An AM/PM Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
Is your skin oily in some places and dry in others? Do you get breakouts and dry patches at the same time? It sounds like you have combination skin.
Combination skin is neither dry not oily. Basically, it’s a mixture of both – and that is where it all gets complicated. When you have dry skin, you can look specifically for products that hydrate the skin, and when you have oily skin, you seek out products that combat excess oil. But when you’ve got combination skin, you need to find the middle-ground, which means targeting the oily areas of your skin (usually the T-zone) as well as the dry patches (cheeks and jaw).
The good news is, we’ve created an easy and effective guide to treating combination skin so that you can finally nail down a working daily skincare routine that works for you.
THE COMBINATION SKIN CHECKLIST
Not sure whether or not this is your skin type?
Take a look through the list below and if you say yes to them all, you know you’ve got combination skin.
- You see shine in some areas and dryness in others.
- The pores on your nose look larger that those on your cheeks or jawline.
- You regularly deal with dandruff.
- You get breakouts and dryness simultaneously.
Sound like your skin? Scroll down to uncover the best combination skin routine for a flawless complexion.
A COMBINATION SKIN DAILY ROUTINE
In the AM
Start with a Hydrating Cleanser
Because your skin seesaws between oiliness and dryness, you need to use a cleanser that will clarify your skin without dehydrating it. Truly’s Matcha Facial Cleanser is an excellent choice for combo skin. It rejuvenates, cleanses, and nourishes your complexion thanks to its boost of vitamin C, aloe vera, and matcha. At the same time, it’s packed with vitamin B2 which stops the skin from drying out.
Follow Up with a Toner
Combination skin is prone to tightness after cleansing. That’s why it’s the perfect time to apply toner. Truly’s Hemp Jelly Toning Solution is formulated with glycolic acid to remove dirt and oil, but it also contains 100 mg of hemp which provides moisture and calms irritation. All in all, it’s a great daily AM treatment for tackling acne without leaving behind dry, flaky patches.
Slather on a Retinol Serum
Now that you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin, it’s time to replenish essential hydration using a retinol-based serum. Unlike many serums, retinol is an ingredient that works well for both dry and oily skin types. It can keep dry patches at bay, while helping to clarify pores.
Truly’s MJ Glow Serum is made with hemp, retinol, and glycolic acid to firm, brighten, hydrate, and clarify the skin.
Finish up with a Lightweight SPF
Before leaving the house – or ideally, 20 minutes before – cover your skin in a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Wearing sunscreen daily is the best way to protect your skin and slow down signs of aging. You can also opt for a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 if you like wearing makeup.
Remember to choose something not too thick and clogging, as this will only accentuate your oily parts.
In the PM
Remove your Makeup
Even if you’re not wearing makeup, this step still applies to you. Before you hit the sheets, you should always properly remove your makeup. That’s skincare 101.
Opt for a gentle cleanser (see above) to remove all traces of makeup and impurities without drying out your skin. Massage it in well using your fingertips and rinse off with warm water.
Apply an AHA/BHA Serum
An AHA/BHA serum is the best choice for an overnight serum if you have combination skin. Truly’s Blueberry Face Oil is a powerhouse blend of AHA/BHAs, antioxidants, and vegan collagen to exfoliate, moisturize, and nourish the skin. It’s also incredibly lightweight, so you won’t feel it sitting on your skin, as can be the case with many serums.
Moisturize
Focus on the areas of your skin that need it most. Perhaps it’s your jawline or your T-zone. Apply more on the drier patches, but don’t neglect the oily parts either. Keeping oily skin hydrated will actually prevent it from producing more oil.
Truly’s Cream Skin Face Moisturizer works amazingly for combination skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and sea kelp, this moisturizer hydrates, softens, banishes toxins, and reduces inflammation all at the same time. Let it work its magic as you sleep.
OTHER TIPS FOR TREATING COMBINATION SKIN
While these are the basics, there are a few other things you can do to take control of combination skin.
- Stop Touching Your Face
You may not even realize you’re doing it, but every time your fingertips come in contact with your face, you’re leaving it vulnerable to dirt, grime, and bacteria, which can quickly clog your pores.
- Blot Away Oil
Anytime you see shine – reach for the blotting pads. These little patches absorb excess oil, leaving your skin looking matte all day long, without drying it out. Keep a few in your handbag whenever you want to cut back on midday grease.
- Exfoliate
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells which make your complexion look dull and leave it prone to clogging. Choose a face scrub that’s suitable for all skin types (or ideally, combination skin).
- Multi-Mask
When you’re dealing with two different skin concerns, you can’t really get away with one mask – unless it’s specifically designed for combination skin. Instead, apply different face masks to different areas of your face to address dryness and oiliness at the same time.
- Prep Your Skin with a Mattifying Primer
If you wear face makeup daily, prevent your skin from becoming shiny throughout the day by prepping with a mattifying primer. It really is the easiest way to ensure a good makeup day – every day.
Remember that you can adjust your skincare products and routine based on your skin’s needs. Experiment with different formulas and discover for yourself which works best for you.
