Have you ever spent a fortune on skincare products only to find they don’t work for your combination skin? You’re not alone. Many of us have been lured by TikTok recommendations without any knowledge of what is in the products.

Combination skin features zones that are both oily and dry on the face. It is commonly oily on the T-zone and dry on the cheeks and has issues such as frequent breakouts.

But with a combination of two different skin types, it is difficult, but it is not impossible to find the right toner or sunscreen. One of the key factors for finding a balance is with proper ingredients.

Toners are a light-weight water based formula that is used after cleansing and before moisturizing. Toners are important in a skincare if you want to have additional support for your skin’s issues.

They act as primer for the following skin care products, removing impurities like bacteria and makeup.

Toners are also used to hydrate and replenish the skin, balance the skin’s pH after cleansing, and amplify the absorption of ingredients of the products.

Purpose: Glycerin is a moisturizing ingredient that seals in the moisture to your skin.

Benefits: According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it can improve skin barrier, prevent skin irritants, and decrease the time to heal wounds.

Purpose: Its purpose is to hydrate your skin without upsetting your oil balance with the greasiness, or causing breakouts.

Benefits: It is more beneficial to parts of the skin that are drier and need that deeper hydration, but it is suitable for oily skin too.

A 2021 study showcased that hyaluronic acid improves skin elasticity and firmness just with HA injections, patients had seen firmness and elasticity in the mouth and outer regions of the eyes (MedEsthetics).

Purpose: Niacinamide is involved in the process of building proteins, sealing moisture, and preventing damage from the environment.

Benefits: Niacinamide has many benefits regarding skin, a few include keeping the firmness in the skin by shaping keratin, reducing inflammation, fine lines, wrinkles, and redness; protecting the skin from sun damage, while also treating hyperpigmentation and acne.

Purpose: Salicylic acid tends to regulate oil production and prevent clogged pores.

Benefits: It benefits more to the oiler parts of the skin and black and whiteheads. It can also penetrate dead skin cells and excess oils that contribute to blemishes. As well as exfoliating the skin and aiding acne in treatment (Healthline).

Regardless of your skin color or whether it’s sunny, you need sunscreen. The electronics you use have light coming from it such as UV and blue light. And the lights in your home are electromagnetic radiation.

I’m telling you this because there are many risks for not wearing sunscreen daily. The risks include sunburn, inflammation, skin discoloration, premature aging, and skin cancer (Mahoneydermatology).

There are two types of SPF, chemical and mineral.

Chemical: Chemical sunscreens are made up of chemicals and they absorb sun rays like a sponge, in order for them to not reach the skin. Chemical sunscreens are transparent but need about twenty minutes before it can be effective (Cleveland Clinic).

Avobenzone

Oxybenzone

Octinoxate

Lightweight and easy to apply

No white cast

Resistant to water or sweat

Mineral: Mineral sunscreens are made up of minerals, and is organic and heavy textured. They reflect the ultraviolet (UV) light by sitting on your skin, a shield from the light. The issue with minerals is that they can leave a white cast and are harder to apply.

Zinc oxide

Titanium dioxide

Better option for sensitive and acne-prone skin

Immediate protection

Regardless of what you choose, it is best to choose one based on your skin type and needs. Both have their pros and cons, but this section focuses on mineral sunscreen and provides guidance on how to choose the right one.

Mineral sunscreen and chemical can both be challenging to find the right ones, but here are some simple tips for your next purchase:

Ingredients: Look for active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is known for being a “skin protector and anti-irritant.” In 2019, the FDA viewed the key components, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as “Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective.” (FDA.gov).

Also look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin to balance moisture in the skin.

Formulation: When looking for sunscreen, look for lightweight and non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores and ensure moisture in the skin. Try to find ones with no fragrances to avoid irritating the skin especially for sensitive skin.

Broad Spectrum: An SPF of 30 and higher is recommended to shield your skin from UVB and UVA rays.

Finish: Choose a matte sunscreen to control shine and to prevent flakiness in dry areas.

Tinted options: Tinted mineral sunscreen can even out skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes (NIH.gov).

You don’t need a complex skincare that consists of retinol, serum, or oils; but you do need at least a cleanser, moisturizer, and a sunscreen. When including toner and SPF into your routine, it’s important to keep in mind the products you have.

Here is a step by step order for your skincare products:

A cleanser gives you a clean start for adding products. It always removes any dirt, bacteria, or oils left on your face. To not irritate the skin, rub in circles around your face.

A toner is used to clean the dirt leftover from the cleanser and better prep for the products.

Toners can be used daily but depends on the products and will take trial and error to get to that spot, but recommended 2–3 times a week (Byrdie).

To apply: Take a cotton ball or pad with the toner and pat it on your face.

A moisturizer is a heavier product and must be used after the light weight products, such as a serum or treatments like acne or hyperpigmentation. (Health).

Moisturizers are formulated to increase hydration in the skin and repair its barrier. In addition, they can hinder absorption of lighter products, by creating a seal on your face (NIH).

This should always be the last product you use no matter what products you have. It offers protection from the sun and daily usage protects against wrinkles and skin cancer.

To apply: Cover your face, ears, and neck, with a nickel size amount (Wiley’s Library).

Wait 15 minutes for chemical sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen is instant

Reapply every 2 hours

Apply moisturizer first to help the sunscreen apply smoothly

Pat it down to avoid streaks and to add coverage

Layer it with dots evenly

Rub the sunscreens with your hands

Allow it to absorb before adding make up or going out

Choosing zinc oxide over titanium dioxide because it’s less likely to leave a white cast (Sole).

Discovering the right products for combination skin involves understanding the needs and selecting products with the proper ingredients for your skin.

Toners with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and or salicylic acid can balance and prepare your skin, while mineral SPF with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provides effective and immediate protection from the sun.

By structuring these products correctly, you can maintain healthy, balanced skin and protect it from damage.

Keep in mind: the right combination of products and consistency are crucial to achieving the best results for healthy skin.