How To Deal With Combination Skin – Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP – Written by Ashley Hubbard and Victoria Stokes – Updated July 11, 2022
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How To Deal With Combination Skin
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Best Products For Oily Skin, Per Dermatologists
Figuring out the best skincare routine for combination skin can seem like you’re going around in circles. What happens when your skin decides it’s going to be oily and dry?
Do not worry. It may not be easy, but it is certainly possible to find a routine that softens dry patches and fights shine. It doesn’t matter what proportion of your skin is oily and dry, or if dry and oily patches are not in the most common areas – the approach is the same.
Whether it’s a tried-and-true skincare regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the beauty products you’re curious about, beauty is personal.
That’s why we rely on a variety of writers, educators, and other experts to share their advice on everything from how product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs.
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According to dermatologist and board-certified esthetician Kavita Mariwala, MD, FAAD, combination skin is common, just like other skin types.
The difference is that combination skin is oily in some places and dry in others. For example, Mariwala points out, it’s common to have an oily T-zone and dry cheeks.
As we age, skin may become drier and less oily as it reacts to hormonal changes. Other hormone-driven factors that can cause skin changes are the menstrual cycle and contraception.
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There is no strict rule about how it looks and feels, and it may change with weather, lifestyle factors, and stress.
Choose gentle products that can moisturize dry areas without creating more oil, and use treatments only on the areas needed for specific problems.
When it comes to treating combination skin, you may find plenty of home remedies in your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets.
However, coconut oil is pore-clogging, which means it clogs the pores. It is best not to use it on acne-prone areas.
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Honey is another option. It is a humectant so it hydrates the skin by drawing moisture from the air. It also acts as a natural antibacterial and antiseptic, which may help support clear skin.
To get rid of excess oil, oatmeal can work well because it absorbs oil and soothes irritation. It is also great for removing dead skin.
Good news! While treating combination skin can be difficult, you don’t have to spend a fortune to do so.
“Look for products that contain key ingredients like niacinamide, which is known to work on combination skin,” advises Annie Chowdhury, MD, esthetician at Aventus Clinic.
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“Men’s skin is thicker and has a rougher texture, so occasionally using a toner in the cleansing step can help remove impurities further and soothe combination skin.”
All skin types need moisture. However, it is best to find formulations that suit your skin type. You may want to use moisturizer sparingly on oily areas and apply more to dry areas.
When it comes to safety, Chowdhury says striking a balance between good skin hygiene and not overdoing it is key.
“Over-cleansing in the dry area can worsen dry, flaky, and cracked skin, while not cleansing properly in very oily areas can lead to breakouts and dead skin buildup,” she explains.
Skin Care Routine For Combination Skin And Best Products
To choose the best products for combination skin, we looked for solutions that contain the most effective ingredients.
Great for getting all the gunk out of your pores while being gentle enough not to irritate or stimulate excess oil production, this deep-cleansing cleanser contains three powerful oils: sesame, safflower, and sunflower.
Sesame oil can fight free radical damage, safflower is a skin-softening humectant, and sunflower oil provides moisture. All three are non-comedogenic, so they won’t clog your pores.
The cleanser can be used with facial or massage tools to stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation. It may help reveal brighter, smoother and clearer skin. However, it also contains essential oils that some people may find irritating.
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If you’re looking for a cleanser with acne-fighting benefits, this gel-based face wash may be a solid choice.
It consists of glycolic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and helps prevent clogged pores that lead to pimples. The cleanser has a rejuvenating effect that evens out skin tone and reveals a brighter complexion.
The cleanser was a big hit with reviewers. Many say it made their skin soft and radiant, and most found it gentle and non-drying.
Dealing with combination skin can be difficult, especially if you’re also acne-prone. You’ll need something strong enough to effectively target blemishes without causing irritation.
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Enter Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. Formulated with salicylic acid, a powerful acne-fighting ingredient that removes dead skin cells and prevents the formation of new pimples.
The cleanser removes oils and leaves behind no pore-clogging residue. It has mostly positive reviews, and fans of this cleanser say they’ve seen a reduction in breakouts since they started using it.
This gentle cleanser from La Roche-Posay may be a good choice for you as it contains skin-nourishing ceramides.
It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and contribute to excess oil production. The cleanser is also oil- and paraben-free and has a non-irritating formula.
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The powerhouse ingredient in this cleanser is niacinamide, which is also known as vitamin B3. It has a lot of benefits, from helping to regulate oil and repairing the skin’s lipid barrier to protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
If regulating excess oil production is your biggest skincare goal, look no further than Pixi Glow Tonic.
This toner has achieved a prominent position in the world of skin care. Formulated with 5% glycolic acid, an exfoliating ingredient that dissolves dead skin cells and oils.
This product also contains aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the skin as well as ginseng to improve circulation and boost collagen production.
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Most reviewers say this toner was a great addition to their skin care routines. In particular, users say that it improves skin texture, brightens the complexion, and helps clear pimples.
This positively reviewed toner from Fenty, Rihanna’s skincare line, is a great option for those who have combination skin with enlarged pores.
A toner and serum in one, it contains niacinamide, which can help treat acne and protect the skin from environmental factors.
It is also made with aloe vera flower, which has healing and moisturizing benefits, and green tea, which reduces redness and irritation.
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The fast-absorbing formula provides many benefits including reducing redness, adding hydration and providing a toning and brightening effect.
It is made with avocado butter and avocado extract. These ingredients are full of oleic and linoleic acids that soften and moisturize dry skin.
It’s also formulated with a blend of five ceramides. They reduce redness by supporting skin barrier health. It also locks in moisture
This serum is fragrance-free so it may be a good choice if you have sensitive skin.
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Reviewers say the serum made their skin extremely soft and hydrated. Many say that it removes redness and helps treat pimples as well.
Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids are exfoliating ingredients and are great at sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more radiant skin.
This serum is composed of lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, white willow bark, and meadowsweet. Together, they have a rejuvenating effect on the skin.
Sure, this serum is pricey, but some reviewers say it’s worth the cost because it gives skin a gorgeous glow. But not everyone is a fan of the scent, and some have found its composition too irritating.
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It has a lightweight formula packed with hydrating ingredients, including ceramides, omega fatty acids and hyaluronic acid.
These ingredients strengthen and repair the skin’s barrier while replenishing lost moisture. In addition, the serum helps visibly reduce fine lines and is designed to nourish very dry skin.
Having combination skin means you have to target two primary issues: lack of moisture and excessive oil production. This serum works on both fronts.
Since it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog pores or contribute to excess oil production. At the same time, its moisturizing formula effectively nourishes the skin.
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The serum contains lipids that support the skin’s natural fatty acids, and peony root extract, which is used to improve dry or excessively oily areas.
Reviewers say this product pairs well with other skincare products. Many find it lightweight and some say the texture of their skin has improved since they started using it.
This moisturizing cream from CeraVe is a good option for those with very dry patches of skin, and has been recognized by the National Eczema Association.
The cream contains glycerin, a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture. It’s also made with ceramides which lock it in