The texture of your skin, pore size, skin color, and many other factors are largely determined by your genetics. However, a healthy skincare routine can help you work with your skin’s natural characteristics to bring out a natural radiance and glow. Combination skin can present a challenge. This skin type doesn’t neatly fit into either the oily or dry categories, which means you need to think carefully about the mix of skincare products you use.
What is combination skin?
A person with combination skin has both areas of oiliness and dryness. Oily areas are often in the T-zone, which is the forehead, nose, and chin. Combination skin may have dry patches, or the cheeks alone may be drier than the T-zone.
However, combination skin could mean you have an oily forehead while the rest of your face stays fairly dry. Areas of oiliness may have larger, visible pores, while dry areas may be flaky or easily get red and irritated.
How do I know if I have combination skin?
A simple at-home skin test can tell you if you have combination skin. Start by washing your face with a gentle, non-drying cleanser like SkinResourceMD’s Total Facial Cleansing Gel. Gently pat your face dry and wait 30 minutes. After the time is up, you may have combination skin if you have both areas that look shiny and areas that feel tight or look dull and rough.
Skincare routine for healthy glowing combination skin
You may need products that treat dryness alongside products that control oil and acne. However, your skincare routine doesn’t need to be complex. We’ve included the basics and a few optional steps for combination skin in case you’d like to add deeper treatments or address more specific issues as your skin changes according to the weather or season.
Cleansing
Every good skincare routine starts with gentle cleansing to remove excess oil and dirt. SkinResourceMD’s Total Facial Cleansing Gel, for example, removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin of its natural hydration. If you struggle with frequent breakouts, Tea Tree Deep Clearing Facial Cleanser takes advantage of the tea tree's natural antibiotic properties to kill the bacteria that causes breakouts. Both formulas are gentle and don’t overdry the skin, even in drier areas on the face.
Moisturizing
You can go one of two ways with your daily moisturizer. The first option is to use a creamy moisturizer like Ultra Rich Biolipid Cream on dry areas and a lightweight moisturizer like Oil Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer on the oily areas. The second option is to use the lightweight moisturizer on all of your face. You can always use a heavier moisturizer on dry patches at night.
Sunscreen
Don’t forget the sun protection. A lightweight sunscreen, such as SkinResourceMD’s Essential Solar Protector is an excellent choice for combination skin. It’s lightweight so it won’t clog pores on oily skin yet creates a moisture barrier to maintain your skin’s natural hydration for the dry areas.
Optional skincare treatments
Toning
Toners balance your skin’s moisture levels and target specific skin issues. You may want to have a couple of different types on hand to address changing skin conditions that are common to combination skin. For times when your skin gets extra dry, SkinResourceMD’s Visibly Moist Toner sprays on to deepen moisture levels. If you’ve found yourself breaking out, Pore Purifying Astringent tones by using natural ingredients to exfoliate and cleanse pores.
Serums
Serums can offer deeper hydration and help with skin texture. Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum, for example, contains water-loving (and attracting) hyaluronic acid. Use it on dry areas or the entire face to boost overall hydration.
Serums can also address the general wear and tear the skin undergoes through daily exposure to sunlight and a harsh environment. Total Antioxidant - Vitamin C Facial Serum gives the skin an antioxidant boost to help it resist and heal from the damage of free radicals, which are the byproduct of the body’s natural oxidative process.
Anti-wrinkle treatments
Combination skin is susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles just like any other skin type. However, the dry areas of your skin are more prone to wrinkles than oily areas. You can help both areas with an overall wrinkle prevention cream like Baobab Skin Correction Facial Cream. This corrective cream evens skin tone, reduces the visible appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and provides another dose of antioxidants. It’s lightweight and offers another layer of hydration.
Oil reduction
If your forehead, nose, or chin are shinier than you’d like, you can also try an oil reduction product, such as Shine-Free Solution. This solution contains Nylon-12 to absorb excess oil. It also contains natural ingredients that reduce acne-causing bacteria.
Embrace your combination skin
Each skin type — oily, dry, combination, sensitive — requires skincare routine adaptations and some trial and error to find the products that work best. Combination skin needs a blend of hydration and oil reduction. Whether you like to keep your routine simple or luxurious, there’s a combination of products that will work for you. Start with clean skin and a lightweight moisturizer. From there, personalize your routine to give your skin the look, texture, and glow you deserve.
