COMBINATION SKIN CARE

CLEANSING FOR COMBINATION SKIN

If you've got combination skin, cleanse your skin with a cream based cleanser. Follow up with a face wash like Clean and Clear on your forehead, nose and skin. You've got to remember that your nose, forehead and chin are oily, and hence prone to pimples and blackheads.

Tip from the kitchen shelf
Make a paste of besan and a little water. Apply this to your t-zone. Scrub off after 7-10 minutes, when the mixture has dried. Follow up by splashing your face gently with lukewarm water.

As you are 25 years of age, you could still use a stronger cleanser on your t-zone. This does require more work, but the results are worth the extra effort.

Exfoliate

This is the process of removing dead skin cells from your face so that the only layer visible is one of bright and healthy new cells. The average human generates a new layer of skin every two to four weeks and while new skin is being generated, cruddy old skin cells just sit around on your face. You can improve your complexion tremendously by sloughing off the garbage to show off the new stuff. Exfoliators usually contain minuscule pieces of grit that, when rubbed on your skin, dislodge the dead skin cells. Don't be fooled by the pretty names like apricot scrub. The stuff can really hurt and you've got to handle with care. Be gentle when you're rubbing it on your face. Nothing can ruin your skin like rough handling.

The older you grow, the less frequently you should exfoliate. As you are 25, exfoliate once a week.

TONING FOR COMBINATION SKIN

After cleansing your skin, the next step is toning. Toning removes the leftover cleanser and any make up that hasn't been removed by the cleanser. In addition, toners restore the Ph balance of your skin. Toners also act as skin fresheners, as they freshen up your skin, giving it a warm, healthy glow.

Tip from the kitchen shelf
Make a paste of one beaten egg white, 1 tablespoon malai and multani mitti (fuller's earth) and apply on the face till it dries. Later rinse off with clear water. Use this toning mask for combination skin at least twice a week.

MOISTURISING FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Having cleansed and then toned your face, you're going to need to do a little mending. Even if you've used products especially formulated for your skin type, you probably have dried it out a little. Remember, moist skin is happy skin, so always, always moisturise, even if you have oily skin. In that case, simply use an oil-free moisturiser. And as you have dry skin, you've got to lather it on generously.

How often should you follow this cleansing routine? Twice a day. In the morning, and at night before going to bed. It is a good idea to let your skin breathe while you sleep, so wash your face about half an hour after applying moisturiser, so it would have absorbed a sufficient amount by the time you wash it off.

Tip from the kitchen shelf
Try this great Moisturiser. Take a teaspoon of honey and add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this to your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse off. This makes a great moisturiser for combination skin.

Sun protection

Never step out without lathering on sunscreen. Though most of us hate it's unsightly white texture, it's better to put up with that than to roam around with crow's feet at the young age of 35. A moisturiser with a built-in sunscreen may not provide as much protection, but it's a pretty decent alternative if you're not going to be hanging around outdoors. And yes, you should apply sunscreen during the day even if you are going to be indoors.