The Best Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Combination skin is a unique type that requires a specific skincare routine. With areas of dryness and oiliness, it can be challenging to find the right products that work for both. But fear not; we have curated the ultimate skincare routine for combination skin to help you achieve balanced beauty.

Understanding Combination Skin

Combination skin can be challenging to manage, as it has both dry and oily areas. One study found that 70% of women reported having combination skin, making it one of the most common skin types. A dermatologist can provide valuable insight into your skin type and recommend a personalized skincare routine. Working with a dermatologist is crucial to develop a personalized skincare routine that works best for your unique condition.

“There’s no set formula for combination skin. Everyone is different.”  Tanya Kormeili, MD, 

Common symptoms of combination skin include an uneven complexion and clogged pores. Finding the right balance between hydration and oil control is important to manage combination skin. A non-shiny moisturizer like Neutrogena can help control oiliness and minimize pores.

Exfoliation is also crucial for combination skin, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent acne-causing bacteria from clogging pores. A mild exfoliator once or twice a week can help open up pores and prevent breakouts.

It’s also essential to switch up your moisturizer depending on the season. During the winter months, it’s best to use a lightweight moisturizer, while thicker moisturizing creams may be necessary during the warmer summer months to fend off dryness.

A double cleansing system consisting of oil and water-based cleansers can ensure that makeup, sunscreen, pollutants, and other impurities are effectively removed from the skin. Finally, be sure to cleanse and moisturize your skin thoroughly in the morning and at night, applying moisturizer at night to seal in moisture for optimal results.

Cleansing 101

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. Yet, it can often be one of the more challenging steps – particularly for people with sensitive skin that is easily irritated or reddened.

You must select an appropriate cleanser for maximum effectiveness in your cleansing regimen. A quality product should remove all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its essential natural oils or irritating its delicate tissues.

Find a cleanser that leaves your skin soft and supple, such as one packed with antioxidants or hyaluronic acid.

Shiseido’s bestseller cleanser is an outstanding example. Foamy in your hands and deep cleaning, it preserves moisture retention while protecting skin against further free radical damage using sesame, safflower, and sunflower oils derived from plants such as sesame.

This formula stands out as non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores or worsen acne breakouts. Furthermore, this paraben and phthalate-free option makes it suitable for sensitive complexions.

An essential aspect of any effective cleansing routine is maintaining the ideal pH level for skin protection, providing an environment free from bacteria or other damaging elements that could cause irritation or blemishes.

The skin’s pH level refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the skin. The ideal pH level for healthy skin is around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This is important because it helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier function, which protects against harmful bacteria and other environmental stressors. When the skin’s pH level is disrupted, it can lead to various skin issues, including dryness, sensitivity, and breakouts.

As part of your nightly cleansing regimen, double cleansing can help your skin’s pH to remain balanced, keeping pores clear while enabling serums and moisturizers applied later in the evening to penetrate more effectively to repair damaged skin cells effectively.

Toners for Combination Skin

Finding products tailored specifically for combination skin can be challenging, but with some trial and error, you can maximize your routine and reap its rewards. Toners are an essential step in any skincare routine for combination skin, as they help balance the skin’s pH levels, eliminate excess oil, and provide essential hydration. Here are some tips for choosing the right toner for your combination skin:

• Look for a toner that is gentle and specifically formulated for combination skin, free from harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and fragrances.
• Hydrating toners are ideal for combination skin as they help hydrate dry areas while controlling T-zone oil production. Look for formulas enriched with antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients to nourish without overdrying.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be practical tools in helping balance out oily T-zone areas while healing any dry patches on the cheeks. Furthermore, AHAs exfoliate dead skin cells while diminishing oily spots or blemishes.
• Search for toners that are non-comedogenic, which will ensure they won’t clog your pores – this is especially important in the T-zone area as clogged pores can be particularly problematic.
• Incorporating a toner containing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can benefit healthy cell turnover.
• If you want an extra dose of hydration, consider adding a serum to your skincare routine. It will replenish the skin’s hydration levels while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

Here are some toner suggestions that are suitable for combination skin:

• Thayers Witch Hazel Toner – This toner contains natural witch hazel extract to cleanse and tone the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It is also alcohol-free and formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and hydrate the skin.
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – This toner is infused with glycolic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. It also contains amino acids, aloe vera, and ginseng to soothe and hydrate the skin.
• COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner – This toner is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to exfoliate the skin and minimize the appearance of pores gently. It also contains allantoin and panthenol to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Remember that everyone’s skin is different, so it’s essential to test a product on a small patch of skin before applying it to your entire face to avoid any potential irritation or adverse reactions.

Moisturizers for Combination Skin

Finding the appropriate moisturizer can help control dryness and oiliness on the skin, but finding it may prove challenging depending on your skin type. Here are some tips for choosing the right moisturizer for your combination skin:

• Moisturizers containing ceramides and other lipids help repair the skin barrier by preventing water loss while helping prevent oil production. Look for one with these ingredients in a non-comedogenic (non-oily) formulation for maximum effectiveness.
• Combination skin conditions require regular exfoliation with BHA exfoliators to keep their complexion looking supple and healthy. An effective BHA exfoliator should remove dead skin cells while unclogging pores and reducing oiliness without leaving rough or bumpy patches on your skin. For maximum effectiveness, use this exfoliator at least once every week for the best results!
• Apply a face mask twice every week to help restore balance to your skin and address specific areas of concern. A detoxifying mask on T-zone and oily areas will tighten pores and eliminate extra sebum production. Applying a hydrating face mask on dry skin will nourish and leave it plump and healthy.

Here are some suggestions for moisturizers that contain lipids and are suitable for combination skin:

• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM: This lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer contains ceramides and other lipids to help repair the skin barrier and retain moisture. It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: This oil-free moisturizer contains ceramides, niacinamide, and other lipids to hydrate and soothe combination skin without clogging pores. It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration: This rich, non-greasy cream contains ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and other lipids to moisturize and soothe dry patches on combination skin. It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream: This whipped moisturizer contains six different African oils, including marula and baobab, which are rich in fatty acids and other lipids to hydrate and nourish combination skin. It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This lightweight moisturizer contains a variety of lipids, including ceramides and triglycerides, to hydrate and protect combination skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It also contains hyaluronic acid for additional hydration benefits.

Extra Tips and Tricks for Combination Skin

You can take a few extra steps to optimize your combination skin care regimen while protecting it from environmental stresses. These will allow you to control your complexion while protecting you from harmful environmental factors. Here are some tips:

• Start your morning with a gentle cleanser to eliminate excess oil, dirt, and makeup before moisturizing. Opt for cream, foaming, or gel-based formulas that won’t remove natural oils from your skin’s surface.
• An absolute essential is broad-spectrum sunscreen. This provides necessary UV ray protection, protecting against dark spots and wrinkles caused by direct sun exposure. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 in the morning and 30 or higher during the day if you have combination skin. Sun protection is crucial for your skin type.
• Applying facial oil directly to dry areas could help curb excess sebum production and breakouts if you have combination skin that tends to break out. Look for non-comedogenic oil that won’t clog your pores or worsen acne outbreaks.
• Choose skin-specific skincare products whenever possible to ensure maximum effectiveness. Avoid fragrances or ingredients which could aggravate dry skin areas or provoke breakouts.

References for Combination Skin

“Combination Skin: Here’s How to Identify and Create the Right Routine” – https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/combination-skin

“Skin Care and Aging” – https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging#