rebuilding vitamins.
Protect yourself from harmful rays. Sun protection is equally important for every skin type. A good daily sunscreen helps prevent premature wrinkles and also provides effective protection against skin cancer.
Get a good eye cream. Even if the T zone does not need rich creams and you feel that the eye area is not dry never skip caring for this delicate part of the face. Fine lines appear here first and combination skin is no exception so pay proper attention to prevention.
