a woman washing her face

T-Zone: How to Keep it in Balance

Having oily or combination skin is not fun, and finding the right solutions for keeping your face and skin healthy is challenging. When you have combination skin, it causes your skin to be oily in some spots and dry in others. The t-zone can be especially difficult to manage.

Because of the challenging nature of balancing the t-zone area when you have combination skin, we wanted to give you some tips on managing this area of your face so that you feel confident about your skin.

Whether you battle dry skin all year round or suffer from seasonal issues centered around your t-zone, our guide will help care for your combination skin.

Read on to learn how you can keep your t-Zone area balanced, so you can keep your skin looking fresh, healthy, and beautiful.

Looking for a solution to eczema? Find out how our specially formulated creams can help. Visit our website at SoteriSkin for more information.

Related Links: Home Remedies For Dry Skin: Lifestyle Changes For Prevention

woman examining her skin in a mirror

 

What Is The T-Zone?

The t-zone is part of the face that makes up the chin, nose, and forehead. It is aptly named, because if you were to take a pen and draw the letter “T” down the middle of your face, the chin, nose, and forehead would be the areas covered by the letter.  

The t-zone is often associated with combination skin types, as it is a troublesome area for that skin type; while the rest of their face is dry, the t-zone tends to be oily. Their oily skin is typically shiny and prone to acne, while the sides of the face can be dry and even peel at times. These conflicting skin types are why so many people have trouble understanding the best way to care for their skin properly.

Balancing Combination Skin

When it comes to having combination skin, it can be a bit confusing how to manage the dryness and the oiliness simultaneously. If you apply too much moisturizer, it may clog your pores and cause your t-zone to break out.  Meanwhile, if you use a harsh cleanser on your face to try and get rid of the oil, the cleanser could leave your cheeks inflamed and dry.

Like everything else in life, moderation is essential when dealing with combination skin. Choose gentle products that can easily moisturize your face in the needed areas without adding or creating any oiliness.  

Here are some tips to follow:

  • Use a gentle cleanser that balances oil at the same time
  • Exfoliate your skin gently and daily, if possible
  • Use blotting pads to get rid of oil
  • Use face masks with salicylic acid that won’t dry your skin
  • Don’t be afraid to mix and match your moisturizers
  • Before you apply your makeup in the morning, use a matte primer

how to manage t-zone area of face

 

Understanding Sebum

Sebum is the oil that naturally occurs in our bodies. The t-zone, unfortunately, has many more sebum glands, which makes it more susceptible to acne and breakouts because there is now more sebum in the t-zone.

These extra glands make a face more sensitive to other skin irritations and sunburn. If you feel your skin is sensitive, apply sunscreen each day for protection.

Blotting Paper

If you have oily skin, try using skin blotting paper. There are several types of blotting pappers on the market and are sheets of extremely absorbent paper made out cotton, flax seed or even rice. Similar to using a powder, these blotting sheets quickly soak in the excess oil on your skin quickly reducing the shine and then discarded.

Related Links: How To Fix Dry Skin From Harsh Acne Treatments

how to keep t-zone area on face healthy

 

Facial Masks

Using face masks can be an effective routine if you struggle with combination skin. Even using a partial mask can help treat particular areas on the face that are having trouble. Using a facemask with tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid can help combat acne.

Banishing Blackheads

Pore strips are may be satisfying but can damage the skin and make the situation worse. Regular cleaning and exfoliation will help you avoid blackheads. If washing and exfoliation is not enough to keep those blackheads away, a pore strip is preferable to picking and squeezing with your hands.

Here are some tips for banishing those unbecoming blackheads:

  • Don’t pick at the blackheads on your skin. It will make them worse and can leave scars
  • Pick the right makeup for your skin
  • Use alpha or beta hydroxy acid cleanser
  • Exfoliate correctly so that you don’t irritate your skin
  • Use retinoid creams
  • Visit a dermatologist if necessary

Related Links: 5 Best Balancing Creams For Combination Skin

Spot Treatments

Spot treatments are a great way to treat blemishes when they appear. However, take care in what you put on your skin, as some ingredients can be drying and irritating for your skin.

Final Thoughts

Managing your t-zone and combination skin does not have to be a challenge that you face for the rest of your life. Using the correct daily skincare regimen and caring for your skin will help to keep your face vibrant and healthy.

For more information on products that can help with combination skin, visit our website at Soteri Skin.com.