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What is Combination Skin?
Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like—a mix of skin types. You might notice:
- Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
- Dry or normal cheeks
- Enlarged pores & occasional breakouts
This makes it tricky to manage because your skin needs hydration without triggering oiliness or acne.
How to Identify If You Have Combination Skin
Here are quick signs:
✅ Shiny T-zone by mid-day
✅ Dry or flaky patches on cheeks
✅ Breakouts limited to forehead or nose
✅ Makeup melts in some areas but cakes in others
💡 Pro Tip: Try the bare face test—wash your face and observe after 30 minutes. Is your T-zone oily while cheeks feel tight? That’s combination skin.
Daily Skincare Routine for Combination Skin (Step-by-Step)
🌅 Morning Routine
- Gentle Cleanser
Goal: Remove excess oil without over-drying your skin.
Recommended:- Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser (₹350) – mild & effective
- Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Cleanser (₹399) – for acne-prone skin
- Hydrating Toner
Balances skin pH and preps it for hydration.
Recommended:- Plum Green Tea Toner (₹420) – great for oily areas
- Klairs Supple Preparation Toner (₹1,400) – Korean favorite, suits combo skin
- Serum (Optional)
Target concerns like dullness, pores, or dryness.
Recommended:- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (₹600–₹900) – controls sebum
- Dot & Key Vitamin C Serum (₹695) – brightens & nourishes
- Oil-Free Moisturizer
Hydrates dry areas while mattifying oily zones.
Recommended:- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (₹675) – lightweight & non-comedogenic
- Pond’s Super Light Gel with Hyaluronic Acid (₹299) – budget-friendly
- Sunscreen (Never Skip!)
Protects from UV damage & prevents pigmentation.
Recommended:- Re’equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch SPF 50 (₹695) – sweat-resistant & matte
- La Shield SPF 40 Gel Sunscreen (₹975) – dermatologists love this!
🌙 Night Routine
- Double Cleanse (if wearing makeup/sunscreen)
- First Cleanse: Bioderma Micellar Water or Earth Rhythm Cleansing Balm
- Second Cleanse: Use your regular morning face wash
- Toner – same as AM
- Treatment (2–3 times a week)
- Minimalist AHA BHA Exfoliant (₹699) – deep cleans pores
- Dot & Key Retinol Night Cream (₹795) – anti-aging + acne care
- Night Moisturizer
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (₹999) – barrier-repairing
- Plum Green Tea Night Gel (₹575) – oil-free hydration
Weekly Add-Ons for Balanced Skin
- Clay Masks for T-Zone: Mamaearth C3 Face Mask (₹499)
- Sheet Masks for Cheeks: Innisfree or The Face Shop (₹100–₹150 each)
- Ice Rolling: Helps shrink pores and reduce oiliness
Do’s & Don’ts for Combination Skin
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Avoid This |
|---|---|
| Use gel-based products | Alcohol-based toners |
| Apply sunscreen daily | Overwashing your face |
| Exfoliate 1–2x/week | Using thick, oily creams |
| Pat skin dry (no rubbing) | Mixing too many actives |
Best Budget Skincare Combo Kit (Under ₹1500)
Here’s a complete routine for beginners:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Cleanser: Cetaphil (₹350) | |
| Toner: Plum Green Tea (₹420) | |
| Moisturizer: Pond’s Super Light Gel (₹299) | |
| Sunscreen: Re’equil Matte SPF 50 (₹695) |
Total: ₹1,764 (often on sale for less on Nykaa or Amazon!)
Where to Buy These Products?
🛍️ Shop online on:
💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for alerts to grab these during sale seasons like Nykaa’s Pink Friday or Amazon’s Great Indian Festival.
Final Thoughts
Combination skin needs balance—not just with products, but in how you apply them. Use lightweight, non-comedogenic options and layer only where necessary. Customize based on seasons—lighter in summer, slightly richer in winter.
FAQs
Q. Can I use oil-based products?
Only on dry areas and if they’re non-comedogenic (like squalane or rosehip oil).
Q. Can combination skin become normal skin?
With consistent care and hydration, your skin can become more balanced, but your base skin type generally stays the same.
💬 Got Questions?
Drop your queries or product experiences in the comments below! 💖
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