Men’s Skin Types: Combination Skin
Wouldn’t it be nice if everything in life fit conveniently into neat categories? Too bad that life is complicated. So is your skin.
Many guys find that their skin isn’t quite dry, isn’t quite oily. It’s kind of… both. If some parts of your face seem to be too oily but others are dry and flakey, you probably have combination skin.
What can you do with this frustrating mix of dry and oily skin? What skincare for men routine is right for you?
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of posts breaking down men’s skin types. We’ve covered sensitive skin, oily skin, and dry skin already. Posts on aged skin and normal skin are in the works
What Is Combination Skin?
Most guys with combination skin have dry, sometimes flakey cheeks but excess oil in the T-zone - that’s the T-shaped space that includes your forehead and nose. Because of this, you’ll need to customize your approach to skincare so that you don’t leave your dry skin too dry or your oily T-zone too oily.
How to Treat Combination Skin
Wash - Use a face wash for men with combination skin twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening. Since some of your skin is dry and sensitive, the best bet is to go with an unscented, irritation-free formula. Start by rinsing your face with warm water. Then, rub the face wash in gently using a circular motion. Finally, rinse it off and pat your face dry gently with a clean towel.
Never use a traditional soap bar or chemical-laden soaps. They feature strong, harsh detergents that will throw off your skin’s pH balance and irritate your dry skin.
Exfoliate - Guys with oily skin should use face scrub for men to reduce oil buildup and dead skin that can clog pores. Since your combination skin is only oily around your T-zone, you should only apply face scrub to those areas.
Exfoliate your skin once or twice weekly after washing your face. Gently apply the face scrub, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
Hydrate - Finish up with the best natural face moisturizer for men. Choose an oil-free, fast-absorbing formula that you can use all over your face. Take special care to apply it to your dry spots. This will prevent excessive tightness, irritation, and flaking.
Dealing with Wrinkles
Guys with combination skin can be especially prone to wrinkles. That’s because dry skin lacks the moisture needed to keep the skin full and wrinkle-free. So while your forehead may seem oily and well hydrated, your cheeks, the skin around your eyes, and the skin around your mouth are all dry and easily reveal the signs of aging.
The first step in preventing early wrinkles and fine lines is following the regimen detailed above. Applying face moisturizer for men daily is critical. If you skip this step, you’re basically asking for your skin to age quickly.
What if you’re already seeing wrinkles and you want to reverse that damage? You need the best anti-aging routine for men. This includes an anti-aging cream for men, face serum for men, and eye cream for men. Using these three products together will help boost your collagen production, reduce further sun damage, and strengthen your skin. The result is diminished wrinkles, reduction in fine lines, and less inflammation around the eyes.
Combination skin presents a challenge for many guys. But don’t see it as a bad thing. Instead, get to know your skin and create a smart plan. The best skincare products for men will help you combat irritation and the aging process.