But what is combination skin, exactly? “Combination skin is when some areas of the face are dry while others are oily,” explainsDr. Annie Gonzalez, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Floria. “Normally, the chin, nose, and forehead are oily, while the rest of the face is dry.” The good news? If you have combination skin, all you need is the right approach in order to even things out. Here’s everything you need to know about the very best skincare routine for combination skin, according to dermatologists. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best combination skincare routine
Morning routine
Dr. Gonzalez recommends a foaming facial cleanser, toner, antioxidant serum, and moisturizer in the morning. Foaming facial cleanser Step one is to clean the skin. Look for products that do not contain soap or oil. “Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser does not contain soap or oil, which is excellent for combination skin since those ingredients can make dry skin dryer and oily skin oilier, Dr. Gonzalez explains. “This product washes away makeup, bacteria, dirt, and oil without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture barrier and leaves the skin feeling soft.”
Toner
To tone and cleanse combination skin, Dr. Gonzalez recommends Weleda One-Step Cleanser & Toner. It’s paraben-free, free of synthetic preservatives, cruelty-free, and removes oil, dirt, and makeup. Antioxidant Serum Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum works on all skin types and alleviates free radical damage and fine lines. “It hydrates the skin, reveals a more radiant complexion, and is formulated with Vitamin E and C to provide antioxidant protection,” Dr. Gonzalez states. Lightweight moisturizer When browsing for a moisturizer, look for non-comedogenic and oil-free. “CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is good for combination skin because it is noncomedogenic, and oil-free, meaning it can help dry skin without causing extra oil production,” Dr. Gonzalez explains. “This product also protects against UVA/UVB rays, calms the skin, is absorbed quickly, and retains the skin’s moisture.” Sunscreen Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen blocks both UVB and UVA rays, and is a non-comedogenic broad-spectrum facial sunscreen. “Non-comedogenic means it does not cause blocked pores,” Dr. Gonzales. “This sunscreen is great for both sensitive and oily skin and works well under makeup. It is also lightweight, transparent, dries quickly, and is paraben and chemical filter-free.”
Evening routine
For your evening routine, Dr. Gonzalez recommends a foaming facial cleanser, toner, retinol serum and heavier moisturizer. Foaming facial cleanser Similar to your morning skincare routine, a foaming facial cleanser is an important part of the process. “Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser treats enlarged pores, oiliness, and removes makeup while leaving the skin feeling clean and fresh. It also balances oil production and protects the skin from free radical damage,” Dr. Gonzalez explains. Toner With toners, it’s important to look for ones that will help balance oily skin, without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. “Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner delivers lightweight hydration and balances oily skin,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “This product also reduces blackheads, shrinks pores, and treats uneven skin tone.” Retinol serum “Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum diminishes wrinkles and lines while improving skin tone and texture,” Dr. Gonzalez states. “It also is lightweight and contains moisture-boosting ceramides.” Heavier moisturizer At night, you’ll want a product that deeply moisturizes. “SkinMedica Dermal Repair Moisturizer is a moisture-boosting product that promotes elasticity, firmness, and healthy skin. It leaves the skin soft, improves skin hydration, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles,” Dr. Gonzalez explains.
Weekly routine
Exfoliating treatment “It can be difficult to form a skincare routine for combination skin as it needs to balance dryness as well as oil and acne,” Dr. Stacy Chimento, MD, board-certified Miami dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology, explains. Dr. Chimento has listed products and tips aimed at caring for combination skin. Foaming facial cleanser (AM/PM) Begin by removing any oil and dirt with a cleanser like Cerave’s Foaming Facial Cleanser for normal to oily skin. Toner (AM/PM) “A toner can remove the last traces of impurities and also balance the skin’s pH. Skinceuticals Conditioning Toner works for combination skin to lightly exfoliate and clean the skin,” says Dr. Chimento. Antioxidant serum (AM) Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum should be applied in the morning to neutralize free radicals and help with photoaging and brightening the skin. Retinol serum (PM) This will help repair any damage to your skin throughout the day. “Retinol should be applied at night because the sun can cause added irritation,” Dr. Chimento explains. “Riverchase Dermatology makes a Retinol Smoothing Serum 10x to increase cellular turnover, diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and help smooth texture.”
Lightweight moisturizer (AM)
A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like Retinol Smoothing Serum 10x, works to keep skin hydrated throughout the day but not clog pores. Heavier moisturizer (PM) “Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore moisturizer is a heavier moisturizer for nighttime to nourish the skin with ceramides and fatty acids,” Dr. Chimento states. Sunscreen (AM) EltaMD makes a mineral sunscreen great for combination skin called the UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. “This sunscreen contains niacinamide and lactic acid to keep excessive oil production and acne at bay,” says Dr. Chimento. Exfoliating treatment (weekly) “Chemically exfoliating your face once a week is helpful to slough off dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin,” Dr. Chimento explains. “Kate Somerville’s Intensive Exfoliating Treatmentincludes fruit enzymes and AHA’s to unclog pores and allow other products to better penetrate the skin.” Next up: Dealing with Dry Skin? Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide to Treating It – and the Best Products to Try.
Sources
Dr. Annie Gonzalez, Board Certified Miami Dermatologist of Riverchase DermatologyDr. Stacy Chimento, board-certified Miami dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology
