One of the most confusing skin types, which has a combination of two different skin types like oily skin and dry skin. The oily T zone and dry cheeks makes it quite challenging to choose the right product considering your skin type. In such a case, choosing a moisturizer might be confusing, like should you go with creamy moisturizer or light weight ones.
People with combinational skip might skip moisturizer since using cream based ones might clog your T zone and vice versa. In such a case, go with light weight, non comedogenic, and hydrating moisturizer which balances dryness and oiliness in the skin.
In this blog, we have curated best moisturizers according to dermatologist suggestions along with tips and tricks for combinational skin folks.
Best Moisturizer for Combinational Skin Dermatologist Recommended
|
Rank |
Moisturizer |
Best For |
Why Dermatologists Recommend |
|
1 |
Deyga Light Moisturizer |
Daily balancing hydration |
Natural, non greasy, balances oil & dryness perfectly |
|
2 |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel |
Intense hydration |
Hyaluronic acid based oil free formula |
|
3 |
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion |
Sensitive + combo skin |
Gentle, non irritating, lightweight |
|
4 |
Plum Green Tea Oil Free |
Oily T zone |
Controls shine, prevents acne |
|
5 |
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H |
Dry patches |
Deep hydration without oil |
|
6 |
Minimalist Sepicalm + Oat |
Sensitive skin |
Reduces redness & maintains balance |
|
7 |
Re’equil Oil Free Moisturiser |
Long lasting hydration |
Silicone based, mattifying |
|
8 |
Bioderma Sebium Hydra |
Acne prone |
Restores hydration post acne treatment |
|
9 |
The Face Shop Rice Ceramide |
Glowing skin |
Brightening + light hydration |
|
10 |
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser |
Daily use |
Affordable, gentle & fragrance free |
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Since there are a lot of products available, it might be confusing to choose one for keeping skin moisturized and hydrating. Here are some of the guidelines which you can check before these key guidelines:
-
Go with gel based, water based, or gel cream based moisturizer.
-
Go for light moisturizing face cream which are non comedogenic.
-
Make sure your product has hydrating, while also oil controlling too. For hydration, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc works. In terms of oil control, niacinamide is the best option.
-
Do not pick too much of matte products, since they may dry your skin.
-
Mix and match moisturizer based on your climatic condition.
-
In summer, go with gel based moisturizer; For winters you can use cream based products.
-
During monsoon, you can try mattifying lotion; And indoors, go with lightweight creams.
Ingredients Combinational Skin Loves:
|
Ingredient |
Function |
Benefit for Combination Skin |
|
Hyaluronic Acid |
Deep hydration |
Hydrates dry zones without oiliness |
|
Niacinamide |
Oil control + calm |
Regulates sebum & refines pores |
|
Ceramides |
Skin barrier repair |
Prevents moisture loss |
|
Aloe Vera |
Soothing |
Reduces redness & irritation |
|
Glycerin |
Moisture retention |
Balances hydration |
|
Green Tea Extract |
Anti oxidant |
Controls excess oil |
|
Squalane |
Lightweight hydration |
Doesn’t clog pores |
|
Panthenol (Vit B5) |
Barrier support |
Prevents dryness |
|
Centella Asiatica |
Healing |
Calms sensitive areas |
|
Beta Glucan |
Deep hydrator |
Perfect for mixed zones |
How to Use Moisturizer Effectively for Combination Skin
-
Wash your hands first, so that the bacteria don’t get transferred to your face.
-
Wet your face and cleanse them well with a gentle cleanser
-
When your skin is damp, apply gel based or gel cream based moisturizers. Using them on damp skin helps in making the moisturizer get absorbed better.
-
Follow up with sunscreen in the AM routine.
-
In the PM routine, you can follow up with a spot cream.
Do’s and Don't for Combinational Skin Folks
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Use a gentle, pH balanced cleanser twice daily |
Don’t over wash oily areas; it increases oil production |
|
Apply a lightweight, non comedogenic moisturizer |
Avoid heavy creams on T zone that can clog pores |
|
Use gel based or multi zone products |
Don’t ignore dry patches; they need hydration |
|
Apply sunscreen daily |
Don’t skip SPF on oily or dry areas |
|
Multi mask: clay on T zone, hydrating mask on cheeks |
Don’t scrub aggressively; it irritates sensitive areas |
|
Drink plenty of water & follow balanced diet |
Don’t rely only on products; lifestyle affects skin health |
Benefits of Using the Right Moisturizer
-
Helps in balancing oily and dry areas well without being dry or oily.
-
Works on maintaining your skin barrier
-
Does not cause any sensitivity or irritation in the skin.
-
Helps in making your skin barrier stronger and friendly.
-
Enhances the absorption better while absorbing serums and treatments.
-
Reduces T zone oiliness and keeps cheeks softer.
-
Improves overall skin texture and radiance.
Conclusion
Picking moisturizer and using them everyday helps and benefits more for skin even in the future. Since combinational skin is quite tricky, choosing them wisely helps in making your skincare routine more meaningful. Choosing dermatologist suggested moisturizers for combination skin helps in making your skin well moisturized and hydrating without clogging the pores.
While picking skincare, make sure to check the ingredients and go with ones which are pure, natural, and have a safe blend of products and the right formulation.
FAQs
Can combination skin use the same moisturizer for morning and night?
Yes, but adjust according to skin needs. Use a lighter formula in the morning and a slightly richer one at night if cheeks are dry.
How long does it take to see results after switching moisturizers?
Usually 2–3 weeks. You’ll notice balanced oiliness, softer dry areas, and improved skin texture. Consistency is a key in skincare!
Can I use oil based moisturizers on combination skin?
Use them only on dry patches. Avoid heavy oils on the T zone as they may cause breakouts. Using balanced products helps.
Is it necessary to moisturize if my skin feels oily?
Yes. No matter how oily your skin is, moisturize first. Oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can trigger more oil production.
Can I use the same moisturizer with active ingredients like Vitamin C or Retinol?
Yes, but choose a lightweight, non comedogenic formula to avoid irritation and ensure even absorption.
Can I use the same face wash on dry and oily areas?
Yes, but choose a gentle, balanced cleanser suitable for combination skin. Avoid harsh formulas that strip moisture or increase oiliness.
How often should I exfoliate combination skin?
Exfoliate 1–2 times a week using a mild chemical exfoliant. Over exfoliation can irritate dry areas and stimulate excess oil in the T zone.
Can combination skin use serums and moisturizers together?
Absolutely. Apply a light serum first, then follow with a moisturizer. This helps lock in hydration without making the T zone greasy.
Table of content
One of the most confusing skin types, which has a combination of two different skin types like oily skin and dry skin. The oily T zone and dry cheeks makes it quite challenging to choose the right product considering your skin type. In such a case, choosing a moisturizer might be confusing, like should you go with creamy moisturizer or light weight ones.
People with combinational skip might skip moisturizer since using cream based ones might clog your T zone and vice versa. In such a case, go with light weight, non comedogenic, and hydrating moisturizer which balances dryness and oiliness in the skin.
In this blog, we have curated best moisturizers according to dermatologist suggestions along with tips and tricks for combinational skin folks.
Best Moisturizer for Combinational Skin Dermatologist Recommended
|
Rank |
Moisturizer |
Best For |
Why Dermatologists Recommend |
|
1 |
Deyga Light Moisturizer |
Daily balancing hydration |
Natural, non greasy, balances oil & dryness perfectly |
|
2 |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel |
Intense hydration |
Hyaluronic acid based oil free formula |
|
3 |
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion |
Sensitive + combo skin |
Gentle, non irritating, lightweight |
|
4 |
Plum Green Tea Oil Free |
Oily T zone |
Controls shine, prevents acne |
|
5 |
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H |
Dry patches |
Deep hydration without oil |
|
6 |
Minimalist Sepicalm + Oat |
Sensitive skin |
Reduces redness & maintains balance |
|
7 |
Re’equil Oil Free Moisturiser |
Long lasting hydration |
Silicone based, mattifying |
|
8 |
Bioderma Sebium Hydra |
Acne prone |
Restores hydration post acne treatment |
|
9 |
The Face Shop Rice Ceramide |
Glowing skin |
Brightening + light hydration |
|
10 |
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser |
Daily use |
Affordable, gentle & fragrance free |
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Since there are a lot of products available, it might be confusing to choose one for keeping skin moisturized and hydrating. Here are some of the guidelines which you can check before these key guidelines:
-
Go with gel based, water based, or gel cream based moisturizer.
-
Go for light moisturizing face cream which are non comedogenic.
-
Make sure your product has hydrating, while also oil controlling too. For hydration, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc works. In terms of oil control, niacinamide is the best option.
-
Do not pick too much of matte products, since they may dry your skin.
-
Mix and match moisturizer based on your climatic condition.
-
In summer, go with gel based moisturizer; For winters you can use cream based products.
-
During monsoon, you can try mattifying lotion; And indoors, go with lightweight creams.
Ingredients Combinational Skin Loves:
|
Ingredient |
Function |
Benefit for Combination Skin |
|
Hyaluronic Acid |
Deep hydration |
Hydrates dry zones without oiliness |
|
Niacinamide |
Oil control + calm |
Regulates sebum & refines pores |
|
Ceramides |
Skin barrier repair |
Prevents moisture loss |
|
Aloe Vera |
Soothing |
Reduces redness & irritation |
|
Glycerin |
Moisture retention |
Balances hydration |
|
Green Tea Extract |
Anti oxidant |
Controls excess oil |
|
Squalane |
Lightweight hydration |
Doesn’t clog pores |
|
Panthenol (Vit B5) |
Barrier support |
Prevents dryness |
|
Centella Asiatica |
Healing |
Calms sensitive areas |
|
Beta Glucan |
Deep hydrator |
Perfect for mixed zones |
How to Use Moisturizer Effectively for Combination Skin
-
Wash your hands first, so that the bacteria don’t get transferred to your face.
-
Wet your face and cleanse them well with a gentle cleanser
-
When your skin is damp, apply gel based or gel cream based moisturizers. Using them on damp skin helps in making the moisturizer get absorbed better.
-
Follow up with sunscreen in the AM routine.
-
In the PM routine, you can follow up with a spot cream.
Do’s and Don't for Combinational Skin Folks
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Use a gentle, pH balanced cleanser twice daily |
Don’t over wash oily areas; it increases oil production |
|
Apply a lightweight, non comedogenic moisturizer |
Avoid heavy creams on T zone that can clog pores |
|
Use gel based or multi zone products |
Don’t ignore dry patches; they need hydration |
|
Apply sunscreen daily |
Don’t skip SPF on oily or dry areas |
|
Multi mask: clay on T zone, hydrating mask on cheeks |
Don’t scrub aggressively; it irritates sensitive areas |
|
Drink plenty of water & follow balanced diet |
Don’t rely only on products; lifestyle affects skin health |
Benefits of Using the Right Moisturizer
-
Helps in balancing oily and dry areas well without being dry or oily.
-
Works on maintaining your skin barrier
-
Does not cause any sensitivity or irritation in the skin.
-
Helps in making your skin barrier stronger and friendly.
-
Enhances the absorption better while absorbing serums and treatments.
-
Reduces T zone oiliness and keeps cheeks softer.
-
Improves overall skin texture and radiance.
Conclusion
Picking moisturizer and using them everyday helps and benefits more for skin even in the future. Since combinational skin is quite tricky, choosing them wisely helps in making your skincare routine more meaningful. Choosing dermatologist suggested moisturizers for combination skin helps in making your skin well moisturized and hydrating without clogging the pores.
While picking skincare, make sure to check the ingredients and go with ones which are pure, natural, and have a safe blend of products and the right formulation.
FAQs
Can combination skin use the same moisturizer for morning and night?
Yes, but adjust according to skin needs. Use a lighter formula in the morning and a slightly richer one at night if cheeks are dry.
How long does it take to see results after switching moisturizers?
Usually 2–3 weeks. You’ll notice balanced oiliness, softer dry areas, and improved skin texture. Consistency is a key in skincare!
Can I use oil based moisturizers on combination skin?
Use them only on dry patches. Avoid heavy oils on the T zone as they may cause breakouts. Using balanced products helps.
Is it necessary to moisturize if my skin feels oily?
Yes. No matter how oily your skin is, moisturize first. Oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can trigger more oil production.
Can I use the same moisturizer with active ingredients like Vitamin C or Retinol?
Yes, but choose a lightweight, non comedogenic formula to avoid irritation and ensure even absorption.
Can I use the same face wash on dry and oily areas?
Yes, but choose a gentle, balanced cleanser suitable for combination skin. Avoid harsh formulas that strip moisture or increase oiliness.
How often should I exfoliate combination skin?
Exfoliate 1–2 times a week using a mild chemical exfoliant. Over exfoliation can irritate dry areas and stimulate excess oil in the T zone.
Can combination skin use serums and moisturizers together?
Absolutely. Apply a light serum first, then follow with a moisturizer. This helps lock in hydration without making the T zone greasy.