12-Step Impactful Skincare For Combination Skin

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Are you tired of dealing with an oily T-zone and dry patches on your cheeks? Finding the right skincare products can be a hassle, especially when looking for the perfect balance for your combination skin. That's where the Best Skincare Brands come in. 

With the right products and a few beauty tips, you can turn your skincare routine into a self-care ritual that leaves your skin looking flawless.

GlowUp introduces the Beauty AI Tool to Find Your Pretty Type, allowing you to identify your unique skincare needs easily.

Table Of Contents

What Is Combination Skin?

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Combination skin is a skin condition that comprises two or more different skin types on the face. This means that the condition of your skin may vary between seasons. Typically, combination skin is characterized by dry, flaking skin on the cheeks, while excessive oil and shine may appear on other areas of the face.

Those with combination skin are constantly fighting their T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.

How Can I Tell If I Have Combination Skin?

Combination skin is thought to be one of the most common skin types. Watch for these symptoms and signs to determine whether or not you’re dealing with combination skin:

  • The appearance of larger pores. If you have oily patches, you may have noticed that the pores in these areas look larger. As the sebaceous glands under the skin produce excess sebum (the oily substance that makes your skin look shiny), dead skin cells can block your pores, causing sebum to build up and enlarge.

  • Shiny skin. Those with combination skin experience shine on at least one portion of their face. For most, this shine is most prevalent in the T-Zone and occurs due to excess oil production.

  • Black and whiteheads. Form when oil becomes trapped in your pores and mixes with dead skin cells and other debris, causing a plug. When this plug is open to the air, it causes a blackhead. When it’s closed, it forms a whitehead.

  • Dandruff isn’t always an indicator of skin type, but many women with combination skin deal with dry, flaky patches on their scalp.

  • Dry patches and acne breakouts. You're likely dealing with combination skin if you have dry patches and acne breakouts simultaneously.

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Is Combination Skin Hard To Treat?

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Combination skin is a common reason for dermatological consultation, as it can be challenging to manage. It is not a specific skin type but rather a condition where some parts of the face are dry or oily (hyper seborrhea). Typically, combination skin is characterized by an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and normal to dry skin elsewhere, potentially even exhibiting flakiness. 

While treating oily areas with products designed for oily skin may seem logical, the key to managing combination skin lies in understanding the underlying skin reactivity that causes dry patches. Thus, it is crucial to tailor your skincare routine to address the specific needs of both oily and dry areas on the face.

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12-Step Impactful Skincare For Combination Skin

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A.M. Routine

Follow these steps for a balanced skin care system in the morning:

1. GlowUp AI

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2. Cleanser

A cleanser is essential to remove any overnight buildup on your skin. Ensure you use a gentle, effective cleanser suited for combination skin.

3. Toner

Toners help eliminate any excess oil left over by your cleanser and help stabilize your skin's pH levels. Opt for an alcohol-free toner to avoid drying out your skin.

4. Serum

Hydrate and protect your skin by including a serum in your skincare routine. Look for serums containing hyaluronic acid, which is beneficial for combination skin types.

5. Moisturizer

Use a creamy formula for dry areas of your face and a lightweight, water-based formula for oilier regions. This combination hydrates and balances your skin.

6. Sunscreen

Select a lightweight sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to protect your skin from sun damage. This is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature aging.

7. Makeup

If you choose to wear makeup, pick lightweight, oil-free products. Opt for foundation and concealer that is specifically formulated for combination skin types.

P.M. Routine

In the evening, switch to a new routine to keep your skin clean and healthy:

8. Makeup remover

Eliminate makeup residue with a gentle makeup remover to unclog pores and allow your skin to breathe. Micellar water is an excellent option for this task.

9. Cleanser

Use an appropriate cleanser in the evening to eliminate any leftover makeup and accumulated debris from the day.

10. Exfoliant

Weekly exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and patchy dryness. A gentle exfoliant suitable for your skin type is ideal.

11. Facial mask

Multi-masking allows you to target different skin areas with specific masks once a week. This practice helps address various skin concerns simultaneously.

12. Serum, treatment, or moisturizer

Opt for potent products in the evening. Choose a rich moisturizer for hydration and nourishment of the drier regions of your face.

12 Best Brands For Combination Skin

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1. Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a top choice for combination skin due to its lightweight, non-greasy formula. Formulated with squalane oil and glycerin, this moisturizer provides hydration without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.

2. Best Cleanser for Combination Skin: RéVive Foaming Cleanser and Enriched Hydrating Wash

RéVive Foaming Cleanser is a standout product for combination skin. It effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of essential moisture. With a blend of emollient oils and antioxidants like vitamin E and green tea, this cleanser leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.

3. Best Mineral Sunscreen for Combination Skin: Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection without the white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens. This zinc oxide-based sunscreen is lightweight and provides excellent coverage with just a small amount.

4. Best Serum for Combination Skin: Apothecare Phyto Defend Persian Silk Tree Bark White Willow Bark Protecting Serum

Apothecare's Protecting Serum is a favorite among testers for its lightweight feel and skin-smoothing effects. This serum is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid, which encourages cellular turnover for a brighter, more even skin tone.

5. Best Face Oil for Combination Skin: Boho Aromatic Natural Balance Face Oil Serum

Boho Aromatic's Face Oil Serum is designed for acne-prone skin, making it an excellent option for combination skin. This antioxidant-rich oil serum helps reduce inflammation and improve acne-prone skin's overall appearance.

6. Best Toner for Combination Skin: Care Soft Sweep Micellar Cleanser and Toner

Care's Micellar Cleanser and Toner is a gentle option for combination skin, hydrating while cleansing without alcohol. With hydration like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this toner helps brighten the skin and maintain moisture balance.

7. Best Night Cream for Combination Skin: Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Night

Rodial's Pink Diamond Magic Gel Night Cream is a retinol-enhanced product that targets acne and fine lines. Testers raved about its light fragrance and jelly-like texture, leaving the skin glowy and dewy in the morning.

8. Best Anti-Aging Cream for Combination Skin: Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker

Philosophy's Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker is a vitamin C-based night cream that brightens and firms the skin. Peptides and vitamin C improve dull skin's appearance and texture.

9. Best Mask for Combination Skin: Belei Charcoal Balancing Mask

Belei's Charcoal Balancing Mask is a gentle and hydrating option for combination skin, controlling oil production with charcoal and kaolin clay. This mask also provides moisture with hyaluronic acid, leaving the skin feeling balanced and refreshed.

10. Best Sheet Mask for Combination Skin: Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask

Sweet Chef's Ginger + Vitamin C Sheet Mask is a cooling, brightening option for combination skin. With vitamin C and a hydrating serum, this sheet mask refreshes and rejuvenates the skin.

11. Best At-Home Peel for Combination Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross's Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel is a powerful exfoliating treatment for combination skin. This peel is formulated with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which brightens hyperpigmentation and soothes skin irritation.

12. Best Face Mist for Combination Skin: Murad Prebiotic 3-in-1 MultiMist

Murad's Prebiotic MultiMist is a versatile mist that primes the skin for makeup and hydrates with glycerin. Testers love its refreshing feel and wide coverage, making it an excellent option for maintaining skin hydration throughout the day.

What Is The Best Facial Treatment For Combination Skin?

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Combination skin might be tricky to manage since it involves dry and oily areas. Targeting each skin type is crucial for balancing the complexion effectively. 

Enzyme, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion treatments are ideal for combination skin. These facials individually combat the issues faced by the skin, resulting in a smoother and more balanced look and feel. 

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Glowup AI is your bespoke AI beauty guide, helping you unlock your full aesthetic potential. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and enhancement with us. Find your pretty (ex., Bunny Pretty, Cat Pretty, Doe Pretty, Fox Pretty, etc.).

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8 Tips To Handle Combination Skin

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1. Divide and conquer

To properly care for combination skin, it's essential to divide your face into its various types (oily, dry, etc.) and treat each accordingly. This approach ensures that you target specific issues on each part of your face, leading to more effective skincare for each area.   

2. Reserve oil-absorbing and matte-finish ingredients for oily areas

To reduce excessive oiliness on your face, you should opt for skincare products designed to absorb oil and give a matte finish. However, you must be careful when applying these products. Apply them to the oilier areas only by dabbing them on rather than spreading them across your face.   

3. Reserve emollients for dry areas

Moisturizing products should be solely applied to dry areas. When these products come in contact with oily patches, they can exacerbate oiliness, leading to an unbalanced complexion. By targeting dry areas with emollients, you can prevent the further drying out of these regions.   

4. Don’t be afraid to mix and match

Skincare routines should be adjusted daily to match your skin's changing needs. For instance, if your skin is irritated on a particular day, reduce the use of drying skincare products and focus more on moisturizers. Additionally, you can alternate between different serums or treatments to cater to your skin's unique requirements.   

5. Know when to layer  and when to skip it

Layering skincare products involves starting with thinner, water-based formulas and moving on to thicker, oil-based ones. However, not every area of your face may require this approach. Always tailor the layering process to suit the needs of each part of your face. For instance, while dry areas benefit from rich hydrating products, oily regions may fare better with a lightweight strategy.   

6. Avoid products with excessive fragrance or other irritants

Skincare products that contain harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrance can irritate both dry and oily skin. These irritants can worsen dryness in some areas and increase oil production in others, potentially causing breakouts. Always opt for products free from excessive fragrance or other irritants to prevent such issues.   

7. Opt for non-comedogenic products

When selecting skincare products, always look for non-comedogenic options to avoid clogging your pores. Additionally, check the ingredients list to ensure the product does not contain pore-clogging substances. By choosing noncomedogenic products, you can prevent aggravating oily and acne-prone skin.   

8. Stay hydrated

In addition to applying hydrating skincare products, it's crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily. Proper hydration can prevent dry, flaky skin and help regulate oil production. While the direct link between water intake and hydrated skin is still debated, drinking at least eight glasses of water each day is recommended.

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