If your forehead gets shiny by lunchtime, but your cheeks feel like the Sahara Desert, welcome to the club—you likely have combination skin. Crafting a routine for this tricky skin type can feel like walking a tightrope. The goal? Hydrate dry areas without clogging pores in the oily zones. With the right products and techniques, you can create a balanced, radiant complexion that works with your skin, not against it.
Here’s your ultimate guide to building the perfect combination skin routine, including tips, tricks, and PMD Beauty favorites to make it easier than ever.
Step 1: Identify Your Skin’s Unique Needs
Combination skin means you’re dealing with two (or more) skin personalities at the same time:
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Oily T-zone: Forehead, nose, and chin tend to produce excess oil and can be prone to breakouts.
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Dry or normal cheeks: These areas may feel tight, flaky, or sensitive.
If you notice mid-day shine but also struggle with occasional dry patches, your skin is sending mixed signals—and that’s okay! The first step to balancing oily and dry skin is recognizing which areas need oil control and which need extra hydration.
Pro Tip: Keep a small mirror with you throughout the day. If your T-zone gets shiny while your cheeks feel comfortable or dry, you’re likely a true combination skin type.
Also, take note of any seasonal changes. Many people find that their skin leans oilier in the summer and drier in the winter. Logging these patterns can help you adjust your routine before your skin even starts to complain.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cleanser
Your cleanser sets the tone for the rest of your combination skin routine. Harsh, foaming cleansers can over-strip dry areas, while cream cleansers might feel heavy on oily zones.
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Morning: Opt for a gentle, balancing cleanser to refresh without over-drying.
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Evening: Consider a double cleanse if you wear makeup or sunscreen. Start with an oil-based cleansing balm, like the PMD Remove Cleansing Balm to break down impurities, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
Want to elevate your cleanse? The PMD Clean Pro RQ uses SonicGlow™ technology to deeply cleanse pores in your oily areas while being gentle on dry patches. Its Rose Quartz side also helps reduce inflammation and promote a more even skin tone.
Pro Tip: Always use lukewarm water when cleansing. Hot water can strip the skin and make dry areas worse, while cold water won’t effectively dissolve oil and debris in the T-zone.
Step 3: Embrace Multi-Masking
One of the best-kept secrets for combination skin is multi-masking—using different masks for different areas of your face. Why treat your entire face the same when each area has unique needs?
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Oily T-zone: Use a clay or charcoal mask to absorb excess oil and unclog pores.
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Dry cheeks: Apply a hydrating or soothing mask to replenish moisture.
Try pairing this technique with a gua sha tool for gentle lymphatic drainage and improved product absorption. The cooling stone helps boost circulation and allows your masks and serums to work more effectively, leaving your skin balanced and happy.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget your jawline! This area can sometimes mimic your T-zone in oil production, so include it in your mask routine accordingly.
Step 4: Pick the Perfect Moisturizer
When it comes to moisturizing, light layers are your best friend. For daytime, a lightweight gel or lotion keeps your skin hydrated without suffocating your T-zone. At night, you can layer a slightly richer cream on dry areas if needed.
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Combination Hack: Apply a gel-based moisturizer all over, then dab a nourishing cream only on the dry spots.
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For Sensitive Areas: Look for moisturizers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide.
Pro Tip: Avoid heavy oils in your morning routine for combination skin—they can slide off your T-zone by lunchtime and lead to clogged pores.
Step 5: Create a Balanced AM & PM Routine
Here’s a sample routine to help you visualize the perfect morning routine for combination skin and evening skincare for combination skin:
AM Routine:
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Gentle cleanser or water rinse
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Balancing toner (optional)
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Lightweight antioxidant serum (like Vitamin C)
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Gel or lotion moisturizer
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Broad-spectrum SPF
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Optional: Use the PMD Clean in the morning for a quick, refreshing cleanse
PM Routine:
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Cleansing balm (if wearing makeup/sunscreen)
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Gentle foaming cleanser
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Multi-mask session 2-3x/week
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Hydrating serum
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Targeted spot treatment on oily areas if needed
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Lightweight cream or layered moisturizer on dry patches
Optional: Finish with a gua sha massage to help your serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively overnight.
To go the extra mile, consider incorporating weekly exfoliation with a gentle device like the PMD Microderm. It smooths away dead skin cells, helping both dry and oily zones stay in balance.
Step 6: Adjust as the Seasons Change
Combination skin isn’t static—it shifts with the weather, stress, and even your diet. In the summer, you might need more oil control in your T-zone, while winter can leave your cheeks craving richer hydration.
Keep a couple of products on rotation:
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A hydrating serum for colder months
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A mattifying treatment for hot, humid days
Lifestyle Tip: Hydration plays a huge role in skin balance. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants can support your routine from the inside out.
Step 7: Consistency is Key
Building the best products for combination skin into your daily routine takes the guesswork out of caring for both oily and dry areas. With the right approach, your skin will stay balanced, clear, and radiant.
Remember, skincare is a journey. Pay attention to how your skin responds, and don’t be afraid to tweak your combination skin routine as needed. If a product feels too heavy for summer or too light for winter, swap it out rather than abandoning your routine.
With a little patience and the right PMD Beauty tools by your side, you’ll master the art of how to balance oily and dry skin in no time. Over time, your skin will reward you with fewer breakouts, smoother texture, and a natural glow that lasts all day.
