How to Take Care of Combination Skin in the Summer

It’s time to celebrate: Summer is in full swing! And along with switching out your wardrobe (denim shorts and strappy sandals, FTW!), you may want to consider changing up your skin care routine as well. Now, if you have combination skin, you’re probably well aware that it can be tricky to take care of this skin type. That’s because you may often find that some areas of your face (like your T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin) tend to be oily, while other areas (like your cheeks) tend to be dry. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Below, find out how to take care of combination skin all summer long, including recommendations for facial cleanser and moisturizer. Follow along! 

COMBINATION SKIN TIP #1: use a gentle cleanser

Determining which facial cleanser you should use on combination skin all comes down to how much time you have to spare. Micellar water is a no-rinse cleansing option—meaning it’s a great pick for traveling since you don’t need to be near a sink to use it. If you have combination skin, look for a micellar water that mattifies, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin. To use, all you have to do is pour some onto a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face. Easy! Now, if you have a bit more time to spare for your cleansing regimen, consider reaching for a clay facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refiner Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. Each of these facial cleansers is formulated to seamlessly transform from clay to mousse and remove all impurities from the surface of your skin.

COMBINATION SKIN TIP #2: REMEMBER TO MOISTURIZE

After cleansing, reach for a lightweight water-based moisturizer for combination skin, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Oily Skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration with a matte finish. Gently smooth it over your face and neck once you’re done cleansing. Make sure to apply it to damp skin, as this can help lock in hydration.

COMBINATION SKIN TIP #3: TAKE SUN PROTECTION MEASURES

Regardless of your skin type, you should make sun protection a priority every day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. But your sun protection routine shouldn’t end there. Additionally, the FDA advises reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating), seeking shade, limiting your amount of time in the sun—especially during 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, which are peak hours—and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat. For combination skin, look for an oil-free sunscreen that’s non-comedogenic.

COMBINATION SKIN TIP #4: GET IN ON THE MULTI-MASKING TREND

Multi-masking involves applying different face masks to different areas of your face at the same time. If you have combination skin and find that different parts of your face have different needs, multi-masking could be a good idea. Choose from our five face masks below. Each one is formulated with three different clays (kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava). To use, apply an even layer of your face mask(s) of choice to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with water. 

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask: Day after day, impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion looking overly oily. This face mask formula is enhanced with eucalyptus leaf extract and can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and reduce the look of excess shine. Use three times a week for best results. 

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask: Over time, harsh environmental factors such as pollution and debris can damage skin, leaving your complexion looking dull. This face mask formula is enhanced with charcoal and can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and pollution and reduce the look of dull skin. Use three times a week for best results. 

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask: Day after day, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, leaving your skin feeling rough. This face mask formula is enhanced with red algae extract and can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and exfoliate dead skin cells. Use three times a week for best results. 

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask: Over time, harsh cleansing can be drying and sensitizing, leaving skin feeling uncomfortable. As a result, skin needs cleansing that is effective yet gentle. This face mask formula is enhanced with seaweed and can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and gently cleanse stressed areas. Use twice a week for best results.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask: Daily wear and tear—from makeup and improper care—can leave skin uneven with roughness and imperfections. Often times in these cases a facial cleanser isn’t enough to solve the problem. This face mask formula is enhanced with yuzu lemon extract and can help address your complexion concerns for smooth, even and resurfaced skin by clarifying tone and improving skin texture.

COMBINATION SKIN TIP #5: Exfoliate regularly

When you have combination skin, exfoliation can be a great way to improve the appearance of your skin. Pick a gentle sugar scrub, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Face Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub. All three face scrubs are formulate with three types of sugar and one unique ingredient to cater to a variety of complexion concerns. Once you make your pick, simply massage the face scrub into your face and rinse with lukewarm water. Voila!

If you want to make sure all your BFFs are set with their summer skin care routine, be sure to point them in the direction of our articles, How to Take Care of Oily Skin in the Summer and How to Take Care of Dry Skin in the Summer.