Combination skin means that the skin has both oily and dry areas. If this skin is extra vulnerable to irritation, then the skin may be known as sensitive combination skin. A mixture of environmental and health or genetic factors may lower the odds of changing skin type, but skin care regimen and product use can determine how pervasive skin problems become. Skin toners and moisturizers used in reasonable amounts can prove helpful, as can mild natural cosmetic products and facial cleaners. Product reviews and ratings can help distinguish between brands.
While moisturizers can help replenish dry skin, individuals should avoid overusing these products, as they can easily have a negative effect on the more oily portion of the face. Sensitive combination skin typically consists of dry outer facial areas and strong oil bases through the middle of the face, from the forehead to the nose area and down to the chin. Since these areas contain more oil glands, pores can become easily clogged through excessive moisturizing. Combination skin moisturizers that utilize plant enzymes can strike a solid moisturizing balance.
Toners for the skin can help cleanse the face and remove excess oil from pores. Sensitive combination skin types should avoid tonics and astringents, however, as they contain high amounts of alcohol and thus have a more abrasive and drying effect. Bracers made with a low alcohol content and natural ingredients retain reasonable amounts of moisture and also have a gentler impact on sensitive skin.
Products composed of mild ingredients will generally have the least damaging effect on sensitive skin, since these products are less likely to strip away already-vulnerable protective cell layers on the face. They can also have a calming effect on agitated nerve endings. Such ingredients include the following: green tea, chamomile, rose, and oat. If the product promotes anti-bacterial properties, all the better.
Cosmetic products may present a challenge for sensitive combination skin, but makeup can be applied. Like cleansing and moisturizing products, gentle is best. Since foundation has the most direct contact with skin areas, it should have top priority. A light liquid foundation perhaps works best in conjunction with sensitive combination skin.
Skin care products and cosmetics may actually contribute to sensitive combination skin as well. In general, the more products an individual applies to the face, the greater the chance skin irritation will follow. An average product may boast a minimum of 20 ingredients, and each of these ingredients can have an adverse effect on the face ranging from redness to flaking. In addition, using strong moisturizing products in conjunction with substances that tend to dry out the face, like alcohol-based toners, can cause the oil levels in skin to vary widely.
As consumer needs become more diverse, an increasing number of beauty and cosmetics companies even offer products made especially for certain skin types. Consumers should do a quick appraisal of products in a beauty products section. For the brands that catch the eye, individuals can perform an online search at consumer review sites to better assess consumer recommendations, complaints, and ratings.
