Combination skin manages to be both dry and oily at the same time. Not exactly the dermatological jackpot (we see you, normal skin types), but with the right skin care routine, your dry and oily patches of skin can live in harmony.
No doubt this skin type can be tricky but here’s how to level up your skin care routine for combination skin.
Combination Skin 101: What is it?
What are the signs?
- an oily T-zone (your nose, chin, and forehead)
- dry skin around the cheeks, eyes, and mouth
- large pores or congested skin on the T-zone
What causes it?
Genetics are mainly to blame, but your environment (i.e., dry winter and hot summer) and hormonal changes can also affect your skin.
The best skin care routine for combination skin
Managing combination skin requires a daily skin care regimen designed to create more balanced skin. You might also need to switch up your skin care depending on the season.
Combination skin is often oilier in the summer and drier in the winter, while in the fall and spring people with combination skin have an oily T-zone and dry cheeks,
Reminder: Always do a patch test before you try out any new product!
Skincare Routine:
1. Cleanse: In the morning, it’s important to use a cleanser first thing to remove any buildup that may have happened overnight. We recommend our Niacinamide cleansing Gel
2. Tone/Exfoliate: You can then use a toner to remove the oil your cleanser may have missed. This is optional depending on your skin’s needs and includes gentle leave-on exfoliators. We recommend our 5% Glycolic Exfoliating Tonic. Just always opt for an alcohol-free toner and avoid using it on dry areas (especially if you have sensitive skin).
3. Serum & Moisturise: The next step is important, and this may be where you make the biggest change to your routine: when you moisturise, on the dry areas of your skin, choose a creamy moisturiser, and for the oily sections use a more lightweight water-based formula. Our Active Brightening Cream is a great hybrid for combination/ dry
4. Sunscreen. All derms will agree, wear SPF 30 or higher every 👏 single 👏 day 👏.
Yearn Skin 3-STEP ROUTINE for Combination Skin: NIGHT TIME GLOW KIT
STEP 1:
STEP 2: 
STEP 3:
What if I have acne?
Exfoliate regularly, use a gentle toner, and always wear sunscreen at least SPF 30. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can help oil production and unclog pores to keep the breakouts at bay. Look for it in topical spot treatments, serums, and gels to target oily spots.
When choosing skin care for your a.m. and p.m. routines, look for these ingredients to help your oily and dry skin:
- Hyaluronic acid can hydrate the skin without the grease. You can find this in serums, moisturisers, and cleansers you can use on your entire face.
- Lactic acid is a alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can gently clear pores in oily sections and exfoliate dry skin without aggravating it. You’ll find it in serums, toners, and other treatments.
- Retinol is a type of retinoid created from Vitamin A that helps skin cell turnover for fresh even skin tone. It’s a go-to treatment for fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and as a bonus, it can also help reduce oil. Just note: it can be drying.
- Vitamin E can clear pores, even complexion, and reduce fine lines, redness, and itchiness. You’ll find it in acne scar treatments and antioxidant serums.
- Vitamin C helps reduce hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, and improve the look of fine lines. If you need a boost, try using a vitamin C serum in the a.m. between toning and moisturising. It can make you photosensitive so always wear SPF!
You’ll want to avoid oil-based moisturisers that can aggravate oily skin and toners containing alcohol that dry you out.
Do you believe you have a “normal” complexion? We’d love to hear how you care for your skin’s needs! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media. Follow us on Instagram: @yearnskin
