If you have oily or combination skin, chances are good you struggle with your t-zone. If you’re unfamiliar with a t-zone, imagine drawing a “T” on your face just like what you see in the photo here. Your t-zone consists of your forehead, nose, and chin. These are common places that have excess oil, acne, and blackheads for people who have oily or combination skin type.
Unfortunately, this problem area is one of the first areas people notice on your face when they meet you. But don’t let your t-zone get you down. With proper care you can whip your face into shape and diminish the acne, oiliness, and blackheads that are so bothersome. Keep in mind that some people can have an oily t-zone and dry cheeks. If that is the case with your skin than be sure to use separate products for your t-zone and your cheeks. You do not want to dry out your cheeks while clearing up the acne and blackheads in your t-zone.
How To Care For Your T-zone
Here’s what you need to know to help take care of your oily t-zone the right way.
Use the right cleanser. If you’re dealing with excess oil, you’ll need to use a cleanser meant specifically for oily skin in that area. A gel or foaming cleanser works best to eliminate oil and clean out your pores. Try CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel.
Keep A Toner On Hand. If your t-zone is very oily but your cheeks are dry use a toner to treat your t-zone. A toner can get rid of excess oil and soothe your skin. Use a gentle cleanser all over your face, and then go over your t-zone with an anti-acne toner or toner formulated for oily skin. You can use a toner that has anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid to clear up your acne. If needed use a toner twice a day after cleansing your face or as needed. For some people using a toner twice a day is too much; they may only need a toner a few times a week. Try Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Facial Toner.
Use a targeted facial mask. Use a facial mask once a week that is formulated for acne or oily skin. Finding one with tea tree, clay, or activated charcoal is a good start. If your cheeks tend to be dry, only apply on your t-zone to ensure you don’t dry out your cheeks. Using a facial mask is a great way to give your skin a boost of needed ingredients to keep your skin smooth and blemish free. Try Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay or Freeman Facial Charcoal and Black Sugar Polish Mask.
Get some pore strips. Pore strips are a great way to clean out your pores, especially if you have blackheads. Make sure to use a toner after you remove the strip so you can help close your pores. But be sure to use pore strips with caution since they can tug and pull at your skin causing damage instead of helping get rid of blackheads. Keep in mind that pore strips are only a temporary fix for blackheads. Korean skin care brands make some fun pore strips like Seedless Strawberry Seeds 3-step Nose Pack or TONYMOLY Tony moly Egg Pore Nose Pack.
Oil blotting sheets are a must. An easy way to instantly get rid of excess shine. These discreet tissues are perfect to stick in your handbag or backpack to refresh your face. If you are in a pinch you can even use napkins or toliet paper to blot excess oil in your t-zone. Blotting papers are super affordable and portable. Try Tarte Not so Slick Oil-absorbing Blotting Papers or Palladio – Rice Paper Blotting Tissues Translucent with Rice Powder.
Updated by Hanah Tetro
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