Face Creams for Combination Skin
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
My name is Kim Bean and I am a professional makeup artist... with combination skin.
I look for moisturizers that improve skin health and wear beautifully under makeup. I have incredibly sensitive skin, because of this I have a kit that won't break anybody out in hives or acne.
What Is Combination Skin?
Combination skin usually means your forehead, nose, and chin get shiny easily, while your cheeks can feel perfectly normal or even dry. It can be a bit of a puzzle because products designed for oily skin may leave your face feeling tight, while richer creams meant for dry skin can make your T-zone look slick.
The goal is to find a moisturizer that gives your skin enough hydration to support a healthy barrier without leaving you looking greasy.
Combination skin can feel like it has multiple personalities, and that is because different areas of your face are behaving differently at the same time.
The T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) contains a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, so it naturally produces more oil. Your cheeks, on the other hand, tend to have fewer oil glands and are more prone to dehydration.
The plus side is that oily skin types typically age slower than dry ones!
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Lightweight but hydrating textures.
Non-comedogenic formulas.
Barrier-supporting ingredients.
Moisturizers that absorb well and layer nicely under sunscreen and makeup.
Fragrance considerations for sensitive skin.
Ingredients to Be Cautious With
Retinol can be an excellent ingredient when used thoughtfully. It increases cell turnover, which helps prevent dead skin cells and oil from building up inside pores. This can reduce blackheads and breakouts, especially in the T-zone. Retinol can also (gradually) improve discoloration left behind by breakouts. Fresh skin cells are more vulnerable to UV damage, especially when you first start using retinol.
Heavy occlusives if you are very oil-prone. Occlusives are ingredients that form a protective seal on the surface of the skin to reduce water loss. Think of them as a topcoat for your skincare. They help keep the hydration you have already applied from evaporating into the air.
Strong fragrance if you have sensitive skin or essential oils if your skin is reactive.
My Favourites
A makeup artist staple for a reason.
It moisturizes, primes, and leaves skin looking healthy and luminous. Best for normal to combination skin, especially when skin feels a little dry or dull.
Ideal if your skin is combination but also sensitive, dehydrated, or experiencing barrier damage.
Rich but surprisingly balanced and calming, this product is great if you're experiencing a rosacea flare-up.
A little goes a very long way with this formula and it is made to be refilled.
A luxurious moisturizer that helps brighten dull skin and protect against environmental stressors.
Beautiful under makeup and excellent for city dwellers.
A lightweight, elegant formula with ceramides and niacinamide. It deeply hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy.
Combination skin is not asking for less moisture. It is asking for the right kind of moisture.
When your skin is properly balanced, the oily areas tend to look less oily and the drier areas feel more comfortable.
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