A Tested Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

My go-to skincare routine for combination skin, including all my tried-and-tested skincare products for combination skin.

I talk a lot about combination skin here on my beauty blog. As I live with it every day. It’s been my skin type for as long as I can remember.

I would describe my combination skin as having a bit of everything. Dryness, sensitivity, texture, and a bit of T-zone oiliness, especially in the summer. Feeling almost like I’m dealing with all of the different skin types in one.

Which, when it comes to trying out skincare products, is great as I can try and experiment with a wide range of formulas that target combination, dry or sensitive skin. However, dealing with it day-by-day all at once can be challenging at times.

One of the main struggle with combination skin is finding and combining products in a skincare routine that are both light, yet hydrating and delivering with the results we look for our skin. What works on the T-zone will not work on checks and under the eyes and vice versa.

The good news is that there are solutions, and building a skincare routine for combination skin with the right products is one of them.

In this post I will share my go-to skincare routine for combination skin, including all my tried-and-tested skincare products for combination skin.

Skincare Routine For Combination Skin Shortcut

• What Is Combination Skin?
• My Go-To Skincare Routine For Combination Skin
• What To Avoid In A Skincare Routine For Combination Skin
• Skincare Routine For Combination Skin: Tips & Recommendations

DISCLAIMER
At El Beauty Finder, I strive to feature products that I personally test and recommend. However, I am not a licensed professional and cannot guarantee specific results nor the prevention or cure of any condition or disease. The information provided on www (dot) elbeautyfinder (dot) com is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Prices, availability, and product formulations may change over time, so it's advisable to verify product details and conduct your own research before making any purchasing decision or using any highlighted product, as well as look for professional guidance for personalized advice whenever needed.

What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is a skin type known by having areas that are both dry and oily. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks may be dry or normal. This skin type can also include areas with sensitiveness, roughness, or unevenness and vary depending on the season. (Source)

More on combination skin in my ultimate combination skin guide. The guide includes what combination skin is, how to tell if you have it, what causes it, how to treat it, the best ingredients and skincare products for combination skin, plus some extra tips and recommendations for combination skin.

My Go-To Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

Over the years, I’ve experimented with many products and techniques to find what works best for combination skin, and I’m excited to pass on my tried-and-tested steps and products to help you achieve a balanced and beautiful skin.

A. Morning Skincare Routine

1. Gentle Cleansing: start your day with a mild, gentle cleanser – look for one that balances oil without stripping the skin, like Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser or La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash.
2. Balancing Toner: look for a toner that helps in regulating oil production, moisturizes and soothes the skin without causing greasiness to avoid clogging pores, like ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner or I’m from Rice Toner.
3. Lightweight Moisturizer: opt for a non-greasy, water-based moisturizer to hydrate without adding extra oil, like Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream or La Roche Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer.
4. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30+: finish off with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the UV rays, like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ or Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel.

B. Evening Skincare Routine

1. Makeup Removal/ Double Cleanse: start your evening routine with a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil, following up with a regular gentle cleanser, like Geek & Gorgeous Mighty Melt Cleansing Balm + Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser.
2. Balancing Toner: look for a toner that helps in regulating oil production, moisturizes and soothes the skin without causing greasiness to avoid clogging pores, like ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner or I’m from Rice Toner.
3. One Treatment/ Active: if you are dealing with specific issues, apply a targeted treatment, like a Niacinamide Active to help regulate sebum production and improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven skin tone, Salicylic Acid Active to help with areas prone to breakouts, Glycolic Acid Active to help improve texture and uneven skin, Vitamin C Active to help brighten the skin and even out skin tone, Retinoid Active to help with texture and fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Lightweight Moisturizer: opt for a non-greasy, water-based moisturizer to hydrate without adding extra oil, like Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream or La Roche Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer.

C. Weekly Skincare Routine

1. Deep-Cleansing Mask: once a week, treat your skin with a deep-cleansing clay mask to draw out impurities, like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Clay Mask.
2. Leave-On Soothing Face Mask: a leave-on mask with repairing properties, like COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask or Purito Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack can help soothe and repair the skin. Use 2 or 3 times a week or as needed.
3. Gentle Exfoliation (1-2 Times a Week/ As Tolerated): if you are dealing with skin issues or texture, using a gentle AHA/ BHA or enzyme mask 1-2 times a week or as tolerated, can add smoothness and improve the appearance of your skin overall. Try Lactic Acid products for sensitive skin with uneven skin tone, dryness or dullness. Salicylic Acid for breakouts and reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne. Glycolic Acid for uneven skin tone, fine lines, and dullness.

✨ Pro Tip: Skip AHA/ BHA/ physical exfoliation if using retinoids at night for a healthy skin barrier.

The reason behind avoiding exfoliation while using retinoids is that retinoids themselves already exfoliate the skin as part of their action. They work by speeding up the removal of dead skin cells, allowing new skin to show up.

Consistently using retinoids is enough for exfoliating the skin; extra exfoliation is most of the times inefficient and damaging to the skin – at least in my experience as someone who rotates over AHAs, BHAs, retinol and tretinoin on a regular basis.

Back in the days, I used to think that extra exfoliating my skin is a must-do. Surprisingly, even today, everyone on social media seems to be all about that BHA/ AHA life, with no disclaimers. But the truth is, these exfoliators can actually damage the skin if not used properly or too often.

Speaking from my own experience, I strongly advise against combining AHA/ BHA/ physical exfoliants in the morning with retinoids at night for combination skin or any skin really. Especially is your skin is also sensitive or damaged. I don’t have words to tell you how bad I destroyed my skin at one point thinking that I need this extra step in the morning, while using a retinoid at night.

If retinoids are not part of your routine, then gentle chemical exfoliation can help to smooth texture and improve skin tone. Look for mild exfoliants with ingredients like lactic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid in concentrations between 2% and 10% as tolerated.

✨ Pro Tip: My go-to platforms for learning about skincare ingredients: Cosmetic Ingredient Review and CosIng for detailed insights on ingredient safety and composition; PubMed to check peer-reviewed studies. Happy learning! 📚

I now like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner as it’s super affordable. I use it when I feel I need it on retinoid-free days as I find it both gentle and effective. Typically, when I deal with too much flakiness as a result of using a retinoid or when I decide to discontinue their use for a period of time.

❗Stay away from coffee scrubs.

Last but not least,

All of products used are tried-and-true skincare products for my combination skin, which I currently use and rotate per my individual needs.

My skincare routine consists of no more than four or five steps at a time, and I rotate between using a retinoid for anti-aging at night and other anti-aging actives while not using retinoids. I rarely use actives in the morning as one active treatment at night is more than enough for me.

Most of the products are also fragrance-free as my skin is also sensitive and prone to irritation. I love lightweight, soothing formulas that don’t clog pores and sit well on the skin without being sticky.

In the best ingredients and skincare products for combination skin from my guide on combination skin, you will discover a variety of products and ingredients to address different skin concerns.

What To Avoid In A Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

When creating a skincare routine for combination skin, it’s important to avoid certain formulations and practices that can exacerbate oiliness or dryness in different areas.

Here is what you should be aware of:

1. Harsh Cleansers: avoid cleansers with overly aggressive formulas that strip away too much oil and opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to cleanse without over-drying.
2. Over-Exfoliating: resist the temptation to exfoliate too frequently. Over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, leading to increased oiliness or dryness. Stick to a moderate exfoliation routine, typically 1-2 times a week, or as tolerated.
3. Using Too Many Actives: opt for a singular active or a multitasking product that addresses multiple skin concerns, rather than applying multiple active products in layers. While actives can be potent and effective, they can also be damaging and irritating if combined or overused.
4. Using Too Many Products: avoid using too many products. Opt for a simple yet effective skincare routine rather than layering tons of different products. This will only build up on your skin, making it more prone to texture buildup and irritation.
5. Heavy or Greasy Moisturizers: skip thick, heavy moisturizers that might make oily areas greasier. Instead, choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers to provide hydration without clogging pores.
6. Fragrance and Irritants: fragrance and other potential irritants can aggravate sensitive areas and lead to inflammation. Look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to minimize the risk of irritation.
7. Alcohol-Based Products: avoid skincare products containing high concentrations of pure alcohol, as they can be drying and strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Fatty alcohols are okay.
8. Not Protecting Your Skin by Using A SPF 30+: neglecting sunscreen can worsen uneven skin tone and exacerbate the effects of sun damage. Always include a broad-spectrum sunscreen in your skincare routine to protect against UV rays.
9. Not Adapting or Sticking In One Skincare Routine: your skin needs can change with the seasons and age. Be mindful of weather variations and adjust your skincare routine accordingly for best results.

Skincare Routine For Combination Skin: Tips & Recommendations

If you are like me, you know the struggle of dealing with both oily and dry patches on your face. Sensitivity, and more.

Here are some tips and recommendations that have been real game-changers for me managing this unique skin type:

1. Look for Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Products: lighter, non-comedogenic formulas are more likely to work on your entire face, dry and oily areas, without clogging pores.
2. Have Only 1 Active in Your Skincare Routine: active treatments target your skin’s specific needs. For example, you may address acne with salicylic acid, dark spots with a retinoid or vitamin C, uneven skin tone with glycolic acid, and so on.
3. Double Cleanse at Night: benefits of it include removing everything from your skin, improving texture, and increasing product penetration.
4. Less is More: stick to a simple skincare routine for combination skin, or one that you can follow every day. Trust me, you don’t need a 30-steps skincare routine to have beautiful skin.
5. Use Sun Protection: using a broad spectrum SPF 30+ on a daily basis not only will protect your skin from UV rays, but also help you maintain the results.
6. Stay Consistent: stick to your routine to allow your skin to adapt and show improvement.
7. Be Patient with Results: understand that significant improvements often take time and consistent use of products.
8. Listen to Your Skin: pay attention to your skin unique needs and responses to adjust accordingly.
9. Consult a Professional: if you are unsure about your skincare routine or experiencing persistent issues, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

What helped me the most in my skincare routine for combination skin?

Building a skincare routine adapted to my needs, cutting down on the variety of products I use all at once, opting for lighter formulas, introducing a retinoid a couple of years back, double cleansing at night, reducing my sugar intake, and simply being more mindful of what’s my skin is telling me and adapting accordingly have made the biggest difference in achieving the skin I want.

A smoother, more balanced, even skin. Without excessive oiliness or dryness. ❤️

To Sum Up

There you have it. A skincare routine for combination, including all my tried-and-tested skincare products for combination skin.

As I wrap up this post, remember that your skin is as unique as you are, and the key to balance is all about using less and the right products + staying consistent and using sunscreen.

How do you handle your combination skin in your daily routine? Feel free to share your go-to routine, tips and favorite products in the comments below!