Figuring out the best skin care routine for combination skin can feel a bit like you’re going in circles. What happens when your skin decides it’s going to be oily and dry? Combination skin is one of the most common types of skin, so you’re definitely not alone. Don’t worry though – we’ve got your back. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of skincare products that work well for combination skin, and outline a routine that will help soften dry patches and combat shininess.
What is combination skin?
According to many dermatologists, combination skin, should be treated just like normal skin for the most part. There’s a minor difference in that, combination skin is oily in some places and dry in others. For example, the most common cases can be “an oily T-zone (around your nose and under eye area) but a dry forehead or dry cheeks.
You may be asking… “Okay, then what causes combination skin?” And that is totally the wrong way to be looking at it. Nothing really “causes” it or turns it on and off like a light switch. It’s genetically predisposed, so it’s a part of your genetic code. Don’t fret though, there are many skincare products that can help with both dry and oily skin.
Some signs of oily skin look like:
- shiny skin under light
- pores that appear larger than others
- sometimes this can manifest in acne and breakouts (boo, we know)
Some signs of dry skin could look like:
- red skin or irritated skin
- tight skin or uncomfortable areas on the skin
- itchiness and flaking
So, what’s the best skin care routine for combination skin?
Let’s start with a morning skincare routine:
- Cleanse your skin: for oilier skin, it’s super important to get rid of any oil or gunk that may build up overnight as you sleep.
- Apply a toner: Skin toners help to keep your pores clean after cleansing as well as balance out your skin’s pH levels. Perhaps something like a Rose Water Toner ;)
- Use a serum: Serums and more concentrated skincare formulas with an active ingredient will really help to hydrate your skin, while also providing an extra layer of protection. We 100% recommend a Hyaluronic Acid Serum for deep (DEEP) hydration.
- Moisturize (please): This part is interesting for combination skin. Some may prefer a slightly thicker or “creamier” formula on the dry areas. For the oily skin areas, a lighter cream works wonders (our Retinol Cream is key). It’s so much better when oily skin has room to breathe, and that helps when a moisturizer is water-based.
- Add sunscreen: DO NOT skip this step. Please. As long as you protect your skin with that last layer of a lightweight SPF, your morning skincare routine will be complete.
- Apply makeup (if desired): If you’re a makeup user, this should be the last step in your morning skincare routine. Use lightweight products, as usual, to let your skin breathe. Anything that is oil-free is also a big bonus!
Now lets get into your nighttime skincare routine:
- Makeup remover: If you wear makeup, then you may want to consider adding a makeup remover before you start cleansing. This will help keep your pores unclogged + also helping your skin breathe fully.
- Use a cleanser: A gentle natural cleanser will help remove anything that may (hopefully not) be left behind from the bacteria buildup throughout the entire day.
- Mask up: Feel free to mix in a mask periodically (1-2 times a week) when you have that extra time for self-care. There are indeed facial masks out there that work for oily skin (insert Dead Sea Mud Mask here <3)
- Serum + moisturizer: Last but not least, finish off with your fave hydrating skin serum and moisturizers. Easy peasy!
Best products for combination skin
So, you may be wondering what the best skin care products are for combination skin. Well, lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 faves!
1. Organic Foaming Facial Cleanser: A natural gentle cleanser helps to remove excess oil and dirt while keeping your pores clean - perfect for combination skin.
2. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is good for combination skin because it can help to hydrate the skin while also providing an extra layer of protection. If it is a serum that is more concentrated with an active ingredient, which will help to hydrate your skin deeply.
3. A natural skin toner: Using plant-based ingredients that are organic and free of any parabens or sulfates (cruelty-free is just common sense), will help treat your skin gently. A few spritzes of a natural toner will help keep those pores clean and tighter for less bacteria buildup.
4. Try a Vitamin C Serum: Do not skip out on antioxidants when it comes to oily skin. They help protect you from free radicals or damage from the outside world. You definitely want to make sure you’re including some products with vitamin c in them. A more concentrated version like a skin serum will go a long way when it comes to oily skin!
5. Use Emolients: That’s just a fancy way of saying super hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oils, etc. Making sure to add in some moisturizers rich in these ingredients will help keep your skin hydrated for longer, which is always a plus!
What not to do for combination skin
Forget to exfoliate
Combination skin can be a bit of a challenge to deal with, but one thing you should always do is exfoliate. Exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells that can accumulate and cause your pores to become clogged. This will help keep your skin looking clear and radiant!
Do not skip on a regular moisturizer
Always. ALWAYS moisturize your skin. Moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents it from becoming dry or oily. If you skip moisturizing, your skin will become unbalanced and may start to break out.
Do not stick with the same routine
Your skin is the foundation of your beauty. It's important to keep an eye on it, and change up your routine based on how it looks. If you have combination skin, sometimes you may find that removing a step or focussing on a step works better certain times of the year. That’s totally fine! Make sure you stick to the general routine, but feel free to make a few changes when needed, because as times and seasons shift, so will your skin! But by following these tips, you'll be able to create a routine that softens dry patches and combats shininess.
The bottom line
Maintaining a regular skincare routine is key when you have combination skin. By exfoliating regularly, moisturizing, and using products that are suited for your skin type, you can keep your skin looking clear and radiant. Don't be afraid to change up your routine based on how your skin looks at different times of the year - it's normal for combination skin to act differently depending on the season! As long as you maintain the key elements from the lists above, you are in for some glowing skin! We’ll catch ya in the next one :D