Combination Skin: What's the Best Skincare Routine?
Whether you have acne-ridden skin and discoloration or a perfectly clear complexion, coming up with the ideal skincare routine can be tricky. This is especially true when you have combination skin, which usually consists of an oilier T-zone and dryer cheeks.
People with combination skin often fall victim to skincare routines that do more harm than good, given the fact that many skincare products cater to just dry or oily skin exclusively. But knowledge is power, and the more you understand about your skin type, the easier it is to find the perfect skincare routine — even if you have combination skin.
Why to Use two different cleansers regularly
Whether it's the end of a long day or the start to a new one, cleansing your face with a basic, no-frills cleanser like micellar water is a great option. When picking out a brand of micellar water, make sure to get one that caters to "all skin types." This type of cleanser deeply purifies which does one thing: gets the dirt off your face.
For your second cleanser, choose one that is clay-based. This kind of cleanser is great for combination skin because it removes hard-to-reach dirt from your pores without drying out your skin too much. It also leaves your face with a matte finish, perfect for keeping the shine out of your T-zone.
Why to use A moisturizer that isn't too heavy
Whether your skin is on the dryer side or the oilier side, moisturization is a huge part of maintaining a glowing, healthy face. However, since you're somewhere in the middle of the dry-oily spectrum, you'll want to choose a lighter moisturizer that won't make your face appear shinier in places.
If you feel like your oily spots and your dryer patches are drastically different, don't be afraid to use two different moisturizers on different parts of your face. In extreme cases, this method may prove to be better than sticking to just one moisturizer.
Should you use A retinol serum?
There are many types of serums out there, but when it comes to treating your combination skin, one laced with retinol is key. Retinol doesn't discriminate between skin types — it works on just about any kind of complexion. Using this kind of serum every morning, night, or both can help minimize pores and fine lines, moisturize the skin, and smooth out an uneven skin tone.
How to find the right combination of face masks
Similar to moisturizers for combination skin, it's sometimes hard to find one face mask that is good for both the oily and dry parts of your face. So instead of wearing just one mask at a time, consider "multi-masking". Opt for masks that come in a bottle or tube, not the kinds that come as a sheet — these are harder to use on different parts of your face at the same time as other masks.
Why you should Exfoliate With a Sugar Scrub
Just because you may not have super dry skin doesn't mean you don't need to exfoliate. Using an exfoliator when you have combination skin can help remove dead skin and leftover dirt or makeup, preventing future irritations, redness, and breakouts. Choose a gentle sugar scrub to use on your face — just be sure not to employ it more than 3 times a week since it can be a little harsh on your skin.
Don't forget about sun protection!
If you're hesitant to put thick, oftentimes acne-inducing sunscreen on your face every day, don't worry — you can find sunscreen in some of your favorite moisturizers and makeup products. Using products with an SPF of 30 or higher on the daily will protect your skin from developing wrinkles, freckles, and an uneven skin tone. Even if you don't wear makeup every day, protecting your skin from the sun every day is a must for people with combination skin.
Think you have a better handle on your combination skin needs? If you're shopping for products and are unsure of whether or not they're good for your unique skin needs, it's always best to stick to items that are good for "normal skin" or that don't sway toward super-oily or ultra-dry skin. Since your needs fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, a happy medium is usually your best bet.
If you do, however, find yourself with either extremely dry or oily skin — or both — don't be afraid to mix products. Like with most beauty products, experimenting with different ingredients and brands is often the best way to figure out what skincare routine can benefit you best.
Resources— L'Oreal, Lauren Conrad, Byrdie
About The Author
