Feel like your skin has a mind of its own? That midday shine, those prominent pores, and surprise breakouts that seem to pop up overnight… Plus, the occasional dry patch just to keep things interesting? If this sounds familiar, you likely have oily or combination skin.
Here’s the thing: oily skin types don’t need control—they need balance. They’re resilient, full of potential, and waiting for the right routine to bring out their best.
Let’s dive into a balanced skincare routine designed to boost radiance and keep your complexion feeling fresh, calm, and stable.
Table of Contents
What is oily or combination skin?
Take a look in the mirror—what do you see? Beyond that persistent shine or those visible pores, there’s skin with a unique personality. Understanding the why and how behind oily and combination skin is the first step toward a healthy look and feel.
Oily skin
Oily skin is like a high-powered engine: always active, always working. Its oil glands are in overdrive, leading to a noticeable layer of shine across areas like the forehead, nose, and chin. While this can contribute to an unwanted sheen, some studies suggest oily skin may show fewer signs of photoaging over time.
How to tell if you have oily skin:
- Persistent shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
- Uneven or rough texture in oily areas
- Enlarged pores, particularly on the cheeks and nose
- Prone to breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads
Keep in mind: Oily skin doesn’t need to be “fixed”—it needs support. With the right products, you can achieve balanced, comfortable skin.
Combination skin
Combination skin is all about contrast. Think of it like a landscape with both lush and dry areas. Some spots, especially the T-zone, are oily and shine-prone, while the cheeks or under-eye area can feel dry or tight.
This skin type also has overactive oil glands—but only in certain areas. At the same time, it can include drier zones that need extra hydration to maintain balance.
How to tell if you have combination skin:
- Oiliness in the T-zone
- Dry or tight areas on the cheeks and around the eyes
- Visible pores in oily zones
- May react differently to the same product in different areas
Keep in mind: When cared for properly, combination skin can appear smooth, refreshed, and happily hydrated.
What causes oily or combination skin?
There’s no single cause, but several factors can influence the way your skin behaves:
- Genetics: If oily or combination skin runs in the family, chances are you’ll experience it too.
- Hormones: Life stages like puberty, pregnancy, or hormonal cycles can trigger increased oil production.
- Environment: Hot, humid climates can amplify oiliness, while cold weather can worsen dryness in combination skin.
- Lifestyle: Diet, stress, and even over-washing your face can disrupt the skin’s natural balance.
Reminder: Your skin type isn’t set in stone. While genetics and hormones may make certain skin characteristics more consistent, age, lifestyle, and skincare choices can cause shifts over time.
The ideal skincare routine for oily or combination skin
Here’s a balanced routine built just for you, designed to bring out your skin’s natural glow while keeping both oiliness and dryness in check.
1. Cleanser: start and end the day with balance
AM: Start your morning with Essential Purifier, a gentle yet effective foaming cleanser that sweeps away oil, sweat, and overnight buildup. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized, never tight or dry.
PM: In the evening, switch to Essential Scrub, a daily exfoliating cleanser with olive particles that smooth texture and help minimize the appearance of pores.
Makeup tip: On nights when makeup removal is on the agenda, try double cleansing with Essential Cleansing followed by Essential Scrub for a deep yet gentle cleanse.
Myth buster: Cleansing more often won’t get rid of shine—it may actually increase it. Over-washing can lead to dryness, flaking, and your skin overcompensating with its own oils. Stick to twice-daily cleansing for a healthy equilibrium.
2. Eye cream: don’t skip this delicate area
The under-eye area deserves just as much care as the rest—especially in combination skin. A lightweight eye gel can help smooth dehydration lines and moisturize without overwhelming.
When it comes to Hyaluronic Eyes, place it in the fridge 15 minutes before use for an extra-cooling boost. Apply a rice-sized amount and gently tap into skin.
3. Serum: hydration is still essential
Yes, even oily skin needs hydration. In fact, skipping this step can backfire—when your skin lacks moisture, it may produce even more oil to compensate.
Reach for Hyaluronic Concentrate, a water-gel serum that deeply hydrates with a combination of hyaluronic acids, skin-plumping peptides, and lentil extract. It delivers a smooth, satin finish that blurs the look of pores.
Find out more about your new favorite hydration hero: hyaluronic acid.
4. Moisturizer: lock it all in
A good moisturizer supports the skin’s natural barrier, helps retain hydration, and balances oil production. Look for one that’s both lightweight and mattifying.
Here, Hyaluronic Moisture Oily and Combination Skin is a great choice. It features hyaluronic acid and Matte Complex to hydrate and visibly reduce excess shine.
5. Sunscreen: your daily must-have
No matter the season, sunscreen is essential. It protects your skin from UV rays, which can worsen blemishes and accelerate photoaging.
Go for Fusion Water MAGIC SPF 40, our non-comedogenic sunscreen with a silky finish that won’t leave a greasy residue. For added benefits, this next-generation formula offers hydration and antioxidant support.
Myth buster: The sun won’t “dry out” blemishes—science shows it may actually make things worse. Stick with daily SPF to help your skin stay calm, clear, and protected.
Extra exfoliant: renew and revive
A few nights a week, give your skin a boost with a gentle chemical exfoliant. AHAs like glycolic acid help to refine skin texture, even tone, and encourage turnover—without overwhelming oily or combination skin.
Glicoisdin 15 Moderate gently exfoliates while soothing with aloe vera. Start with one or two nights per week and always follow up with sunscreen the next morning.
Last but not least
You’ve got the perfect routine—now it’s time to love your skin, every day. Behind every visible pore or midday shine is skin that simply wants balance and care. Skin that tells a story, one that’s uniquely yours.
Listen to it, support it, and let it glow.
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
