Got combination skin? The CTM routine can save you

Remember, there is no one approach for combination skin. Picking the right skincare product depends a lot on the gravity of how dry or oily the respective parts of your face are. For oily parts, one needs products that help mattify and for dry parts one could be in need for something that has a hydrating and a moisturising effect.

If you want a comprehensive skincare routine for combination skin, stick to the basics. This is where the CTM routine enters the scenario. If you aren’t living under the rock, you know about it. It is none other than the cleansing, toning, moisturising routine (CTM).

Your skin care routine should start with a mild, gentle, and water-soluble cleanser. (Photo: Thinkstock Images)

‘C’ For Cleansing

Your skin care routine should begin with a mild, gentle, and water-soluble cleanser. It is better to go for products that have a gel or lotion-like consistency.

Use the cleanser only twice in a day- once in the morning and just before going to bed. Be gentle while applying it on your face and pat your skin dry with a towel  as against rubbing post washing it. Do not rub your face with the towel while drying it.

‘T’ For Toning

Right after cleansing, your skin needs a non-irritating toner to balance out the oils in your face. The right toner for combination skin must contain antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients to keep your skin nourished and non-oily at the same time. However, choose to skip this step for areas which are dry like your cheeks or the chin. A little heads up, toners often happens to be of a drying nature.

‘M’ For Moisturizing

This is a crucial part of your skincare routine as it provides your skin with essential ingredients and active agents. During the day, you may use a moisturizing sunscreen or any cream of your choice followed by a sunscreen. At night, you can use a moisturizer with antioxidants and active ingredients that keep your skin hydrated and nourished all night. Lather it up and go to sleep, however, skip the T-zone otherwise you will only wake up to see it more oily.

Exfoliate. once or twice a week to slough off dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. (Photo: Thinkstock Images)

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Stop touching your face: It’s important to keep your hands away from your face. Your hands contain invisible bacteria that can easily get transferred to your face, as a result, the dirt will end up clogging your pores.

Blot away the oil: Dealing with excess shine? Blotting papers will be your best friend because not only are they easy to fit in your purse and but can also offer you a quick way to cut back on excess grease during the day. They’ll temporarily absorb oil without ruining your makeup.

Exfoliate: Do it once or twice a week to slough off dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. A buildup of dead skin cells can make your complexion look dull, so this step is imperative. But at the same time, do not over-exfoliate. If you have combination skin, get a face scrub that’s suitable for all skin types; after all, you are dealing with two types of skin.