Skincare is one of the most important self-care routines one can have. By creating a skincare routine, you’re not only protecting your skin for the present, but also your future. However, skincare routines will vary depending on what skin type you have, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or combination. Oily or dry skin is extremely common, but combination skin is a special case. It can be a tricky one to find an effective regimen for it since It consists of two skin types: oily and dry skin. Some areas of the face such as the cheeks are dry, the cheeks are often normal to dry; whilst others such as the T-zone is oilier than other areas and so tends to develop impurities from overly active sebaceous glands which are particularly active in this area of the face. If this is what you experience, you likely have combination skin.

With one section of the skin drier and the other oilier, combination skin can make cleansing and moisturizing difficult, as you don't want to dry out the cheeks more or overly moisturize the T-zone. It's important to be aware of this, so you develop a specific combination skincare routine, take the skin type test to be sure about your skin type.

One way to combat this is to apply certain products to certain areas of the face, but using too many products risks cross-contamination. Instead, we recommend using products especially formulated for combination skin to keep oil production under control on your t-zone without drying out drier areas.

Check out these helpful skin care tips to help you create a tailored skincare routine based on your combination skin’s needs. 

1. Hydrate.

Regardless of your skin type, using a moisturizer is essential to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. For combination skin, your best bet is to opt for a moisturizer that’s hydrating while not feeling heavy or greasy.

2. Avoid Products That Overlap.

Stay away from products that overlap (or do the same thing), like putting acids and retinoids on the skin together. This will make your skin go from combination to dry.

With combination skin, you can separate your routine by day and night. Remember: You don’t have to apply everything everywhere or every time. For instance, if your T-zone is oily and the rest of your face is dry, apply the acids only to the T-zone and only at night.

You can use salicylic acid (BHA) for those oily areas. It gets inside the pores, removing all the excess oil and dead cells clogging them up. It also exfoliates the surface of your skin and helps in clearing pimples and blackheads.

On the drier areas, I’d stick to glycolic acid (AHA). It exfoliates the surface of your skin and boosts hydration.

If you only want to use one, go with salicylic acid. Glycolic won’t do much for your pimples and blackheads. Or, better yet, use an exfoliant that has both.

However, do continue to use sunscreen and antioxidants together.

3. Mix and Match Your Moisturizers.

For combination skin, some dermatologists recommend using two different moisturizers to treat your separate skin woes. At Nashé Beauty, we suggest treating dry skin areas with an emollient-rich moisturizer, while treating oily skin areas with a moisturizer that contains acne-fighting ingredients. The emollient-rich moisturizer will help to bolster your skin’s lipid barrier and lock in moisture, while the acne-fighting moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated while helping to prevent oil imbalance.

You could also look for a two-in-one moisturizer that works for both oily and dry skin areas.

4. Blot Away Oil.

If you’re struggling to combat greasiness in your T-Zone, try reaching for blotting papers. These papers are easy to fit into your bag and can offer a quick way to cut back on excess oil mid-day. Using blotting pads to absorb excess oil throughout the day is a dermatologist-approved way to keep oil-prone areas of your skin looking fresh and matte all day long, without irritating dry patches. Opt for blotting wipes with as few ingredients as possible, to prevent from disturbing your skin’s natural lipid levels. They’ll temporarily absorb oil without ruining your makeup.

5. Make Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Your BFF.

One of the best ways you can care for your skin is by applying a generous amount of SPF 30 or higher daily. Spending time in the sun without SPF protection can cause damage, which can lead to visible signs of aging and cause skin dryness. For combination skin, it’s always a good idea to choose an oil-free sunscreen so there’s a lesser chance of it causing a breakout.

6. Speak To A Dermatologist.

At Nashé Beauty, we have experts to answer your skincare questions and offer recommendations for cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliants, toners, and sunscreen to suit your skin type.

You can also ask about different treatment options for acne-prone combination skin: topical ointments, oral antibiotics, chemical peels, and light and laser treatments.

Takeaways.

When it comes to combination skin, finding the right skincare routine can be tricky. It may take a bit of time to find the right combination.

However, using the best products in the right areas should create the best possible outcome for your skin.

You should always consult a dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.