Continuing with our discussion of skin types (click for our first and second posts in the series), this one is well-known but often the most confusing to treat:

Combination

Combination skin is, by far, the most common skin type out there, but it can be difficult to find products that actually help this wide-ranging skin type. It can look different on every face.

Targeting different regions is often the best way to combat tricky combination skin issues. Most commonly, combo skin means that the t-zone tends to be oily, while the cheeks and jawline are dry. Esthetician Kristyn Smith breaks down the differences further in our recent interview with her here. A targeted, all-encompassing skincare routine helps cover combination skin and its needs.

Double cleanse:

With combination skin, a double cleanse is key to target the varying regions of the face. To start, Urang’s Natural Cleansing Oil is an all-natural cleanser that is both clarifying and nourishing. It’s great for both dry and easily congested skin, lifting impurities without stripping moisture. Follow this with Dr. Ceuracle's Tea Tree Purifine 30 Cleansing Foam, which soothes blemishes while firming and boosting skin's elasticity.

Tone:

Pyunkang Yul's Essence Toner is not only a crowd-favorite, but it’s the perfect formula for a wide variety of skin types. Its star ingredient, milk vecht root, provides betaine and minerals that nourish and hydrate. It’s a serum-like hydrator that's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and nutrient-boosting to soothe the skin before the next steps in your routine.

Treat:

HaruHaru's WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Essence is a great anti-aging treatment for combination skin types. The gel-like essence both soothes and rejuvenates, balancing the skin’s oil/water levels. Fermented black rice is packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, which protect against environmental stressors while promoting skin cell regeneration. Hyaluronic acid also boosts the skin’s moisture levels.

For those with particularly dry portions of their face, Urang’s Blue Oil Serum is a great lightweight oil that hydrates and heals without feeling greasy. Made of only four ingredients, this oil is a great supplemental treatment to energize dull skin, heal rough patches, and lock in moisture.

Moisturize:

Moisturizing can be tricky for combo skin types. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream provides an ultra-boost of ceramides, which hydrate and prevent chronic water loss for long-lasting hydration and moisture. It is also incredibly lightweight, so sensitive or more acne-prone areas of the face can stay hydrated and soothed without becoming congested.

Protect:

The Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk protects the skin, controls oil production, and brightens skin tone all in one. This 100% physical sunscreen soothes the skin with Centella asiatica extract and aloe vera. Its milky texture is lightweight, mineral-based, and smooth, so combination skin types can remain protected and hydrated without feeling greasy. Please note, the latest batch of this beloved sunscreen uses fragrance instead of fragrant essential oils.

To specifically target dry areas of the face, the Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk contains four kinds of flower extracts that heal and nourish. Use Etude on the oilier portions of the face and Missha on the drier ones for long-lasting protection that both hydrates and balances each region’s needs.

For a little extra love:

When your combination skin feels particularly overwhelmed, the Heimish Low pH Hydrating Mask Sheet provides immediate relief in maintaining the skin’s oil and water balance and soothing problem areas. Vitamin-rich botanical extracts boost hydration while restoring the skin to its optimal pH level.

What does your skin need these days? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@ohlolly.com.