Combination skincare guide: What is it and what products are best?

There’s no denying it – combination skin can be tricky to manage. While the mix of oily and dry skin may seem like an unlikely pairing, it’s actually super common. The key is being able to balance your products so oily areas and dry patches are both taken care of.

If you’re feeling a little lost on how to properly care for combination skin, keep reading. Our guide explains what exactly combination skin is, its causes and characteristics, and what the best combination skin-friendly routine is for you.

What is combination skin?

Combination skin is more common than you might think. While many people think of having just oily, dry or normal skin, combination skin, as the name suggests, combines all three. Typically, those with combination skin will experience an uneven distribution of oil, resulting in an oily T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) and dry patches on their cheeks and jaw.

As one of the most challenging skin types to manage, many make the mistake of either over-treating it, or using multiple different products to specifically target the oily or dry parts. But neither is necessary and can cause your skin to overcompensate, triggering more oiliness or dryness. When it comes to choosing skincare for combination skin, balancing hydration and oil-control is essential.

Understanding your skin type is the first step in being able to properly care for it. Check out the table below to figure out whether your skin type is a combination, or if it falls more into the oily or dry categories:

Characteristics of combination skin: Identifying your skin zones

The key characteristics of combination skin include an oily T-zone that appears shiny or greasy, is prone to blemishes, and pores that appear larger. In contrast, the U-zone (cheeks and jaw) is dry or normal, with pores that appear smaller.

You can find out your skin type by testing it at home. For combination skin, the best method is to use a blotting sheet. Simply wash your face with a gentle, trusted cleanser and pat dry. Leave your skin bare for 30 minutes, then press a clean blotting sheet to different areas of your face. If the sheet absorbs oil from the T-zone and none from the U-zone, you likely have combination skin.

Causes of combination skin

Like other skin types, combination skin is largely caused by your genetics. If either of your parents have combination skin, you’ll likely have it, too. However, it isn’t the only cause. Your skin type can change as you age and go through large hormonal shifts like puberty, having children and menopause. Stress can also play a part, as higher stress levels increase cortisol, triggering more oil production.

You might find your skin reacts and changes due to the climate, too, with increased oil during warmer, more humid months and drier patches during cold, dry months.

It’s important to remember that your skin type isn’t something that needs to be fixed or changed to one you think is ‘better’ – it’s simply a part of your beautifully unique genetic makeup. Luckily, it’s easier than you think to keep healthy. You just need the right tips and products.

How to care for combination skin

When it comes to caring for combination skin, choose products specially designed for your skin type. Sensitive skin products also work well for combination skin as they are gentle and can help deliver the perfect amount of hydration without being too harsh or stripping your skin.

The best ingredients for combination skin are those that help balance oil control and hydration. Hyaluronic acid can be a combination skin saviour and can be used all over, with lightweight hydration that can give dry areas the boost of moisture your skin needs, while not being too heavy for oily areas. Squaline is also a great, non-comedogenic option that will provide long-lasting moisture without clogging pores. To specifically help target an oily T-zone, look for products with niacinamide and salicylic acid to help minimise the appearance of pores and absorb excess oil, helping reduce shininess.

Avoid alcohol-based products that can dry your skin out further or heavy, oily products with comedogenic ingredients or strongly-scented essential oils, as these can clog pores and cause irritation.

Good skincare routine and face products for combination skin

The best skincare routine for combination skin (and all skin types) includes cleansing, moisturising and targeted treatments. With so many products out there, finding one that will work for your skin type can be tough. Check out our step-by-step guide below, which includes a few of our favourite combination skincare products.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing morning and evening with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser is essential for removing daily dirt, impurities and oil build-up without stripping your skin or feeling too harsh. Our top pick for a cleanser for combination skin is our Seaweed Oil-Control Face Wash. It gently (but thoroughly) cleanses your skin while helping it feel balanced and mattified.

Step 2: Tone and exfoliate 

During your morning routine, using a toner for combination skin, like our Edelweiss Prep Essence, after cleansing can help restore moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple while improving your skin texture and supporting the natural barrier. In the evening, once or twice a week, gently exfoliate with our Seaweed Oil-Control Exfoliator to buff away dead skin cells and leave skin looking and feeling smooth and balanced.

Step 3: Target

Whenever you have the time, use a serum to target any other skin concerns. Our Edelweiss Daily Serum, for example, can help protect your skin from environmental stressors while keeping it hydrated. 

Step 4: Moisturise

Moisturiser is crucial for combination skin – yes, even on the oily parts. It can help balance oil, soothe dry patches and keep skin looking healthy and supple. Choose a lightweight, oil-control moisturiser like our Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream, which has a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula that can help keep shine at bay while boosting your hydration levels.

Step 5: SPF

Lastly, don’t forget to protect your skin with a daily SPF. As wonderful as the sun feels on our skin, the harsh UV rays can cause damage, drying skin out even more and causing rebound oil production – an extra-tricky spot for combination skin types. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic product like our Skin Defence Multi-Protection SPF50, which has an invisible, matte finish to help manage the appearance of shine.

While the mix of oily and dry skin can be tougher to manage, the right routine and skincare products can make a world of difference to how your skin looks and feels. To find the right cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser and SPF for you, discover our full combination skincare range.