10 best skin care hacks for combination skin

If your skin falls into more than one category of skin types, you most likely have combination skin. Combination skin can seem like a difficult skin type to manage, but with a few tips and tricks – or in this case, skin care hacks – taking care of dry and oily skin can be easy! Keep reading to learn about 10 combination skin hacks that can make your skin care routine a little easier.

COMBINATION SKIN HIGH #1: TRY MULTIMASKING

We're going to take the risk of saying that the multimasking trend was basically created for those with combination skin! If you're not already familiar, multimasking is a facial masking technique used to address multiple skin concerns at the same time. For example: if you have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, you can use one T-zone mask to get rid of excess sebum and another, more moisturizing mask for your cheeks. To learn more about multimasking, see our guide here.

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #2: DON'T FORGET TO TONE

Need another way to get rid of your combination skin problems? Consider incorporating toner into your morning and evening skincare routine. A toner can help balance the pH of the skin, prepare the skin for hydration, and even help remove dirt, oil, and cleanser residue left behind after washing your face. On top of that, most toners have soothing formulas that can leave skin soft and hydrated. We'll cover more about why you need a toner in your skincare routine, as well as a selection of must-try facial toners, here.

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #3: DON'T TOUCH!

It goes without saying that regardless of your skin type, you should keep your hands and fingers away from your face. If you touch your face after, say, a subway ride, not only the pore-clogging dirt and debris you may have come into contact with on the train can get onto your complexion, but acne-causing bacteria as well! So, paws off!

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #4: DON'T FORGET THE PRIMER

If you have combination skin, applying makeup can be a challenge... if you don't use a primer. Primers can help prepare your skin for makeup application, and some even have benefits for combination skin care! When shopping for a foundation for combination skin, look for one that solves your many problems.

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #5: EXFOLIATE 1-2 TIMES A WEEK

Once or twice a week, use a gentle facial exfoliator—we love this one from Kiehl's—and follow up with a radiance-boosting scrub. Not only can weekly exfoliation help clear skin and get rid of dry, dead skin cells, it can also result in a softer—read: smoother—skin surface!

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #6: DON'T SKIP THE MOISTURIZER

Along with SPF, moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, even those aimed at combination skin. When you skip moisturizer, not only are the areas of your face that appear dry or dull actually affected, but the areas that produce excess oil can also be affected and in turn produce even more oil! No thanks! Buy a lightweight, oil-free gel-based moisturizer designed specifically for combination skin.

HYKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #7: GET OIL-FREE PRODUCTS

If your combination skin suffers from excess sebum, which is oil, you might want to consider trying oil-free skincare and beauty products. Usually these products are formulated for oily facial skin; oil-free skin care products such as moisturizers can be moisturizing enough to target areas of skin that are not as oily, as well as nourish oily areas without increasing the oil factor.  

COMBINATION SKIN HIGH #8: USE A WET SPONGE FOR MAKEUP

When it comes to oily combination skin types, adjusting midday makeup can be a challenge. One of our favorite ways to shed excess fat and smooth out makeup? Wet sponge for shading! The moisture content of the sponge can help dilute the look of shiny skin and create a well-blended—read: smoother—effect.

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #9: ACHIEVE THE PROMAKS

A greasy forehead? Shiny chin? Keep a pack of blotting wipes in your purse and apply them to areas of skin covered with oil. One of the reasons we love blotting wipes is because they help absorb excess oil without messing up your makeup!

HIKE FOR COMBINATION SKIN #10: TRY MATTE BLUSH

If your cheeks are known to be excessively oily, consider switching to a matte blush. The pink pigments in a matte blush can accentuate your cheekbones, while the mattifying properties can reduce excess oil and shine.