Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

One of the trickiest skin types is Combination skin type and its very difficult to manage it. Combination skin characterized by having both oily and dry areas. Typically, this skin type has Oily T zone which is at forehead, nose and chin and drier chicks.

To balance the need of these contrasting areas requires a proper skincare routine. This blog on ‘Skincare Routine for Combination Skin’ will explore a comprehensive 10-step skincare Routine to help you achieve a beautiful and clear complexion.

Understanding Combination skin

Before reading the comprehensive blog on Skincare for combination skin, it is necessary to understand the nature of combination skin. Combination has meaning itself that existence of two or more than two types. Its may due to genetics, environmental factors or hormonal imbalance. We have to focus on hydration of dry areas and controlling of excess oil in the T zone means Oily zone.

1. Cleanser-

• Start your morning routine with gentle and hydrating cleanser.
• Opt for sulphate, paraben free face washes that can remove dirt without causing any dryness.
• Look for the ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid for  hydration and salicylic acid for oil control.
• You can Use CeraVe hydrating cleanser.

2. Toner

• Toner is crucial step in skincare Routine for combination skin.
• Use alcohol free toner to remove any remaining dirt and prep the skin for better absorption of ne
• xt product.Toner also helps in to maintain skin’s pH balance.
• Choose toner with rose water, aloe Vera or hazel for skin soothing and pH balancing.
• You can use Kiehl’s Calendula herbal extract toner.

3.  Exfoliation

• Exfoliation is essential for every skin type to remove dead skin and prevent pore clogging.
• Choose gentle chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA).
• Chemical exfoliators are more effective and less abrasive than physical scrubs.
• Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times in a week for better results.
• You can use the ordinary Glycolic acid 7 % toning solution.

4.  Serum-

• Serum targets the specific skin concern with their active ingredients.
• Niacinamide serum is best and must have skincare product for combination skin.
• Niacinamide controls the oil production, reduces the pore appearance and improves overall skin complexion.
• You can also use Vitamin C for glowing and brightening effect.
• You can use The Ordinary 10% niacinamide+1% zinc.

5. Moisturizer-

• Hydration is must for any skin type. Use light weight, non-sticky, non-greasy and gel-based moisturizer.
• Avoid heavy and creamy moisturizers.
• Choose moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, that can hydrate your skin without any oil production and heavy layering.
• You can CLINIQUE’s gel moisturizer or Neutrogena’s hydro boost water gel.

6. Eye Cream

• Use eye cream for puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around the delicate area of eye’s surrounding.
• Choose eye cream with peptides or hyaluronic acid for hydration and elasticity and caffeine to reduce puffiness.
• You can use Olay eye brightening cream.

7. Sunscreen-

1. Use of sunscreen is non-negotiable for all skin type.
2. Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 minimum.
3. Apply adequate quantity of sunscreen to cover all exposed body part and repeat it every 3-4 hours in a day.
4. Use light weight, non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent pore clogging and oiliness.
5. You can use La shield sunscreen or episoft sunscreen.

8. Face Mask

• For additional benefits apply face mask once a week.
• For combination skin apply different face mask on different area based on their specific need.
• Apply clay mask on T zone to control oil production and hydrating mask on dry area for extra hydration.
• You can use Origins active charcoal mask for T zone and Fresh Rose face mask for cheeks.

9. Night Routine

• Night skincare routine for combination skin is just important as morning skincare routine.
• Your skin undergoes repair and regeneration at night.
• Use same products for night routine as in morning routine.
• You can use richer and heavy night creams or moisturizer at night time.
• You can use Laneige sleeping mask or Olay’s night recovery cream.

10. Listen to your skin

• skin can change due to weather conditions and hormonal fluctuations.
• Pay attention to changes in skin behavior.
•  If skin feels too oil use light weight non greasy products and if skin feels too dry use hydrating products.

Additional Steps for SKINCARE Routine for combination skin.

• Aim for 3-4 litters of water intake daily to keep body and skin hydrated within.
• Take a balanced diet which contain all essential Vitamins, Minerals and anti-oxidants.
• Always do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
• Avoid over washing of your face, which can lead dryness, extra oil production and irritation.
• Use blotting paper to sock excess oil on face.