Skincare 101: Oily Skin

It’s been commonly said that oily skin is slower to show fine lines, discoloration and wrinkles, but if you actually suffer from this condition, you may feel as though you’re forever fighting a losing battle to remove the shine from your forehead and chin. What causes oily skin and how do you take care of it?

Back to basics

There are five basic skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination and mature, and sometimes, certain people will be a combination of two or more types. Confused about which one describes you? Try this simple test. Gently press a square of rice or blotting paper over the face, focusing on the nose, forehead and chin (or the T-zone). If the paper doesn’t stick to the skin or change color, most likely, your skin is normal to dry. If the paper sticks to the skin, especially in the T-zone, or turns a translucent color (from blotting up a lot of sebum), you most likely have combination or oily skin. Keep in mind, however, that skin is highly adaptable, and it’s not uncommon (especially during the hottest months of summer and coldest of winter) for skin to also exhibit different characteristics during these seasons, or in very humid environments (where even the driest skin might tend to look a little shiny).

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is skin that has overactive sebaceous glands, the glands responsible for producing sebum, which is a substance that looks like oil and acts as the skins natural moisturizer. Sebaceous glands are located all over the body, with a high concentration of them found on the face and back. When these glands are over-active and produce a higher-than-normal amount of sebum, the pores may stretch and darken, appearing larger and they are, commonly referred to as blackheads.

Generally speaking, every person has a unique amount of sebum on their skin. And although oily skin is often associated with hormonal shifts and adolescence, there are actually a number of factors that can contribute to this condition. Genetics, medications and even certain cosmetics or skincare products could potentially cause the skin to look oilier, especially if they are very occlusive or heavy. Research has shown that oily skin is most often triggered by hormonal changes, and according to dermatologist Doris J. Day, M.D., associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine, "Oil production is stimulated by hormone production — so anything that causes hormones to fluctuate can cause skin to become more oily." And according to WebMd, women are especially affected by hormonal changes that occur not only during puberty, but also during pregnancy and pre-menopause.

What it needs

Regardless of the cause, oily skin is most often characterized by a shiny appearance and enlarged pores, and frequently, blemishes and breakouts. A proper skincare regimen is absolutely essential for oily skin as it will help minimize the appearance of oil, improve texture and tone and reduce blemishes.

1. Gear up. Stock up on products specifically designed to meet the challenges of oily skin, such as Skinceuticals Skin System III or Boscia Normal to Oily Kit. Both feature products specially designed to clear and purify oily or acne-prone skin.


2. Well begun is half done. In order to wash away pore-clogging oil, dirt and makeup, daily cleansing every morning and night is vital; however, resist the urge to cleanse more than twice per day as too frequent cleaning can be over-drying to the skin. When it comes to choosing a cleanser aimed at oily skin, gentle cleansing is key. Joel Schlessinger, MD, president-elect of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, states: "Oil production is nature’s response to irritation — so the harsher the cleansing, the more likely the body is to respond by producing more oil." Therefore, avoid extremely harsh products that will strip your skin of its natural oils, and never use plain soap and water. Instead, look for a gentle cleanser specifically targeted to oily skin, such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cleanser.


3. Refine with clay and mud. Deep cleansing clay and mud masks may not actually decrease the amount of oil on the skin long term, but they definitely improve the appearance, texture and tone of oily skin. Some good choices include Astara Violet Flame Enzyme Mask and SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask.


4. An ounce of prevention. Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best ways to care for your skin, regardless of skin type, but if you have oily skin, try an oil-free formula with SPF 15 or higher. Peter Thomas Roth Uber Dry Sunscreen with SPF 30 is a great, non-oily formula that feels virtually undetectable on the skin.


5. Don't forget the moisture. The final step in a comprehensive skin care regimen for oily skin is to moisturize, but many people may omit this step because they feel it can make matters worse. Experts disagree and note that oily skin sufferers still need to moisturize, especially after using skincare products that remove oils or refine with active ingredients such as salicylic or glycolic. Best bets are oil-free or water-based formulas that won’t clog pores, such as Joey New York Pure Pores Oil Blotting Moisturizer.

Improving Acne Scars and Discoloration

Long after your acne outbreaks have vanished, unsightly marks and discoloration can still remain — leaving you embarrassed, upset and frustrated. So, what can you do? Start by learning about your treatment options and consult a reputable and experienced dermatologist.

Is it even a scar?

For starters, it’s important to determine whether your scar really is a scar and not temporary redness — or macules, which can last as long as six months — or discoloration — known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), lingering for up to 18 months — according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

To distinguish short-term spots from authentic acne scars, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., suggests these tell-tale signs on Yahoo Health:

• A scar feels different from the rest of your skin.
• Its base is typically higher or lower than the surrounding skin.
• If redness or discoloration persists after three months, it’s likely a scar (though this isn’t always the case).

If it isn’t

Over time, hyperpigmentation will fade on its own. But if you’d like to accelerate the process, the below treatments can help. Unfortunately, it’s not an instant recovery — expect to see results in months, not weeks, writes skincare expert Angela Palmer for About. It can take six to 12 months for discoloration to fade with treatment, according to eMedicine.

• Sunscreen: Though you should use sunscreen every day anyway, when treating discoloration, it’s even more important. Sun exposure can stall any noticeable results from treatment or exacerbate discoloration overall.
• Product picks: Z. Bigatti Silk Screen SPF 30 Sunscreen, Dr. Michelle Copeland SPF 40 Lotion Mist Sun Block, MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion.
• Hydroquinone: It’s the most common and effective ingredient to lighten the skin. Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme, tyrosinase, which produces melanin. It comes in strengths of 2 percent over the counter or higher by prescription only. Palmer recommends consulting your dermatologist before using a hydroquinone product.

  Recently, the FDA raised some concerns over hydroquinone’s safety, proposing a ban on over-the-counter products. In response, the dermatology community has voiced their disagreement, pointing to hydroquinone’s history as a safe and effective treatment.

  • Product picks: DDF Fade Gel 4, Murad Post Acne Spot Lightening Gel, Celazome Fade Shades Lightening Cream.

• Kojic acid: If you’d prefer an alternative to hydroquinone, try kojic acid, which also inhibits tyrosinase. Derived from fungus, kojic acid seems to be just as effective as hydroquinone, according to research. Unfortunately, it’s fairly unstable in skincare formulas. So, some companies use kojic acid dipalmitate instead, but it’s unclear whether this derivative is as effective as kojic acid.
• Product picks: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Lightening Gel, NeoStrata Skin Brightening Gel, Dr. Michelle Copeland Pigment Formula.
• Azelaic acid: Another alternative to hydroquinone, azelaic acid is a naturally occurring chemical that’s available by prescription only. Used commonly to combat acne, this tyrosinase-inhibitor is also prescribed to treat hyperpigmentation.
• Retinoids: Well-known for their powerful ability to increase cell turnover, retinoids, like Retin-A, are highly effective in treating acne. Fortunately, they can also help with hyperpigmentation.
• Alpha hydroxy acids: Also a well-established acne treatment, alpha hydroxy acids are effective exfoliators that combat hyperpigmentation. Particularly helpful is glycolic acid. When combined with 2 percent hydroquinone, glycolic acid-based products make for a successful treatment, according to iVillage.
• Product picks: MaMa Lotion, pH Advantage Boosters Pigmentation Fader.

Common acne scars

• Icepick scars: So called because it looks like an icepick pierced the skin, these scars are narrow but deep. They "usually result from severe, pustule-like acne" and are more prevalent in light-skinned individuals, according to iVillage.
• Rolling scars: As their name suggests, rolling scars have a wave-like appearance.
• Boxcar scars: They resemble chicken pox scars, appearing commonly on the cheeks and temples.
• Keloid/hypertropic scars: These raised scars are the result of an overgrowth of tissue during the healing process. African Americans are particularly prone to this kind of scarring.

If it’s a scar: Professional treatments

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all, standard treatment for acne scars. Factors like the type of scar, location, depth and size determine the treatment your dermatologist will recommend.

• Chemical peels: A peeling solution that uses chemicals, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Chemical peels eliminate dead skin cells, so that new, healthier skin can emerge. Each solution has a varying strength. Not surprisingly, the deeper peels are more effective, but have potential side effects like skin discoloration and scarring.

  According to the AAD, chemical peels aren’t effective for icepick or keloid scars. Agrees acne specialist Jerry K. L. Tan, M.D., who writes that chemical peels "do little for scars" but are useful for improving skin tone. Also, chemical peels can help to reduce the appearance of acne, including whiteheads and blackheads, notes the AAD.

• Dermal fillers: To improve the look of acne scars, doctors inject them with fillers like collagen and hyaluronic acid. This stretches the scars and gives skin a smooth appearance. The Skin Care Guide points out that injections are only effective for rolling scars. Also, because results last three to six months, follow-up injections are necessary.
• Dermabrasion: A surgical procedure used effectively for years, dermabrasion uses a quick, sharp instrument — a brush or wheel — to remove the damaged surface skin. During the healing process, new, smoother skin appears.

  Dermabrasion is an appropriate treatment for boxcar scars, according to Dermatology Times. Whether it works on icepick scars is unclear. Heather Brannon, M.D., for About, writes that dermabrasion usually doesn't work, due to the depth of icepick scars. However, according to iVillage, these scars do respond well to dermabrasion.

• Microdermabrasion: Known as a "lunchtime procedure," microdermabrasion removes a superficial layer of skin, exfoliating it. It’s useful for mild scarring and most effective in a series, according to the Skin Care Guide.
• Laser resurfacing (or ablative lasers): Removes the top layers of skin and encourages collagen production. Laser resurfacing is particularly helpful for boxcar scars, according to the Skin Care Guide. But, typically, it isn’t effective on icepick scars, notes Dr. Brannon. On the other hand, iVillage states laser therapy is an ideal treatment for these scars.

  The most common lasers are carbon dioxide, or CO2, and Erbium YAG lasers. Though effective, laser resurfacing has a long recovery and side effects, such as "permanent whitening of the skin and scarring," as with CO2 lasers, notes Eric F. Bernstein, M.D., for The Patient’s Guide to Acne Scars. Also, because your skin requires more time to heal, it remains open, leaving it sensitive and susceptible to infection.

• Fractional laser therapy: Unlike ablative lasers, fractional laser therapy, a non-ablative option, doesn’t wound the skin. This makes for a faster healing time and less side effects. Fractional treatment works by puncturing some parts of the skin and leaving others untouched. The untreated skin then begins to heal the treated skin with new tissue.

  Dr. Baumann describes the results (after about three sessions) as "impressive." She writes that the key lies in Fraxel’s ability to heal scars from the inside out by encouraging collagen production.

7 Steps to Combat Adult Acne

Adult acne is a very common skincare concern and certainly an embarrassing and exasperating one. Discover how you can create a skincare routine that treats and prevents breakouts.

Blemish basics

• It isn’t always raging hormones that cause acne, though it’s the most common reason. Other contributing factors include genetics, stress, certain medications and bacteria.
• Women are prone to hormonal breakouts during their periods.
• Acne results when bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt and oil get trapped in your pores.
• Most commonly, blemishes are either whiteheads (closed comedones) or blackheads (open comedones).
• Blemishes that are red, swollen and painful to the touch are called cysts, occurring when bacteria and oil become trapped deep down in the pores; these are the most difficult to treat and can easily leave scars.
• Acne usually worsens during the hotter months of summer.

Acne-fighting ingredients

While in the past adults suffering from acne had few options, today you’ll find countless treatments tailored specifically for grown-up skin. When buying products, look for these main ingredients:

• Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid derived from white willow bark that has exfoliating and antiseptic properties. It will help keep your skin smooth and prevent a build-up of dead skin cells. Importantly, if you’re allergic to aspirin, avoid salicylic acid; their chemical compositions are similar.


• Benzoyl peroxide: Naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide works by exfoliating and drying excess oil and sebum. If your skin is dry or sensitive, avoid benzoyl peroxide; it's too drying for these skin types.


• Glycolic acid: Helps remove deep impactions from the pores, reducing excess oil and preventing bacteria from building up in the hair follicle.


• Sulfur: Deep-cleansing agent that helps to kill bacteria, absorb oil and loosen dead skin cells.

Seven steps to clearer skin

1. Be consistent. For acne-prone skin, consistency is key. Constantly switching products can exacerbate acne, so stick with your new routine for at least several weeks (or months) to give skin time to respond.

Why not immediate results? Because many blemishes begin to form weeks before they appear on your face. So, acne will typically look worse before it gets better, while the products work to "purge" blemishes hiding just beneath the skin.

2. Start with a clean slate. Prevent acne by properly cleansing the skin, morning and night, with an acne-fighting cleanser like Murad AHA/BHA Cleanser or SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser. Many think cleansing in the mornings is useless, since you've already removed all traces of makeup the night before. But, as you sleep, oils and pollutants actually build up on your skin’s surface.

If your medicated cleanser becomes too drying to use twice a day, apply it only at night and use a non-medicated cleanser like Caudalie Gentle Cleanser in the mornings.

3. Eliminate dead skin. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil and debris, encourage new cell turnover and might even help minimize the appearance of acne scars.

Manual exfoliators use tiny beads to slough off imperfections from the skin’s surface. Use a gentle formula, such as Sothys Gommage Exfoliant, two to three times a week. You can also apply a chemical exfoliant. MD Skincare Alpha Beta^® Daily Face Peel/2 Steps uses alpha and beta hydroxy acids to reduce pores size and even out skin tone.

Don’t use exfoliating products too often or scrub too aggressively — this can cause small cuts in the skin’s surface that allow bacteria to creep in, causing blemishes.

4. Always hydrate. Moisturizing is important to adult skin, because as we age, our skin tends to get drier. Even if your skin is extremely oily, it will still benefit from a lightweight moisturizer at least once a day. Plus, acne-fighting treatments, though effective, can be harsh and drying to the skin.

Also, acne products can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Try using a moisturizer with sunscreen every morning. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense SPF 30 will hydrate and protect without clogging your pores.

5. Spot your solution. To shrink existing blemishes, use a spot treatment. Look into these various options: NeoCeuticals Acne Spot Treatment Gel, Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, Cellex-C Skin Perfecting Pen, Philosophy On A Clear Day Blemish Serum.

6. Mask the problem. Facial masks are a great way to dry up blemishes and clear up imperfections. Try a mask with specialized ingredients that reduce inflammation and absorb oil, such as Pevonia Purifying Skin Mask and Bliss Instant Mattification 10-Minute Mask.

Applied once a week, acne masks should leave blemished areas looking and feeling calmer and less inflamed. More importantly, they'll help clear blemishes faster by reducing bacteria that blocks the hair follicle.

7. Seek help. If your acne still hasn’t cleared up, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist. Combating acne early can prevent acne scarring and discoloration.

The Skinny on Dry Skin

You might think that your skin is impervious to dryness, but think again. For most people, especially as we get older, dry skin is a very common problem.

What is it?

Often, dry skin can easily be confused with dehydrated skin, yet the two are very different. Dry skin is skin that has stopped producing the natural oil (sebum) which lubricates and keeps the skin soft and moist. Dehydrated skin is skin that has lost surface moisture, such as from bathing in extremely hot water or a swimming pool. Aside from environmental conditions, experts point to several factors that can play a role in causing the skin to feel dry.

• Moisture loss. Moisture is lost through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. This layer is made up of skin cells, oils and fats and it keeps the skin hydrated while also creating a barrier against harmful substances. According to the Physician's Desk Reference, "...when the stratum corneum dries out, it loses its protective function. This allows greater water loss."
• Sun damage. The sun emits dangerous UV radiation that can damage and weaken skin. Over time, this exposure can lead to intrinsic damage to skin cells, which also means the skin loses its ability to retain moisture. As previously discussed, moisture loss is a key component of dry skin.
• Less oil production. As the skin matures, the production of sebum typically tends to slow down, causing the skin to feel and look dry.
• Weather and climate. Each season, the humidity level of the air changes, in turn causing a change in the moisture level of skin. Also, different geographic regions can also affect the skin. Extreme northern climates or arid deserts of the southwest both suck away dryness and leave the skin papery dry. Interior climates also affect the skin: heat and air conditioning force moisture from the air, and the skin.
• Medical conditions. Some health problems are also related to dry skin. Examples are diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, AIDS and cancer. In addition, dry skin is often seen in patients with eczema or psoriasis.
• Medications. A variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to dry skin including diuretics and drugs for high cholesterol. Retinoid treatments for acne and aging skin are also notorious for their drying effects. Plus, some medications increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, which means a greater risk of UV damage, affecting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

What to do

First and foremost, dry skin needs moisture, however; there are several practical, everyday tweaks to your normal routine which will provide relief.

• Avoid hot water. Although a steamy hot bath may be your favorite way to unwind, hot water strips skin of moisture and the natural protective oils. Adjust the water temperature to warm or minimize taking hot baths to once a week. Also, don’t soak for longer than 10-20 minutes.
• Creamy cleansers. When washing your face, pick a gentle, creamy, soap-free cleanser which will remove dirt and impurities yet respect the moisture balance of the skin. Try Murad Moisture Rich Cleanser. Also, forgo heavily scented or perfumed cleansers as these can also lead to dryness and instead, go for a fragrance-free option: L’Occitane Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk. And for the shower, lather up with moisturizing body wash instead of bar soap such as MD Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash.

• Moisturize often. Moisturizers bind water to skin and help the stratum corneum lock in hydration. Look for formulas that contain lanolin, shea butter or hyaluronic acid to keep skin from feeling dry or itchy. For face, Murad Perfecting Night Cream will moisturize with sunflower oil and squalene and for the body, butter up with L’Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion with 15% pure shea butter.
• Wear Sunscreen. Defend yourself from harmful UV rays which break down skin and zap moisture. Plus, sunscreen protects against age spots, wrinkles and can help ward off skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen made specifically for dry skin to boost moisture levels, with an SPF 15 or higher such as Ole Henriksen Sun Light Protection Crème with Green Tea SPF 30.
• Use a humidifier. It’s an easy way to put moisture back into the air when humidity levels are low, especially during cold winter months.
• Drink up. We’ve all heard how important it is to drink plenty of water — up to eight glasses a day, say many experts. Sufficient water intake is critical for all bodily components so strive to drink enough water each day.

Makeup for Dry Skin

You might think that hiding dry skin under loads of makeup is the answer to dryness, however; over-applying makeup will only accentuate this condition.

Pre-makeup prep

Before reaching into your makeup bag, start with a clean, hydrated face. This critical step will ensure skin is ready for makeup and it only takes a few extra seconds to add moisturizer, eye cream and makeup primer. The payoff — makeup will last longer and remain fresh and pretty all day.

• Get much-needed hydration with a moisturizer made for dry skin. A great choice is L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream.
• Eye treatments make smile lines, crow’s feet and dark circles less noticeable. Try StriVectin SD Eye Cream. Pat a small amount (the size of a pearl) between the ring fingers and then lightly apply around the eyes, and up over the brow bone. Do not apply directly to the eyelids.
• For the final step of makeup prep, apply a makeup primer, like Skindinavia Face and Eye Makeup Primer. Primer temporarily fills in and smoothes imperfections in the skin, allowing foundation to adhere cleanly and completely.

Concealer and foundation

These makeup basics are key to getting even-toned skin. Many women think that concealer and foundation must be used over the entire face, however, experts disagree and stress that concealer and foundation can be equally as useful when used only where needed, such as to hide redness, dark circles, or on cheeks, forehead and chin

• Concealer. Use concealer to hide under-eye circles or broken blood vessels around the nose. Opt for a creamy consistency that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone and use a concealer brush for the most precise application and blending. Be sure to use a brush that is made from synthetic materials, such as nylon or Taklon, as these fibers will blend the product rather than absorbing it. Try: Amazing Cosmetics Concealer Brush.
• Foundation. Foundations are often specialized for skin type, especially dry. Check the label for words like "age defying," "moisturizing" or "hydrating." In general, dryer skin will enjoy a thicker, creamier foundation such as Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Makeup SPF15.

Another factor to consider is how much coverage you need or the amount of discoloration you want to hide. For women with an even complexion yet who desire a bit of color, look to tinted-moisturizer rather than traditional foundation for an easy, all-in-one product. MD Skincare All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 combines sun-protective moisturizer with a bit of color in one easy-to-use product.

• Pass on the powder. If your skin is severely dry, or flaking, skip pressed powder. Not only will powder further dry out the skin, it can cause the skin to look dull and tired, rather than fresh and matte. Plus, powder settles into lines and wrinkles, accentuating them. If, however, your skin is dry to normal, and you desire to set foundation with powder, opt for one that features hydrating ingredients, such as Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation, which has shea butter and an illuminating finish on the skin.

Eye makeup

Dry skin and wrinkles often go together, especially around the eyes. Unfortunately, powder eye shadows, which can settle into lines, tend to accentuate wrinkles, as do shimmery and frosted shadows. Your best bet is cream eye shadow. Go for shades that make eyes appear wider and more open such as off-white, pearl or bone. For added depth, add some contrast with mocha brown, chocolate, navy, plum or forest green.

Pencil eyeliners are a great way to get extra definition along your lash line. To prevent eyeliner from looking too intense, carefully smudge it with a makeup brush or cotton swab. Neutral gray and brown colors are great choices for all eye colors such as ColorScience Eye Pencil Shades of Gray or Cup O’ Joe.

Blush

Dry-skinned women complain that it’s difficult to get an even application of color on cheeks. Helen Foster, author of The Beauty Book, explains that when blush is absorbed by dry skin, it "leaves dusty, blotchy pigmentation on the surface". To avoid blush-disappearance, try cream blush or even better, a blush-stain, which temporarily 'stains' the skin with clear, intense, deep color that lasts all day. Stila Convertible Color, a lightweight cream blush is available in a wide range of fresh shades as is DuWop Blush Therapy.

Lipstick

Dry lips can be chapped, cracked and exhibit a rough texture, practically ensuring that lipstick won’t last long. Even worse, lipstick has a tendency to seep or smudge into lines around the mouth. Getting dry lips into shape requires extra TLC. To start, exfoliate away dry skin with Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub once or twice a week. Then, use a moisturizing, conditioning lip balm at least twice a day such as MD Formulations Lip Balm, containing vitamin E, aloe and peppermint oil to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

When applying lip color, trace lips with a lip pencil in the same color as your lipstick. Then, use the pencil to color in lips. This will keep lipstick in place and give it longer wear. Finally, slick on a moisturizing lipstick with vitamins: Stila SPF 20 Shine Lip Color or Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant for a final flourish.

Makeup for Combination Skin: A Beautiful Duo

Does it seem like different areas of your face can’t seem to agree? If you notice dry cheeks and an oily t-zone, you have combination skin, which requires unique skincare. And, makeup.

Prep time

For all skin types, flawless makeup application starts with basic skincare, and combination skin is no exception. It’s essential to balance the oily and dry areas before you apply makeup, or you’ll likely end up with uneven coverage. Try these tips:

• Cleanser. Wash the face twice a day with a mildly active cleanser that will whisk away dirt, oil and impurities without irritating the skin, but avoid heavy cream cleansers which can leave the skin feeling uncomfortably heavy or oily. Gel formulas are a great option that will respect the differing needs of the skin such as Murad Refreshing Cleanser.
• Exfoliation. Exfoliation is a key step for all skin types, especially combination, which can suffer from a build-up of dead, flakey skin in the T-zone. Twice a week, gently massage a dime-sized amount of a facial scrub like PCA SKIN pHaze 4 Gentle Exfoliant over damp skin in a circular motion, focusing on forehead, nose and chin. For an added buffer on dry areas, mix the exfoliator with your cleanser and then apply to the skin.
• Toners. Toners are used to remove excess oil or cleanser from the skin, so consider using it only on those active areas that need attention, such as the T-zone. Apply with 100 percent cotton or, pat gently over the skin with clean hands, and allow to dry before applying moisturizer. Try: SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner.
• Masks. Masks are a once-a-week treat that can really benefit combination skin. Formulas with kaolin clay, bentonite clay or mud will refine the complexion without over-drying or causing irritation. Pevonia Balancing Combination Mask will purify and balance oily areas, as well as hydrate and energize dry areas with carrot oil and green apple.
• Moisturizer. Although it might not seem necessary, all skin types need moisturizer, even combination. And because combination skin struggles with essentially two skin conditions, oily and dry, finding a perfect moisturizer match can be tricky. Luckily, formulas that address this reality are easy to find. Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Cream not only balances the two areas of the skin, it also protects with anti-aging super ingredients.
• Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must, especially when outside or in direct sunlight. Oil-free formulas are a great choice.

Makeup matters

• Foundation. Foundation is designed to minimize imperfections and leave the skin radiant and luminous. But when two different types of skin are involved, how do you pick the right formula? There are a few options. Cream-to-powder foundation is a great choice for combination skin that will address the concerns of both oily and dry areas. These unique formulas go on like a cream, yet dry down to a velvety matte texture. Apply with a foundation brush for the smoothest coverage and blend carefully in the direction of hair growth.
• Powder. If further coverage is desired, finish foundation application with a light dusting of powder. Loose powders are often loaded with hydrating agents such as shea butter, and will lightly set foundation without settling into fine lines or causing the skin to look parched or dry while pressed powder is great for midday touch-ups in the T-zone. Mineral makeup is also a great choice for combination skin, offering natural pigments that even out skin tone and reduce shine. Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas SPF is a talc-free formula that will leave the skin with a healthy, silken finish.
• Blush. Traditional powder blush or cheek stains are a great option for combination skin. Colorescience Retractable Blusher Brush is a loose mineral blush which blends smoothly with color-true tints. And for a natural flush, give cheeks a healthy glow with DuWop Blush Therapy, a translucent gel-stain that last all day and looks extremely natural.
• Eye shadow. According to Eve Pearl, five-time Emmy award-winning makeup artist, combination skin types should use powder eye shadow. The smooth, pigment rich texture of Stila eyeshadow will remain vibrant all day, yet blend with ease. In addition, the deeper tones can double as eyeliner when dampened.
• Maintenance. Combination skin, like oily skin, may need to touch-up certain areas during the day, such as the T-zone. To control your oily areas, use blotting papers throughout the day to control shine. Boscia Blotting Linens will whisk away excess shine while preventing breakouts (in oily areas) with California orange extract.