Skin is both dry and oily, what should I do?

Dry skin and oily skin often appear in people who are chronically or genetically dehydrated. Combination skin increases the risk of developing wrinkles along with acne, blackheads, and other oily skin-related problems.

1. Signs of dry and oily skin :

Before you begin taking steps to treat combination skin, it's important to know whether you actually have this skin type or not. Here are some signs of combination skin. If in doubt, you should see a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis: Excessive oiliness in the T-zone: The skin on your nose, chin, and forehead is oily or looks shiny. This area is called the T-zone. Large pores: You can easily see your pores in the mirror, especially the pores on the forehead, nose and sides of the nose. Dry spots: Your cheeks and the skin under your eyes are often dry (and sometimes scaly).

If you are not sure whether the above symptoms are actually present or not, do a simple test as follows: Wash your face thoroughly with soap or a mild cleanser; Pat skin dry with a soft cotton towel and wait 20 minutes; Do not touch your face during this time or apply anything to your face (such as moisturizer); After 20 minutes have passed, look at your skin in the mirror. If your T-zone is oily but the rest of your face feels tight, you probably have combination skin.

“If over-the-counter skin care products aren't achieving the goals you're looking for, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for professional help,” advises Zeichner. You should also see a dermatologist if you're having trouble controlling skin problems like acne.

The dermatologist will carefully examine your skin, magnifying certain areas and gently touching them. In addition, your doctor may also ask questions about your lifestyle and current skin care regimen. All of this information will be suggestions for dermatologists to develop a skin care and treatment program suitable for each individual.

2. Causes of both dry and oily skin :

Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says: “Your skin type is determined physically. hereditary". And according to Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, “we can't proactively change our skin type.”

However, in addition to genetic factors, some external environmental factors such as the aging process and hormonal fluctuations can cause skin changes. As you age, your skin often becomes drier and produces less oil. Hormonal factors, such as menstruation and birth control pills, can also affect your skin. Also, your diet, weather and current skin care routine - especially if you're using topical products. It is still important to maintain moisturization of your skin.

3. Treat dry, oily skin :

Although genetics is the deciding factor for your skin type, there are many possible ways to redress the related problems. related to dry and oily skin, specifically: Nutrition for the skin: Many times, people with dry skin combined with oily skin often get acne due to moisturizers or lotions. However, it is still important to keep your skin moisturized.

You can add moisture to your skin by incorporating healthy oils into your diet or taking fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Use oil-free sunscreen: Always use sunscreen whenever exposed to the sun. However, this makes it difficult for many people with dry and oily skin because they fear sunscreen will cause acne.

Therefore, oil-free sunscreen is a safe choice. They are often labeled as "mineral sunscreens". Medication: A dermatologist may prescribe medication to control your skin, often in the form of a topical treatment. Topical prescription retinol or benzoyl peroxide can be used to unclog pores and control acne. However, it is important to avoid applying them to dry skin areas. Meanwhile, corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation, which often accompany dry skin.