7 Steps to the Best Skin Care Routine for Women-of-Color with Combination Skin

How to Care For Your Combination Skin as a Woman-of-Color: A Step-by-step Routine

Women-of-color who have combination skin can find it a bit tricky to manage their skin's oily and dry skin care needs. Finding the right balance between addressing oiliness and providing hydration is key. With a well-designed skincare routine, you can effectively care for your combination skin.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you establish a skincare routine that works for your skin-of-color and your combination skin.

Step 1: Cleansing

Start your skincare routine by cleansing your face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that is suitable for all skin types. Look for a cleanser that is formulated to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance without stripping away essential oils. Massage the cleanser onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Toning

Toning is an important step to rebalance the skin's pH levels and remove any remaining traces of cleanser. Opt for an alcohol-free toner that is gentle and suitable for combination skin. Look for toners that contain ingredients like witch hazel or rosewater, which can help tighten pores and provide a refreshing effect. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face, focusing on the T-zone and any areas prone to oiliness.

Step 3: Exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin regularly helps to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion. For combination skin, choose a gentle exfoliator that is suitable for regular use. Look for exfoliators that contain ingredients like fruit enzymes or gentle acids such as lactic acid. These ingredients can help unclog pores and remove excess oil without over-drying the skin. Use the exfoliator once or twice a week, depending on your skin's tolerance. Gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.

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Step 4: Essence

An essence is a lightweight, hydrating product that helps to rebalance the skin and provide additional moisture. Look for an essence that is suitable for combination skin and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or green tea extract. These ingredients can hydrate dry areas while helping to regulate sebum production in oily areas. Apply a few drops of essence to your palms and gently press it into your skin, patting it in for better absorption.

Step 5: Serum

Serums are concentrated formulas that target specific skin concerns. For combination skin, choose a serum that addresses both oiliness and hydration. Look for serums that contain ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, while hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration. Apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck, gently massaging it in using upward motions.

Step 6: Moisturizer

Moisturizing is essential for combination skin to provide hydration and nourishment. Select a lightweight moisturizer that is suitable for combination skin and won't clog pores. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which help retain moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. Apply the moisturizer to your face and neck using gentle upward strokes. In areas prone to dryness, apply a slightly thicker layer, and in areas prone to oiliness, apply a lighter layer.

Step 7: Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays is crucial, regardless of your skin type. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that is suitable for combination skin. Choose a sunscreen that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free. Apply the sunscreen generously to your face and any exposed areas, and reapply every two hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors.

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The Bottom-Line

So, you have the dreaded combination skin! For some, trying to manage oily skin at the same time as you're dealing with dry skin is a form of torture. You're always either over doing it or under-doing it with your skin care. My advice, follow the 7 steps laid out above. And, you will be ust fine.

And always…Love Your Brown Skin^®.

Please note – for the purpose of Skin Care: We use Black skin, Brown skin, and skin-of-color interchangeably when discussing people-of-color. When we use the term people-of-color, we intend to mean those whose skin tone is not White and who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Mediterranean, Pacific Islander, or of Middle Eastern descent.