10 Great Moisturizers for Combination Skin, According to a Dermatologist

KNOWING YOUR skin type is the first step in creating a skincare routine that works for you. There are five main types of skin: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Combination skin can be challenging to care for, especially if you're new to skin care. That's because caring for combination skin is something like a balancing act—you have to find products that cater to both oily and dry skin, which can be quite difficult since they're literally polar opposites.

Having combination skin means your skin is not just one type; combination skin can be dry or normal in some areas, but oily in others. Most guys with combination skin have oily skin in their T-zone, which is the forehead, nose, and chin. The best moisturizers for combination skin balance oil production without overly stripping the skin, and hydrates while providing the skin with vital nutrients.

"For those with combination skin, choose a moisturizer that includes glycerin and hyaluronic acid," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria. "These two ingredients will hydrate your skin while minimizing oil production and shine."

Combination skin is complex, but once you find the right product that pleases both the dry and oily parts of your face, it should normalize. With combination skin, less is more. Using too many products at one time may confuse your skin even more, sending your oil glands into overdrive and increasing the amount of dry patches. Choose your products carefully, and try to listen to what your skin is telling you.

"Products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic are good choices because they won’t clog your pores, " says Dr. Geria. "Gel-based formulas are always a great option for combination skin because they’re lightweight.

When it comes to moisturizers, Dr. Geria suggests moisturizing in the morning and evenings. You want to use a moisturizer that's lightweight enough to use in the morning without making you look greasy but also hydrating enough to use in the evenings to help your skin recover overnight.

So, which moisturizers are up to the Goldilocks-type task? With the help of Dr. Geria, we've rounded up a list of the best moisturizers for combination skin that will balance, hydrate, and soothe this complex skin type.

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