Combination Skin Skincare Routine
Balance excess oil and hydrate areas of dryness with a targeted skincare routine built for combination skin, courtesy of Exclusive Beauty Club.
Products in Our Combination Skin Routine
Build a balanced skincare routine from our curated collection of products formulated specifically for combination skin.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
$48.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
Marini Skin Solutions Bioglycolic Face Cleanser
$46.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser
$39.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
$15.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser
$52.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
Marini Skin Solutions Gentle Cleanser
$46.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
goop beauty Daily Detox Foaming Cleanser
$38.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser
$55.00This resurfacing cleanser gently removes excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping moisture from drier areas, all while prepping your skin for other skincare products.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum
$185.00Daily Antioxidant Defense for Visible Brightness, Firmness, & Youthful Skin SkinCeuticals C ...
Marini Skin Solutions C-ESTA Face Serum
$145.00Marini Skin Solutions C-ESTA® Face Serum Elevate your skincare routine with Marini Skin Solutions...
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
$120.00C+ Correcting Complex 30%® is a powerful Vitamin C serum featuring 30% pure THD Ascorbate-the mos...
Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%
$70.00Brighten. Protect. Rejuvenate your skin. Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% delivers powerful antioxi...
Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer II
$58.00Advanced skin barrier repair for sensitive, dry, or post-procedure skin. Medature PSL Repair Mois...
EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer
$48.00Nourish and repair your skin overnight with this restorative night moisturizer. EltaMD PM Restore...
ISDIN Isdinceuticals Hyaluronic Moisture Oily & Combination Skin
$55.00Achieve a perfectly balanced complexion with Hyaluronic Moisture Oily & Combination Skin. Fea...
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
$11.49Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is formulated with dermatologist-recommended ingredient...
PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator
$63.00PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator is a deeply nourishing, anti-aging moisturizer designed to restore hyd...
EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer
$48.00Lightweight daily hydration to strengthen and protect your skin barrier. EltaMD AM Restore Moistu...
Obagi Hydrate Light Weightless Gel Cream
$70.00Obagi Hydrate Lightâ„¢ Weightless Gel Cream is a lightweight hydrator formulated to last. Featuring...
SkinMedica Rejuvenative Moisturizer
$60.00SkinMedica Rejuvenative Moisturizer is a lightweight daily moisturizer that delivers lasting hydr...
Obagi Retinol 0.5
$80.00Work smarter, not harder with Obagi® Retinol 0.5. Our highly effective Retinol is a cream-based f...
Plated Skin Science INTENSE Serum
$258.00Plated Skin Science INTENSE Face Serum - Regenerate, Restore, and Rejuvenate Your Skin Plated Ski...
Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5
$118.00Award-winning, revolutionary facial serum to brighten and smooth skin's texture with the power of...
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5
$80.00SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 is a moderate-strength retinol treatment designed to improve skin ...
EltaMD UV Daily Untinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
$41.00Shield skin from UV damage with this lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that won't clog your pores or add unwanted shine to oily zones.
ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC SPF 40 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
$38.00Shield skin from UV damage with this lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that won't clog your pores or add unwanted shine to oily zones.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
$45.00Shield skin from UV damage with this lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that won't clog your pores or add unwanted shine to oily zones.
MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30
$78.00Shield skin from UV damage with this lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that won't clog your pores or add unwanted shine to oily zones.
Step 1: Cleanse Twice Daily
Cleansing removes excess oil, makeup, dead skin cells, and environmental buildup, making it an essential step for combination skin. The key is choosing the right cleanser for the right time of day. A gentle exfoliating formula in the morning helps keep oily zones clear, while a soothing, non-stripping cleanser at night restores balance before your repair products go to work.
Follow these steps to properly cleanse combination skin:
- Wash your hands before touching your face to avoid transferring bacteria.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water and apply your cleanser.
- Gently massage it in, using circular motions, for 30–60 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat skin dry with a clean towel (don't rub).
In the morning, use SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser to gently resurface and decongest pores in oily areas without irritating drier zones. In the evening, switch to Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser to remove the day's buildup while preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier. This formula is ideal for prepping skin for your nighttime repair routine.
Step 2: Apply Targeted Treatments
Targeted treatments address specific skin concerns like uneven tone, textural irregularities, and early signs of aging. For combination skin, choosing the right treatment for AM versus PM makes all the difference. For example, antioxidants protect during the day, while retinol repairs overnight.
Follow these steps to apply treatments to combination skin:
- Apply treatment serums after cleansing and before moisturizing.
- Dispense a pea-sized amount and warm it between your palms.
- Press gently into the skin, focusing on problem areas, without rubbing or tugging the skin.
- Allow the product to absorb fully before applying your moisturizer.
In the morning, apply SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum to defend against free radical damage and environmental stressors. This award-winning vitamin C serum brightens skin tone and enhances your sunscreen's protective power. In the evening, use Obagi Retinol 0.5 to accelerate cell turnover, smooth texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Start 1–2 nights per week and increase frequency as your skin adjusts.
Step 3: Moisturize for Balance
One of the biggest mistakes people with combination skin make is skipping moisturizer to control shine. But under-moisturizing oily areas actually triggers more oil production. The goal is to use a lightweight moisturizer that delivers hydration across the whole face while supporting barrier repair in drier areas.
Follow these steps to moisturize combination skin effectively:
- Apply moisturizer to clean skin while it's still slightly damp for better absorption.
- Use a nickel-sized amount and warm it between your fingertips before applying.
- Press and blend gently into the face and neck (don't tug or rub).
- If drier patches need extra attention, apply a second layer to those areas only.
In the morning, reach for PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator, a lightweight formula that plumps and smooths without congesting pores or adding heaviness to the T-zone. In the evening, use Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer II to replenish the skin barrier overnight. This richer formula supports recovery and restoration while you sleep, targeting the dry or sensitized areas of your face.
Step 4: End with Sun Protection
Daily SPF is non-negotiable for every skin type, and combination skin is no exception. Sun damage can worsen both oiliness and dryness, disrupting your skin's natural balance and accelerating visible aging. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects without clogging pores or creating unwanted shine.
Follow these steps to apply sunscreen to combination skin:
- Apply sunscreen as the very last step in your morning routine.
- Use a nickel-sized amount (enough to cover the length of your index and middle fingers).
- Spread evenly across your face and neck using gentle, upward strokes.
- Wait 15–30 minutes before going outdoors for full protection.
We recommend a hydrating sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. EltaMD UV Daily Untinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is an ideal daily choice for combination skin. It's lightweight, non-comedogenic, and hydrating enough to work beautifully over your morning moisturizer without feeling heavy or greasy.
FAQs
What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Combination Skin?
The best routine for combination skin focuses on balance. The goal is to keep the more oily areas clean and controlled while delivering adequate hydration to drier zones. A simple routine of twice-daily cleansing, lightweight moisturizing, a targeted serum, and daily SPF is an excellent foundation. For best results, choose AM and PM products tailored to your skin's changing needs throughout the day.
How Do I Know If I Have Combination Skin?
Combination skin is characterized by areas of both dryness and oiliness. To test whether you have this skin type, wash your face but don’t apply any other products. Wait for about 30–60 minutes then take a close-up look at your skin. If your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) looks shiny while your cheeks feel tight or dry, you likely have combination skin. Other signs include large pores in oily areas, simultaneous breakouts and flakiness, and skin that reacts differently to products in different areas.
Should I Use Different Moisturizers on Different Parts of My Face?
This strategy often works well for combination skin. You can apply a lightweight, oil-free formula to your T-zone while using a richer moisturizer on your cheeks and other dry areas. Alternatively, look for a balanced moisturizer like PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator that's lightweight enough for the whole face without triggering oiliness.
What Skincare Ingredients Are Good for Combination Skin?
Look for balancing ingredients like niacinamide (regulates oil production and soothes dry areas), hyaluronic acid (hydrates without adding oil), and AHA/BHA acids (gently exfoliate to keep pores clear). Antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid are great for daytime protection, while retinol supports nighttime repair.
What Should I Avoid in Skincare If I Have Combination Skin?
Avoid heavy, occlusive creams that can clog the pores in oily zones, and skip harsh or alcohol-based cleansers that strip moisture from drier areas. Over-exfoliating is a common mistake with combination skin, so limit it to 2–3 times per week. Also don’t make the mistake of skipping moisturizer, which can trigger excess oil production as your skin tries to compensate for its lack of hydration.
How Often Should I Exfoliate Combination Skin?
For most combination skin types, exfoliating 2–3 times per week is ideal. Daily exfoliating cleansers like SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser are gentle enough for regular use, while more intensive chemical exfoliants should be used less frequently. Always follow exfoliation with moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness.
Explore Other Skincare Routines
Dry Skin Routine
A skincare routine for dry skin focuses on restoring hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. We recommend gentle cleansers, rich moisturizers, and nourishing sun protection. Explore our step-by-step dry skin routine for product recommendations.
Oily Skin Routine
A skincare routine for oily skin focuses on controlling excess sebum and keeping pores clear without stripping your skin. We recommend lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that balance oil production. Explore our step-by-step oily skin routine to learn more.
Acne-Prone Skin Routine
A skincare routine for acne-prone skin focuses on reducing breakouts while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. We recommend gentle but effective cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and targeted treatments. Explore our step-by-step acne-prone skin routine here.
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