The most simple skincare routine for combination skin

Combination skin is one of the most common skincare types that requires a balanced skin care routine that can both hydrate, whilst controlling excess oil production. In this blog, we provide you with the best and most simple skincare routine for combination skin.

What is combination skin?

Combination skin is a common skin type characterised by both oiliness and dryness in different areas of the face. It often features an oily T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, while the cheeks and other areas may be dry or normal. This dual nature of combination skin can result in challenges such as acne, breakouts, and blackheads in the oilier regions, while the drier areas may feel tight and flaky.

How to treat combination skin

To effectively manage combination skin, it is important to use skincare ingredients that do not compromise or worsen the dry and oily areas of the skin. The simplest way to create a skincare routine for combination skin is to include products that can both hydrate the skin and regulate oil production in the oilier areas to minimise the risk of breakouts or a damaged skin barrier.

We recommend avoiding skincare products that are specifically catered to oily, blemish-prone skin as these formulas may be too harsh on the dryer areas of combination skin, causing sensitivities such as further dryness, flaking, tightness, and redness. It is also important to look for hydrating products that are non-comedogenic (do not clog pores), which can cause blackheads and breakouts.

The best skincare routine to manage combination skin

This guide contains carefully selected skincare products that have been trialled and tested by our team, making sure that they do not cause dryness, irritation, and breakouts which are all common concerns when it comes to creating the perfect, balanced skincare routine for combination skin.

Cleanse with Bioderma Sebium Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

After trialling many oil-regulating cleansers, we found that after a few days of consistent use (both day and night), many of them resulted in the skin to feel very dry, flaky and tight. However, Bioderma’s sebium purifying gel cleanser does not feel harsh on the skin, and it effectively manages excess oil production, whilst keeping the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

This ultra-gentle, non-comedogenic formula respects the skin's natural pH balance and does not damage the skin’s barrier, making it perfect for combating oily areas of the skin, whilst keeping the dry areas cleansed.

Use this both day and night

Treat the skin with La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 serum 30ml

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin b3, is the perfect active ingredient to include in a combination skincare routine because it has multiple functions. We recommended La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 serum because of its potent concentration of 10% niacinamide. Niacinamide can effectively reduce acne breakouts by controlling excess oil production and alleviate dry skin conditions by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and strengthening the skin’s barrier function.

Another common skincare concern that comes with combination skin is dark spots, which can be the result of inflammation caused by excess sebum. However, La roche-posay’s niacinamide serum can help to fight against the origin of inflammation and gently unclog pores to prevent the formation of dark spots and also minimise hyperpigmentation.

Use this both day and night before applying moisturiser and after cleansing

Moisturise with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 Moisturiser 40ml

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 moisturiser is a top choice for combination skin types, effectively tackling the challenges of both oiliness and dryness. This moisturiser is carefully formulated to balance the skin by regulating excess oil production in the T-zone, where combination skin tends to be oilier, thanks to its gentle exfoliation action. Simultaneously, it provides essential hydration to the drier areas, preventing tightness and flakiness through ingredients like glycerin.

Furthermore, this formula is non-comedogenic and contains SPF30 to protect the skin from sun damage during the day.

Use this during the day
During the night use: Klorane Hydrating Cornflower Water Cream, a lightweight moisturiser enriched with Hyaluronic acid, an excellent choice for combination skin because it effectively hydrates dry areas while being lightweight and non-comedogenic, preventing excess oiliness in the T-zone, thus maintaining a perfect balance.

Summary

Creating the ideal skincare routine for combination skin is all about finding the perfect balance of active ingredients. By integrating mild formulations infused with the appropriate active ingredients, tailored to cater to both dry and oily areas, can truly make a substantial difference in improving the appearance and health of the skin.