Step-By-Step Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin Types

Skin care looks different for everyone. Some struggle with acne-prone skin, others struggle with dry, oily or sensitive skin, or all of the above. That's when combination skin types come in.

Each skin struggle requires a different routine to put into action in order to care for skin imperfections and what lies underneath the surface that the naked eye can't see. Some skin care routines can be daily, some can be three times a week or even once a week. It all depends on an individual's skin care needs and chemistry. Some prefer to do their skin care routine in the mornings, some prefer at night, or both. Personally, I like to do my skin care routine three times a week in the evening or right after I get out of the shower. Today I will be discussing a simple skin care routine for combination skin types, like me, as well as the products I recommend and use for my skin care routine. Let's start off with what exactly combination skin is and looks like.

Combination skin is a mix of different skin types in various areas of the skin. It is a specific type of facial complexion that includes oiliness within the T-zone which is the forehead, nose and chin of one's face and dryness around the cheek bones. 

Step #1: Care for cleansing.

The order in which you begin your skin care routine is highly important. With every routine requires the first step, which is the most important step. First, before applying a bunch of different products on the skin, you must begin with cleansing your skin of any dirt and impurities. For combination skin, from what I have found online, it is best recommended that you stick with a gel or foam cleanser. Gentle cleansers are key to eliminating excess oil and dryness without overly drying out the skin, creating a fresh and hydrated base for the rest of your skin care routine. The cleanser I use day and night that I recommend is the Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser® | Neutrogena®

Step #2: Tap in with a toner.

It is best to include a toner, especially into a combination skin care routine for many reasons. Toners are very effective in reducing oiliness, removing dirt, the appearance of pores, protects and moisturizes the skin. Some toners require the use of a cotton round or ball upon application or spraying it onto the face. When I apply my toner, I always use a cotton ball because it evenly spreads the product throughout my face. There are various types of toners that can be used based off of what skin type an individual possesses. For combination skin types, it is recommended to use an alcohol-free toner for their anti-inflammatory, as well as moisturizing properties. A recommended toner I frequently use day and night is the Alcohol-Free Face Toner | Neutrogena®

Step #3: Slay the day with a serum.

There are various serums that work for different skin types. Some serums are made specifically for dark spots, exfoliating, brightening which can help even out skin tone, hydration, acne, redness or aging. I highly recommend a serum that contains Hyaluronic Acid for combination skin, which is best at absorbing moisture, preventing fine lines and skin dryness. Serums with B3 vitamins and retinol in them are also very effective and healthy for the skin's natural barrier and contain anti-aging properties. The only serum I stick to, and I recommend is HYALURONIC ACID – Asterwood Naturals

Step #4: Eye creams are essential.

Eye creams are used specifically for hydrating the skin around the eyes. Many eye creams serve different purposes. There are eye creams for puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles, sun damage, or rash-prone skin. For combination skin, I recommend incorporating an eye cream into your skin care routine. It might not seem like an important step for some, but eye creams reap many benefits down the line. I tend to have a sporadic sleep schedule at times, which causes the appearance of dark circles to come out more vividly.  An eye cream I recommend is the Eye Repair Cream for Dark Circles, Puffiness & Wrinkles | CeraVe

Step #5: Spot-on acne treatment.

For some, acne spot treatments can help or hurt the skin. That's why it is important to choose the right acne spot treatment that's tailored to your specific skin type. For combination skin, I recommend an acne spot treatment that's oil-free and contains salicylic acid, which reduces redness, swelling and unclogs those blocked pores. It is important to make sure that you find one that does not overly dry your skin if you are someone who has combination skin. Acne spot treatments can contain certain ingredients that can dry out the skin and can negatively work against combination skin. Luckily, I happen to know of one that's worked wonders for me. It is the only acne spot treatment I ever use day and night, and I highly recommend. I use Clean & Clear Advantage® Acne Spot Treatment with Salicylic Acid | Clean & Clear® (cleanandclear.com)

Step #6: Moisturizer is a must. 

We all know that moisturizer is commonly used to prevent skin dryness. The best moisturizer to use for combination skin is one that is oil-free. Some moisturizers will display their use for certain skin types. Moisturizers that contain SPF are highly effective for combination skin and protection against sun damage. Fragrance-free moisturizers are so important to prevent from irritation and allergies. Using too much moisturizer on combination skin could actually work against preventing oiliness and may cause excessive pore blockage. What I have found to be most effective for myself is using no more than a dime-sized amount of moisturizer and focusing the product on my T-zone during the day and at night. The moisturizer I use contains SPF, is oil-free and tailored for combination and sensitive skin types, as well as containing Hyaluronic Acid. I recommend using Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 35 | Cetaphil US

Step #7: Sunscreen, seriously. 

Everyone knows that sunscreen is important to use to protect against sun damage. It is also important to incorporate sunscreen in your skin care routine, especially if you're one to be in the sun a lot. Finding the right SPF to use for your skin can be tricky for some. Any sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher can reduce the risk of skin cancer and aging signs. What I usually stick to is sunscreens with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 or higher for my face. For sunscreen, I recommend using Positively Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, SPF 50 | AVEENO®

In conclusion, everyone's skin responds differently to treatments, products and routines. That's why it is important to know what skin type you have to be able to find and use the most effective skin care routine for your face. So far, I've had the most luck with using skin care products that are dermatologist recommended. It is also very important to make sure that appropriate amounts of product are being used on the skin for the specific skin type. For example, some skin care products may require you to use no more than a quarter of an amount on the skin. Others may require a dime-sized amount. Remember that there is no such thing as a perfect skin care routine. Everyone has a certain way of conducting their skin care routines and there is no shame in that. For some, skin care can take days, months or years before progress can be seen. I hope this blog post was informative and helped you in some way or another.