Combination skin can be dry and oily at the same time. It's not exactly a dermatology jackpot (we see you, normal skin types), but with the right skin care routine, your dry and oily skin areas can live in harmony.
There's no doubt that this skin type can be difficult, but here's how to optimize your skin care routine for combination skin. The best skin care routine for combination skin
Treating combination skin requires daily skin care designed to create more balanced skin, says Dr. Jen Haley, board-certified dermatologist and host of the Radiance Revealed podcast.
Depending on the season, you may also need to change your skin care routine. "Combination skin is typically oilier in the summer and drier in the winter, and people with combination skin have an oilier T-zone and dryer cheeks in the fall and spring,"
Dr. Jeannette Graf, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor. Your morning routine: 1. Clean. "It's important to use a cleaner first thing in the morning to remove any dirt that has accumulated overnight," says Haley.
2. Sound. "You can then use a toner to remove any oil that your cleanser may have missed," adds Hailey. This is optional, depending on your skin's needs, and includes a gentle leave-in scrub. Always choose an alcohol-free toner and avoid using it on dry areas.
3. Moisturizing. "The next step is important, and this is where you'll probably make the biggest changes to your routine: When moisturizing, choose a creamy moisturizer for dry areas of your skin and a lighter, water-based moisturizer formula for oily areas," adds Hailey.
4. Sun protection. All dermatologists agree: Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day 👏 👏.
Your nightly routine: 1. Clean. "At night, it can be helpful to choose a gel or foam cleanser to remove excess oil that may have built up throughout the day," says Dr. Marisa Garshick is a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. “However, you should still add moisturizing ingredients to nourish your skin.”
2. Exfoliate. Consider using a chemical peel once a week to remove dead skin cells and clear congested skin.
3. Treatment. You can use different serums and treatments based on your personal skin needs. However, Garshick generally recommends using retinoids to regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. Serums containing hyaluronic acid can also help skin retain moisture without making it greasy.
4. Moisturizing. You can use the same lightweight cream moisturizer to treat dry and oily areas. Garshick adds: "A richer night cream can be applied overnight to dry skin areas."
What if I have acne? "Exfoliate regularly, use a gentle toner, and always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30," says dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Mullans of Uptown Dermatology in Houston.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that supports oil production and clears clogged pores, preventing breakouts. Look for it in topical acne treatments, serums, and gels to fight oily acne.
Best Skin Care Ingredients for Combination Skin: When choosing your morning and night skin care products: Look for these ingredients in your daily routine that will help both oily and dry skin:
Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin without making it greasy. You can find it in serums, moisturizers, and cleansers, and can be used all over your face.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently cleans pores in oily areas and exfoliates dry skin without burdening the skin. You'll find it in serums, toners, and other care products.
Retinol, a retinoid made from vitamin A, supports skin cell turnover and ensures a fresh, even skin tone. It's ideal for treating fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and can also help reduce sebum production. Please note: it may dry out.
Vitamin E can unclog pores, smooth skin tone, and reduce fine lines, redness, and itching. You'll find it in acne scar treatments and antioxidant serums.
QVitamin C helps reduce hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone and improve fine lines. If you need a boost of energy, try using a vitamin C serum in the morning between toning and moisturizing. It can make you photosensitive, so be sure to wear sunscreen! Avoid oil-based moisturizers, which can aggravate oily skin, and alcohol-based toners, which can dry you out. Best products for combination skin Not sure which products to add to your hybrid skin care routine? These picks are dermatologically approved and medically tested by our experts.
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel: This oil-free cleansing gel foams to help gently remove oil and dirt without stripping skin of moisture.
2. Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: If dry patches are bothering you, this serum with hyaluronic acid provides extra moisture to thirsty skin. The water-based formula is lightweight and fragrance-free, so it won't make your oil spots worse.
3. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment: This serum is great for oily and dry skin for an exfoliating glow. It can also help treat dark spots and uneven skin tone thanks to its lactic acid content
4. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Self-Replenishing Moisturizer: Just a small amount of this moisturizer goes a long way. Hyaluronic acid helps provide light moisture to dry skin without weighing it down. Vitamin C ensures a more even skin tone.
5. Super sticky! Unseen Sun Protection SPF 40: This SPF protects against the sun's harmful rays without the strong sunscreen smell. The formula also leaves skin feeling lightweight and looking invisible. Pros: It’s oil-free and reef-friendly!
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