Mastering a Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Figuring out your skin type can be confusing – particularly if you don’t seem to fall into one clear category! Don’t worry, we're here to help you identify your skin type and tailor a skincare routine that suits you best. Kiehl’s Instant Skin Reader is a wonderful place to start, as it scans your skin and identifies your unique strengths and areas for attention.

What is Combination Skin?

One particularly tricky skin type can be combination skin. This refers to skin that’s oily in some areas and dry in others. It can be difficult to know what skincare to choose for this skin type because you’re looking to treat opposing issues. Fortunately, Kiehl’s has plenty of products that are specifically designed for combination skin.

Understanding Combination Skin 

You’ve probably already heard of dry and oily skin. Dry skin refers to skin that’s lacking moisture. This can result in rough patches and sometimes flaking. You may feel that your skin feels tired or dull. Oily skin, on the other hand, refers to skin with an over-production of sebum, which can feel greasy and can often lead to issues with acne and clogged pores. You may feel your skin looks shiny and is prone to breakouts. 

Combination skin refers to skin that exhibits a mixture of both dry and oily textures. Often, these occur in different areas of the face, with the T-Zone (the forehead down to the nose and chin) being the most prone to oil and the cheeks likely to be drier. 

What Causes Combination Skin?

Genetics

Skin type can often come down simply to our genes. Some people are more prone to oily skin, and others tend to deal with dryness. While you can’t change your genetics, you can choose products that naturally combat common issues to make the most of your natural skin.

Hormones

You might find that your skin type changes at different periods throughout the month or through periods of stress or changes to your schedule. Hormones can influence the way your skin presents; for example, progesterone can stimulate production of sebum, which often leads to oilier skin.

Environment 

Environmental stressors, such as extreme weathers or air quality, can also have a substantial impact on the look and feel of your skin. Sun exposure might lead to drier skin while pollution may lead to irritation and clog up your pores.

Skincare Routine for Combination Skin 

The skincare routine you adopt can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your skin. For people with combination skin, nailing down the perfect routine can be especially tricky as we touched on, and sometimes takes a little experimentation. To simplify the process for you, we’ve laid out a step-by-step routine for combination skin, along with our ideal product recommendations to balance its complex needs.

1. Cleansing 
2. Toning
3. Serum
4. Moisturising
5. Sunscreen

Step 1) Cleansing

Combination skin often responds well to a gentle cleanser that removes excess sebum without further drying out problem areas. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin of much-needed moisture.

Step 2) Toning

Finding a toner for combination skin is tricky, but looking out for products designed for the different areas of your face can help you create a balanced skincare routine that delivers your desired results. The Blue Herbal Astringent Lotion is made to target oil-prone areas and has a soothing effect.

Step 3) Applying Serum

For combination skin, you should prioritise a lightweight product that will treat dry areas without adding oil. The Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream is weightless and refreshing for targeted hydration.

Step 4) Moisturising

Moisturiser for combination skin is important if you have areas of dryness, but you don’t want to aggravate oily patches. The Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream offers 24-hour hydration as well as shine control to tackle both issues at once. 

Step 5) Sunscreen

After your skincare and before your makeup, you should always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen for effective sun protection. Of course, we know that some SPF products feel really incompatible with oilier areas of skin, leaving a greasy, clogged feeling. It’s important to look for a non-comedogenic formula like the Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++, which won’t clog up your pores and exacerbate oily patches.

Dealing with Sensitive Combination Skin 

As well as working out if you have combination skin, it’s important to consider whether your skin is sensitive. If you find that you often react badly to new or harsher products, this can add an extra challenge to finding the right skincare routine for your mixed skin type – especially as combination skin is prone to quick changes. 

Gentle products such as our Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser for combination skin are gentle, and soothe while effectively removing impurities. Make sure to also apply your products with a light touch to avoid further irritation and stick to fewer products per application. 

Additional Tips 

Alongside skincare, there are lots of ways you can support your combination skin. Avoiding harsh ingredients and fragrances can keep your skin looking and feeling its best, as can making sure you drink plenty of water, so your skin stays hydrated. You may also find that certain foods help to promote healthy and happy skin, so it’s worth paying attention to your diet.

Combination skin can be confusing, but there are plenty of products out there that promote hydration at the same time as removing excess oil. Finding the right options for you and sticking with your routine consistently is the best way to make sure your skin stays feeling its best.