Best Skincare Routine for Combination Skin ✨๐♀️
Combination skin means you have both oily and dry areas—typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, while the cheeks are dry or normal. This routine helps balance hydration and oil control for a healthy, glowing complexion.
๐ Morning Skincare Routine
1️⃣ Gentle Cleanser
๐งด Use a pH-balanced, mild cleanser to remove excess oil without drying the skin.
✔️ Gel-based or foaming cleansers are great for balancing combination skin.
✔️ Look for salicylic acid (for oil control) and hydrating ingredients like glycerin.
๐น Best Cleansers:
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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (with ceramides & niacinamide)
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Cleanser (gentle & effective)
2️⃣ Alcohol-Free Toner (Optional but Recommended!)
๐งด A toner helps to balance oil production while providing light hydration.
✔️ Choose hydrating & calming ingredients like rose water or chamomile.
๐น Best Toners:
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Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (Alcohol-Free)
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Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
3️⃣ Lightweight Serum for Balance
๐ง Use a hydrating serum on dry areas and a mattifying one on the T-zone.
๐น Best Serum Ingredients:
✔️ Niacinamide – Reduces oiliness & tightens pores
✔️ Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration without clogging pores
✔️ Vitamin C – Brightens and protects against environmental damage
๐น Best Serums:
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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (for oil control)
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Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (for hydration)
4️⃣ Lightweight Moisturizer
๐งด Use a gel-based moisturizer for your whole face or a cream on dry areas and gel on oily parts.
๐น Best Moisturizer Ingredients:
✔️ Squalane – Balances oil & hydrates
✔️ Aloe Vera – Soothes & calms the skin
✔️ Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier
๐น Best Moisturizers:
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (lightweight & hydrating)
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CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (for balanced hydration)
5️⃣ Sunscreen (Every Morning! ☀️)
๐งด Choose a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen to protect from UV damage.
✔️ Avoid heavy or greasy sunscreens that can clog pores.
✔️ Reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re outside.
๐น Best Sunscreens:
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EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (great for acne-prone skin)
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50
๐ Nighttime Skincare Routine
1️⃣ Remove Makeup & Cleanse
✔️ Double cleanse – Start with a micellar water or cleansing oil, then use a gel cleanser.
๐น Best Cleansing Oils/Micellar Waters:
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Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
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DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
2️⃣ Exfoliation (2-3 times per week, PM only)
๐งด Use a gentle BHA/AHA exfoliant to remove dead skin and unclog pores.
๐น Best Exfoliators:
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Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
3️⃣ Night Serum & Treatments
๐ง Use hydrating or repair serums at night to boost skin healing.
๐น Best Night Serums:
✔️ Retinol (for anti-aging & acne control)
✔️ Hyaluronic Acid (deep hydration)
✔️ Niacinamide (oil control & brightening)
๐น Best Products:
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The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
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COSRX Snail Mucin 96 Essence
4️⃣ Night Cream or Sleeping Mask
๐งด A slightly richer moisturizer or overnight mask for extra hydration.
๐น Best Night Creams:
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Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
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CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
๐ Extra Tips for Combination Skin
✅ Use clay masks on the T-zone (to absorb oil) & hydrating masks on dry areas.
✅ Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration.
✅ Avoid over-washing your face—it can cause excess oil production.
✅ Use blotting papers during the day to remove oil without adding more product.