Oily, dry, combination skin?

Mar 27, 2013

Nicole V.

A few years ago, I started attempting to follow a skincare routine. I would say I definitely had oily skin. Then I stopped following my routine because I was in a dorm and I was too lazy. Now I'm trying to start back up again and it's like nothing I used to use works for me anymore. I used to use Cetaphil's daily cleanser and now it breaks me out (doesn't seem to matter what moisturizer I use, either.)

Here's the thing: I have enormous pores on my T-zone and right next to my nose and even right after I shower in the morning it's like someone lacquered my nose, but my cheeks and around my lips have very small pores and are peeling and flaking like nobody's business. Is there some sort of one-stop shop cleanser and moisturizer that will help my whole face or am I stuck using different cleansers and moisturizers on different parts of my face?

Mar 27, 2013

Alicia H.

Hi Nicole,

Argh, isn't that frustrating?? Our skin is always changing so we have to adopt new techniques to adapt to it's ever fussiness. Since you had an oily skin type in your younger years, the good thing is that your skin will start the aging process much later but I definitely understand your frustrations with the combo years.

Here's the thing - if you use any products geared for treating an oily or acneic skin type, your dry spots will only get more dry and start peeling or cracking and get this - the oily parts can even often times get MORE oily because you are stripping your skin of the natural oil it thinks it needs.

The best thing to focus on is cell turnover which targets both areas of concern. Exfoliation is a key element in this as it sloughs off the dead skin cells, making any treatments penetrate deeper but also helps circulation.

Since you were using Cetaphil before I'll assume that you have a more sensitive skin type. That being said you may want to check out the new (ish) skincare line from bareMinerals. It has a proprietary blend of mineral, sea and plant extracts that actually physically speed up the cellular turnover process. I know you mentioned larger pores - try their Night Treatment. While you can't physically shrink a pore, it definitely diminishes the appearance of them!

Good luck, dear! xo

Apr 22, 2013

Takiyah T.

For oily skin, milk of magnesia works wonders! Yes it is a liquid laxative but it reduces the amount of oil that is produced on the face. Make sure you shake the bottle before each use.