HOW-TO GUIDE
Skincare routine for combination skin
Skincare routine for combination skin
Does your skin feel dry in some areas and oily in others? You might have combination skin. Read our dermatologist-approved guide and learn how to care for your skin with the best skincare for combination skin.
What is combination skin?
As the name suggests, combination skin is a mixture of two skin types – your skin can be both oily and dry at the same time. You can quickly work out if you have combination skin by skipping your moisturiser in the morning, and seeing how your skin feels by midday. “If you notice an oily T-zone but your cheeks are tight, you have dry combination skin. If you have an oily T-zone and comfortable cheeks, you have combination oily skin,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr. Nina Wines.
Combination skin is one of the most common skin types, often characterized by visible pores; excess shine or flakiness on the T-zone; simultaneous breakouts and dry patches; and drier skin in winter vs. oilier skin in summer. It may seem tricky to work out the best skincare for combination skin, but with Clinique’s simple 3 step combination skin routine, it is easily managed. .
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Why is my skin both oily and dry?
Combination skin is very common, and can be caused by everything from genetics and hormones to environmental factors. The umbrella of combination skin covers both dry combination skin (dry cheeks, oily T-zone) and oily combination skin (oily T-zone, comfortable cheeks). Here are some of common causes of combination skin:
Environmental factors. Changes in weather, extreme temperatures, humidity and pollution can make oily areas oilier, and dry areas drier.
Lifestyle factors. Daily lifestyle factors like diet, hydration and even skincare products can disrupt your skin’s balance, causing dryness and excess oil production. Avoid over-washing your face, using very hot water and steer clear of harsh, stripping formulations to keep your skin comfortable and healthy.
Hormones and skin conditions. Hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate oiliness and breakouts, while underlying skin conditions like acne and rosacea can also contribute to uneven sebum production and areas of dryness.
The best skincare routine for combination skin
One of the trickiest things about combination skin is that it can feel different every day. This makes it challenging to find a skincare routine for combination skin that consistently works, which is why it can be helpful to experiment with different formulas before you commit to regular use. One of our travel-size introductory kits is a great option if you’d like to trial a few options first. However, if you’re searching for a simple routine including our best skincare for combination skin, these are our essential, dermatologist-recommended steps to get started:
Step 1: Start with a gentle gel or cream cleanser.
When looking for skincare products for combination skin, you’ll want to seek out formulas that gently clarify, without stripping the skin. When it comes to cleanser, you are looking for something that helps control oil production, without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier. Gel and cream cleansers are typically gentler, therefore suitable for dry combination and oily combination skins alike. For everyday use, the All About Clean™ Liquid Facial Soap is a fantastic option for combination skin, as it comes in three different formulations: Mild for dry combination skin, Oily for oily combination skin and Extra Mild for dry or sensitive skin. This dermatologist-developed facial cleanser leaves skin clean, comfortable and refreshed, removing excess oil without drying or stripping the skin.
Step 2: Gently exfoliate.
Exfoliating is an essential combination skin care step, as it targets both dryness and excess oil. Our signature Clarifying Lotion liquid exfoliator comes in six skin-typed formulas, including Clarifying Lotion 2 with hyaluronic acid, witch hazel and glycerin for dry combination skin, and Clarifying Lotion 3 with additional salicylic acid for combination oily skin. These non-stripping liquid exfoliators help to sweep away dead skin to improve radiance and texture, while helping to refine and unclog pores and minimise excess oil. If your skin is particularly oily, we recommend using Clarifying Lotion 3 twice daily, but if your skin is drier or sensitive, you can reduce the frequency to once a day or every other day.
Step 3: Hydrate with a lightweight moisturiser.
Hydration is an essential combination skin care step. Combination skin requires a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that will help to quench the drier areas of your skin, without clogging pores or increasing the shine on your T-zone. Our best moisturiser for combination skin? Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a winner for combo skin – and most other skin types too. This lightweight, oil-free gel-cream hydrator is formulated with powerful moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera bioferment and vitamins C and E to deliver instant hydration that lasts, while refreshing your skin for a healthy-looking glow. It feels so soothing and hydrating on the skin, yet absorbs easily, leaving combination skin smooth, comfortable and radiant. If your skin is more on the oily side of combination, another option is Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Gel+, a lightweight, oil-free moisturising gel that strengthens the moisture barrier and replenishes skin's oil-water balance for healthy-looking skin.
Step 4: Protect with SPF.
It’s crucial to apply a high-level, broad-spectrum SPF if you have combination skin, as harmful UV rays can exacerbate both dry and oily skin. UV rays can be very dehydrating, but it’s a common myth that the sun helps to ‘dry out’ oily skin – in fact, it has the opposite effect, and can make skin produce more sebum to counteract any dryness. So, essentially, UV damage makes oily areas oilier, and dry areas even more parched. The easiest way to avoid this is to use a minimum of SPF 30 every day – try our Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy Face Protector. It’s a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen with a hint of tint that wears beautifully under makeup.
If you’d like to build out your routine, we recommend introducing a targeted serum between exfoliating and moisturising. Here are a few great ingredients to add to your skincare routine for combination skin:
Niacinamide: This gentle, well-tolerated ingredient helps to reduce redness, minimise the look of visible pores, and rebalance oil production.
Retinoids and retinol: Vitamin A derivatives like retinoids and retinol help to encourage cell turnover to smooth skin texture, refine pores and reduce the look of fine, dry lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C: If your dry, combination skin is starting to look dull, this is a great ingredient to add to your rotation as it helps to visibly brighten, renew and even out skin tone.
Skincare products for combination skin
Cleanser: Try Liquid Facial Soap Mild or Liquid Facial Soap Oily.
Exfoliator: Try Liquid Facial Soap Mild or Liquid Facial Soap Oily.
Moisturiser: Try Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator or Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion or Gel (depending on skin type).
SPF: Try Superdefense City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy Face Protector.
Targeted serum: Look for a hydrating, silky serum with a gentle yet effective retinoid, such as Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum, or try our NEW Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum, which is formulated with two types of vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten and smooth the skin.
Commonly asked questions: FAQ
What's the best skincare routine for combination skin?
The best skincare products for combination skin balance effective hydration with oil control. A great routine should include a gentle, thorough cleanser, a liquid exfoliator, a lightweight moisturiser and effective SPF. You can also introduce a targeted active serum with ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C or niacinamide.
Which face cream is best for combination skin?
We have a great range of moisturisers and face creams for combination skin. Our bestselling Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a lightweight, gel-cream texture which delivers instant hydration that lasts, and also doubles as a great base for makeup. Another excellent option for oily combination skin is our iconic Dramatically Different™ Moisturising Gel, our dermatologist-developed gel moisturiser that balances and refreshes oilier skin types, while strengthening skin’s barrier for healthy-looking skin.
Can I use the same products for dry and oily areas?
You can use combination skin care on both dry and oily skin areas, but it’s important to stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate and rebalance skin without clogging pores or leaving skin feeling greasy, heavy or uncomfortable.
What not to use on combination skin?
There are a few products to avoid in your skincare regimen for combination skin. We’d recommend steering clear of harsh cleansers, heavy moisturisers, fragranced products and anything oil-based. .
For more advice on the best routine for combination skin, book in for a complimentary Clinical Consultation, led by one of our dermatologist-educated experts.