Have Combination Skin? These Products Are for You

We’ll be the first to admit that combination skin can be fickle. Some days, your cheeks might be desert dry, while your T-zone drips in shine. Other days, you may be dry all over or oily where you’re usually not. In truth, finding skin-care products when you have combination skin feels like its an 80% guessing game and a miraculous 20% stumbling across products that don’t irritate your skin. To increase those odds, we spoke to dermatologist Michele Farber, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC about what you should use in your daily routine to keep your combination skin balanced. Here’s the break down.

Cleanser — Keep It Gentle

When it comes to cleansing combination skin, Dr. Farber notes that less is more. “Choose a gentle cleanser that will wash away excess oil without stripping the skin,” she says. We like the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser during the colder months and the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser during warmer ones.

 

Moisturizer — Keep It Light

As far as moisturizer goes, don’t skimp out on it, even if your skin is feeling particularly oily. “Skipping out will cause your skin to overcompensate as your skin needs hydration,” says Dr. Farber, “and choosing a lighter oil-free lotion or gel-based formula rather than cream or ointment, can help with this.” Try the It Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Lotion.  

Serums — Keep It Antioxidant Heavy 

Serums can make or break a combination skin routine due to their highly concentrated ingredients, says Dr. Farber. “Combination skin often benefits from antioxidant serums containing vitamin C, and retinol-based serums and exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid) can also help with oil control, acne prevention and evening out skin tone.” The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is a perfect place to start if you’re just getting into the combo skin serum game.

What to Avoid

Above all, Dr. Farber warns against using thick oils or clogging products when you have combination skin. “Ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl palmitate or cocoa butter should be avoided,” she notes, “and you also should steer clear of irritating ingredients like perfumes and alcohols.”

 

What Not to Forget

 You want to bathe combination skin (and every other skin type!) in the proper amount of sunscreen daily. “People often skimp on sunscreen or feel that it can lead to breakouts if they are oily,” says Dr. Farber, “but it is so important to put a daily SPF in your routine.” The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a great option if you want hydration with built-in SPF, and the La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen is great if you need a layer of protection underneath makeup.

 

Read More

5 Aluminum-Free Deodorants to Try

What Is a Facial Bar?

The Best 5 Acne Spot Treatments