moisturizing combination skin
Reader: So, here’s the deal. I can’t find a moisturizer that sufficiently moisturizes but doesn’t make me feel greasy and my skin break out. What do people with combination skin do?
Angela: This is the question I hear most in store. In fact, many of my customers are terrified to even try a moisturizer for this reason. However, the truth is that the moisturizer doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Many of these people are using a skin care line geared toward acne. Those lines are designed to fight bacteria and dry out breakouts. For someone whose skin is covered in severe acne, this is appropriate. However, for most people who get some breakouts, acne products can make the situation worse. These products are extremely drying, and although they will help dry up and heal individual breakouts, they will over-dry other non-broken out areas, resulting in dead skin cell buildup. The cell buildup will then act as a barrier to trap oil under the skin, causing more clogged pores and breakouts. So your effort to clear up your skin will actually cause you to break out more! The three most important elements for controlling clogged pores and breakouts are: exfoliation (this will remove dry skin cells to unclog pores and also help fade those red, post-breakout marks), disinfecting (it is important to eliminate bacteria to help prevent the spread of breakout as well as to dry up infection), and hydration (moisture to keep cells healthy and to discourage dry skin cell buildup).
Try Skinceuticals Clarifying Cleanser to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion to disinfect, and Dermalogica’s Active Moist for hydration.
- About the boutique
Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, for more than 17 years Bellacara has been Northern Virginia's preeminent boutique for high end cosmetic, skincare and haircare products. At Bellacara you will find premiere beauty products that have been carefully edited by the store’s owner, Angela Sitilides, who personally tests all the products sold in store. The boutique carries only the best product lines – Kiehl’s, Jouer, Dr. Dennis Gross, Christophe Robin, Moroccan Oil, Bumble & Bumble, Fresh, Molton Brown, Skinceuticals, Smashbox, Stila, Mario Badescu, Clarins, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Kai, Child, St. Tropez, Smith and Cult, and many more.
1000 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.299.9652
