Combination skin routines

Best skin care for combination skin

Navigating the world of skincare can feel tricky when your face has both oily and dry areas, but finding the best skincare for combination skin doesn't have to be overwhelming. It’s all about balance and working with what your unique skin needs.

For the most up-to-date, personalized advice on skin care, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist.

What is combination skin?

Combination skin features different textures in different areas of the face. Often, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks may feel dry or normal. This mix calls for flexible care that targets differing needs at once.

How to tell if you have combination skin?

You likely have combination skin if:

• Your T-zone is noticeably oily while your cheeks are dry or normal.
• You experience both breakouts and dry patches.
• Your skin feels tight in some areas but greasy in others, especially by midday.
• Makeup tends to wear off in oily areas but clings to dry zones.

A simple test: after cleansing, wait 30 minutes without applying products. If some areas look shiny while others feel tight or flaky, you probably have combination skin.

What skincare brand is best for combination skin?

Several brands, available at Ulta Beauty, cater well to combination skin, including:

• CeraVe – Known for gentle, dermatologist-developed formulas.
• The Ordinary – Affordable serums with targeted ingredients.
• La Roche-Posay – Offers balanced hydration and oil control.
• Tatcha – Luxe products that balance and hydrate.

Choose brands offering fragrance-free, non-comedogenic options with a mix of hydrating and oil-balancing ingredients.

What is the best skincare routine for combination skin?

The best skincare routine for combination skin focuses on using a combination of products that address both the oily and dry areas. Here’s a simple, effective routine:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser: Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
2. Toner (optional): Use a hydrating toner on your dry areas and an oil-balancing toner on your T-zone. You can also use a single, balanced toner.
3. Serum: Apply a lightweight, hydrating serum (like one with hyaluronic acid) to your entire face. If you have concerns like fine lines or dark spots, you can layer a different treatment serum. Discover our Best Face Serums buying guide for expert recommendations.
4. Moisturizer: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Look for gel-based or water-based formulas that will hydrate your cheeks without adding excess shine to your T-zone. Discover our Best Face Moisturizers buying guide for expert recommendations.
5. Sunscreen: Finish with a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen. Discover our Best Sunscreens buying guide for expert recommendations.

Evening Routine:

1. Double Cleanse: If you wear makeup or heavy sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break down products, followed by your gentle cleanser. Discover our What is Double Cleansing guide to learn more.
2. Treatment Products: Apply targeted treatments, such as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) for your T-zone to control oil and exfoliate pores, and a hydrating serum or cream on your dry areas.
3. Moisturizer: Apply your lightweight moisturizer. You can apply a slightly richer cream to your cheeks if they need extra hydration.

What products or ingredients should you avoid using on combination skin?

Avoid products that are:

• Overly harsh or drying, like alcohol-based toners or bar soaps.
• Heavy or pore-clogging, such as thick creams or comedogenic oils (e.g., coconut oil).
• Fragrance-heavy, which can irritate sensitive or dry areas.
• Over-exfoliating, which can strip the skin and worsen imbalance.

Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid in moderation.

Is vitamin C good for combination skin?

Absolutely! Vitamin C can be good for combination skin. It may brighten dull spots and provide antioxidant protection without being too heavy for oily zones.

Discover our Best Vitamin C Products buying guide for expert recommendations.

Should you use exfoliating products on combination skin?

Exfoliation can be important for combination skin—but less is more. You could use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like BHA/salicylic acid for oily zones or PHA/lactic acid for drier areas) 1–2 times per week. Avoid physical scrubs, which can cause microtears and irritate both dry and oily areas. Exfoliate more frequently on oily areas and less often on dry patches, if needed.

Discover our Best Exfoliators buying guide for expert recommendations.

How often should you moisturize combination skin?

Moisturize twice daily. Try a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for daytime and a slightly richer formula at night if needed. Use targeted moisturizers if necessary—something richer on dry patches and lighter on the T-zone—to keep skin balanced.

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