Skin Care Tips

Oily Skin and Combination Skin Characteristics

Oily skin and combination skin are two skin types that usually need a lot of care and maintenance in order to look their best. Before you read any further see if you have oily skin or combination skin by looking at common characteristics of both.

Oily Skin Characteristics:

• you have large visible pores on your face
• your face is shiny throughout the day, even just after you wash it
• you suffer from breakouts including on your chest and back
• you have blackheads and whiteheads

Combination Skin Characteristics:

• Your forehead, nose, and chin are oily while your cheeks may be dry
• You have suffer from blackheads and breakouts where your skin is oily
• You can have large pores and shiny skin

Oily and Combination Skin Needs Proper Care

One of biggest myths about caring for oily skin is that you need to use harsh skin care products in order to get rid of the excess oil on your skin. Instead the opposite is usually true.

If you use products that are too strong you will end up hurting your skin instead of helping it. Use gel or foaming cleansers that contain salicylic acid in order to properly clean your skin and keep your pores clear of dead skin cells and oil. Invest in a gentle toner (not one without alcohol in it) and a clay mask to use once a week. It is not true that oily skin does not need moisturizer! Find an oil-free, gel, water based moisturizer to use daily. Be sure to apply an oil free sunscreen each morning before exiting your home.

Caring for combination skin is a bit more complicated since one area of your face can be drier than another. In this case you probably need to invest in a few extra skin care products and treat your skin by zones. If you have combination skin it is best to use a gentle cleanser so that you do not excessively dry out your skin in the areas that are not oily. You can always use a toner on the oilier areas. You might want a cream based moisturizer to use on drier areas and a gel based moisturizer for oilier areas. Using an oil free sunscreen on your entire face is still an excellent idea.

What Can A Dermatologist Do For Oily Skin and Combination Skin?:

Going to the dermatologist is always recommended if you’re dealing with long term or severe acne. By seeking help, you’ll know that you’re getting expert advice on your specific skin problem. There is no reason to be nervous; it’s the best place to visit when you have skin care questions.

Read expert information on acne treatment from our own About.com’s Dermatologist: Heather Brannon, MD including information about:

• Topical Retinoids
• Antibiotics
• Accutane

Use Your Kitchen to Create Products for Oily Skin and Combination Skin:

Nature has given us so many great ingredients at our fingertips, why not try your hand at making your own skin care products using ingredients you can many times find right at the grocery store. You’ll find a wealth of information at the following websites:

• Granny Med – Home Remedies Guide
• WikiHow – how to make cleanser for oily skin
• Agein – how to make moisturizer for oily skin

Final Thoughts on Oily Skin and Combination Skin:

Oily skin may not be much fun, but if it’s your skin type, you’ve got a find a way to make it work for you. By treating your skin right, you’ll notice dealing with your oily skin will only get easier.

If your skin is combination, you unfortunately will likely have to deal with it for a while. But if you take proper care, you’ll notice breakouts and oil will reduce drastically. Most everyone who falls into the oily or combination skin type category should invest in some oil blotting sheets to make your life easier.

And don’t forget about your dermatologist. He or she will fill you in on all the latest skin care treatments you may not know about. It is also a good idea to consult with an esthetician as well.

Q&A; – Can I Use My Wife’s Skin Care Products?

Question: Can I Use My Wife’s Skin Care Products

Randy in MI sent me this hilarious email asking about his current skin care regimen.

Jen, Do I gain any benefits from using my wife’s expensive skin care products, or will I start getting emotional and have a deep desire to shop for furniture?

Answer:

I privately sent an email back to Randy, but I wanted to answer this question for the rest of the men who might wonder the same thing: Can I use my wife’s skin care products?

Furniture might not be a problem, but you might get a strong desire for a kitten! Actually, all joking aside, there is no reason you can’t use your wife’s products, if your skin type is the same. That’s the important part; if her skin is really dry and your skin is really oily, you will want to get your own line.

Products meant for dry skin can have too many hydrating properties for those with combination to oily skin which can cause breakouts. So it’s important to figure out how dry or oily your skin is and use products meant specifically for your skin type.

If you and your wife seem to have the same skin type, you can absolutely share products. But don’t discount getting a line for yourself. Men’s skin care has really evolved and any product your wife can find, you’ll be able to find a product that matches it. Two of my favorite men’s lines are Zirh and BABOR Plus, products for men come with a more masculine scent, or completely unscented, which is a plus for most men.