Unpredictable Epidermis? Try A Moisturiser For Combination Skin

Having combination skin can be confusing and challenging and there’s not much we can do about it; our skin type is genetically determined and actively working on changing it will not work. Surprisingly, according to experts, combination skin is the most common skin type. So don’t feel you’re on this road alone.  

When your skin is either dry or oily, taking care of it can be pretty straightforward but when you’ve got to tackle a bit of both, knowing how to balance the treatment is something you should master.   

Especially when it comes to moisturising your skin, is it actually necessary to apply moisturiser for combination skin? If you’re totally clueless, we’ve reached out to leading dermatologists on the importance of applying moisturiser for combination skin, the ingredients and texture you should be looking for and the best moisturisers for combination skin in the market.  

Before we begin, it is best to determine if you really have a combination skin type. Here are 5 signs you have combination skin.  

Is it recommended to use a moisturiser for combination skin?  

Let’s get it out of the way: regardless of your skin type, dry, oily, normal or combination, you need to moisturise. In fact, you are not exempt from moisture loss due to environmental and external elements. So, to answer your question, “Is moisturiser necessary for combination skin?” the answer is yes. 

“Absolutely! Combination skin is skin that is oily, and dry – this can fluctuate. You want to make sure you are providing your skin with an even playing field to work on,” says US-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Karan Lal.  

The key is tackling the shine in the oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and drier cheeks with gentle and effective formulas that both nourish and hydrate without adding shine.  

Apart from those and helping your skin barrier seal in moisture, moisturisers are also formulated to address specific skin issues, such as helping regulate your overall sebum production, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and soothe sensations of skin discomfort. Pick the one your skin needs.    

What to look for in a moisturiser for combination skin

“Combination skin is usually sensitive and irritated as well as oily or acne prone,” says Darren Casey, M.D. US-based Dermatologist, and member at American Academy of Dermatology.  

Some people with combination skin may also suffer from skin sensitivity, which means they develop stinging, burning or other reactions when they try to put on skin care products.  

Dr Casey says: “We recommend a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and/or ceramides to repair the skin barrier. It also needs to be non-comedogenic to not worsen acne. Interestingly, by repairing the skin barrier, the face may get less oily as the skin stops trying to over fix itself. If it doesn’t work, we can add a gentle retinoid to control the oil and acne. The balancing act is the bread and butter of dermatologists. We can’t strip the epidermis of these elements.”  

The best moisturisers for combination skin to look out for

It might seem like an achievable feat but finding the best moisturisers for combination skin doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems.  

When it comes to texture, it depends on your personal preference. So, if you want a thicker consistency, just make sure to choose something that won’t leave an icky feel on your skin, but if you want something thinner, then choose a lightweight gel or water-based formula.  

Dr Lal’s advice: “You want to look for a moisturiser that is a gel, gel cream or lotion. These have a high-water content and may have alcohol. The high-water content aids in the hydration of the skin while the alcohol helps dry the skin out and prevents excessive oiliness. Try to avoid ingredients that can clog your pores. These include olive oil, coconut oil, lanolin, isopropyl myristate, and myristic acid.”  

1. Hydra-Essential Cooling Gel, £38

People with combination skin usually tend to lean towards gel rather than a cream moisturiser, so opting for something like the Hydra-Essential Cooling Gel, £38 might be best for you.  

This cooling gel moisturiser leaves a refreshing and cooling sensation that melts easily onto the skin. It also has a non-greasy feel that nourishes and hydrates the skin sans the shine. In addition, it contains organic medicinal kalanchoe extract, which restores the skin’s capacity to retain water and boost its production of hyaluronic acid. Apply morning and/or evening to the face and neck. 

Beauty Daily Pro Tip:  

You can boost your skin’s nutrition by adding a few drops of  Lotus Face Treatment Oil, £37 to your preferred moisturiser.  

This doubles as a natural astringent for combination skin. It contains an aromatic blend of essential oils: lotus, rosemary, and geranium. The hazelnut oil is rich in omega 9 and vitamin E; it helps to visibly soften, soothe, and seal in moisture and calm oil production.  

If you’re uneasy with the idea of applying oil to your already greasy T-zone, Charlotte McHale debunks the myth that people with oily or combination skin should not use oils: “The extracts in the Lotus Oil are very good at mimicking the structure of the sebum.”  

So, instead of stripping the skin with something that ‘dries it out’ McHale recommends: “Combatting the excess oil production so the oil glands will not overreact and overcompensate – applying Lotus Oil does a very good job at calming the oil production down.”  

2. Multi-Active Night Cream – Normal to Combination Skin, £46  

If you are looking for a dedicated night cream to soothe and nourish your combination skin, this Multi-Active Night Cream – Normal to Combination Skin, £46 will do the trick.  

This night cream has golden poppy extract, which revitalises and protects the skin to reduce the signs of lack of sleep. It prevents and visibly corrects the appearance of fine lines while comforting your combo skin.  

3. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser, £9.99 

This lightweight, water-based gel moisturiser is a fantastic addition to your morning and night routine. It is formulated to optimise your skin’s hydration levels without leaving any trace of stickiness or oiliness, necessary for people with combination skin!  

The product is formulated with a special Omega Ceramide Complex, rich in a firming triple threat of omegas 3, 6 and 9, which work together to prevent water loss from skin and boost elasticity. There’s also 5% glycerin, a moisture magnet that pulls hydration to the skin without clogging your pores, plus niacinamide helps to regulate oil production and keep pesky pimples at bay.  

4. NEUTROGENA® Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser, £9.98 

“This product has an elegant texture and is a gel, making it appropriate for combination skin,” Dr Lal recommends.  

It has a fresh-water-like texture infused with Hyaluronic Gel Matrix which helps strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and instantly locks in intense hydration leaving your skin supple, dewy, and glowing all day long.  

5. REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, £40  

This ultra-mild formula has anti-pollution technology, which protects your skin from the potentially harmful effects of pollutants while working hard to calm, strengthen and train your combination skin to become less reactive. A perfect daily moisturiser for those who struggle with redness, extreme dryness, or discomfort. It has a non-greasy formula, but intensely nourishing cream replenishes lost moisture.  

6. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturiser SPF 30, £27.28  

This multi-action moisturiser has clinically proven ability to absorb sebum and significantly reduce unwanted shine. It also boosts your skin’s hydration, plus protects your skin from the harmful UVs. 

“This is great for acne-prone skin. It has silica, dimethicone, and the appropriate amount of sunscreen for the face,” Dr Lal says.  

7. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion With SPF 50, £14.99  

“I recommend CeraVe AM in the morning since it has sunscreen and moisturiser in one. It is formulated for acne-prone skin. And CeraVe Moisturising Lotion Daily Face and Body Moisturiser£7.09 in the evening. It has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and no dyes or perfumes. It’s non-comedogenic, non-greasy and can go under the eyes in the evening.” 

Want to know How To Expertly Care For Blemish-Prone Skin? We asked the experts.