Combination skin has both oily and dry areas, usually an oily T-zone and drier cheeks. This can make it tricky to care for, since one part of the face needs oil control while the other needs added hydration. Breakouts may appear in the oily areas, while the dry zones can feel tight or flaky.

The best approach is balance—choosing products that hydrate without clogging pores and adjusting textures depending on what your skin needs most. With the right skincare products for combination skin, both areas of the face can feel more comfortable.

Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Cleansers

Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil or balm of choice as the first step in a double cleanse. An oil-based cleanser helps remove sunscreen and makeup gently, without over-drying the cheeks or leaving residue in the T-zone.

Gleanser Non-Drying Glycerin Cleanser or Gleanser + SA Salicylic Acid Cleanser as the second step in a double cleanse.

Follow with a cleanser that supports both needs—hydrating with glycerin or clarifying with salicylic acid when oiliness is more noticeable.

Serums + Sprays

Universal Skin Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray (let fully dry before Vitamin C application). This step helps balance and calm the skin overall, supporting both dry and oily zones.

Serum of choice or Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C supports even tone and protects skin from environmental stressors. It’s a versatile option that works well across different skin areas.

Moisturizer

AM/PM Modern Moisturizer (or Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk on days where you want a mildly exfoliating moisturizer).

Choose your moisturizer based on what your skin needs most that day—hydration or light exfoliation. Both options help keep skin comfortable without overwhelming oily areas.

Sunscreen

Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen or Solar Shade Chemical Sunscreen for day use.

Targeted Treatments

Skin Utility Balm Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant for night use. This provides overnight barrier support, especially useful for drier areas of the face.

If you have any visual scars on your face, the Scar Solutions Silicone Scar Stick can be applied after your skincare products as a final step in your skincare routine. A final layer of silicone can support scar healing while maintaining balance for the rest of the skin.

Tips for Managing Combination Skin

• Multi-masking helps: clay for oily areas, hydrating masks for dry zones.

• Switch between cleansers depending on how your skin feels.

• Use lighter moisturizers in summer and richer formulas in winter.

• Adjust routine step-by-step instead of treating the whole face the same way.

Combination skin requires flexibility—supporting oily areas while hydrating drier zones. With the right balance of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, it’s possible to keep skin comfortable and healthy year-round. Prequel routines are built to strengthen the barrier, which helps both dry and oily areas find equilibrium. Consistent care makes it easier to adapt with the seasons while maintaining a smoother, more balanced complexion.

DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.