Basic Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

 

Creating a skincare routine for combination skin—where some areas are oily (usually the T-zone: forehead, nose, chin) and others are dry or normal—requires a balanced approach that targets multiple needs without over-stripping or clogging pores.

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🧴 Basic Skincare Routine for Combination Skin:

Morning:

1. Gentle Cleanser

   • Gel or foaming cleansers work well.

   • Avoid sulfates; look for pH-balanced formulas.

   • Example: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleanser

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence (optional but helpful)

   • Helps balance moisture without heaviness.

   • Look for: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, green tea

3. Lightweight Serum

   • For hydration: hyaluronic acid

   • For oil control or pores: niacinamide (also helps reduce redness)

4. Oil-Free Moisturizer

   • Gel-cream or lightweight lotion textures.

   • Look for: squalane, glycerin, ceramides

5. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

   • Use a non-comedogenic, matte-finish sunscreen for oily areas.

   • Look for: zinc oxide, silica, or gel-based SPF

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Evening:

1. Cleanser

   • Same as morning or double cleanse if wearing makeup/SPF.

2. Treatment Serum (depending on your skin goals)

   • Niacinamide or azelaic acid (good all-arounders for combo skin)

   • Salicylic acid (BHA) 2–3x/week for T-zone if prone to breakouts or blackheads

   • Retinol (if tolerable): great for oil control, texture, and anti-aging

3. Moisturizer

   • Slightly richer than daytime if needed, or layer with a hydrating serum.

   • You can even multi-moisturize: lighter lotion on oily areas, richer cream on drier spots.

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🧠 Tips for Managing Combination Skin:

• Multi-masking: Use a clay mask on oily areas and a hydrating mask on dry parts.

• Blotting papers: Control midday shine without stripping skin.

• Patch test any new actives—combo skin can be reactive if overtreated.

• Be consistent and adjust with the seasons (e.g., lighter in summer, richer in winter).