🧴 Skincare: How to Build a Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type (Oily, Dry, Combo)

No two skins are the same—and that’s exactly why your skincare routine should be personalized. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or a bit of both (combo), creating the right routine can help balance, protect, and glow-up your skin like never before.

In this guide, I’ll break down the perfect skincare steps for each skin type, including product tips, dos and don’ts, and how to spot what’s really working for your skin.

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🔍 First, How Do You Know Your Skin Type?

Try this simple method:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

2. Pat dry, and leave it bare for 30–60 minutes (no product).

3. Check how it feels:

• Oily: Shiny all over, especially T-zone.

• Dry: Feels tight or flaky.

• Combination: Oily T-zone, dry or normal cheeks.

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💦 Skincare Routine for OILY Skin

Goal: Control excess oil, prevent breakouts, keep skin balanced (not stripped).

🔹 Morning

• Cleanser: Gel-based or foaming (salicylic acid or tea tree)

• Toner: Lightweight, alcohol-free (witch hazel or green tea)

• Serum: Niacinamide or zinc-based

• Moisturizer: Oil-free, gel-based (look for “non-comedogenic”)

• SPF: Matte finish sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher

🔹 Evening

• Double cleanse (especially if wearing makeup)

• Exfoliate 2–3x/week with BHA (salicylic acid)

• Clay mask once a week (optional)

• Lightweight serum (e.g., retinol or AHA if acne-prone)

• Moisturizer (same as AM)

Tip: Don’t skip moisturizer! Dehydrated skin overproduces oil.

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🧴 Skincare Routine for DRY Skin

Goal: Deep hydration, repair skin barrier, restore glow.

🔹 Morning

• Cleanser: Creamy or milky cleanser (no foam!)

• Toner: Hydrating toner (rose water, hyaluronic acid)

• Serum: Hyaluronic acid or ceramides

• Moisturizer: Rich cream with shea butter or squalane

• SPF: Hydrating sunscreen (no alcohol)

🔹 Evening

• Gentle cleanser (no stripping)

• Hydrating essence or mist

• Facial oil (argan, rosehip) if extra dry

• Night cream or sleeping mask

Tip: Layer hydration—think “moisture sandwich” (mist → serum → cream → oil).

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😌 Skincare Routine for COMBINATION Skin

Goal: Balance both dry and oily zones, reduce shine without drying cheeks.

🔹 Morning

• Cleanser: Gentle gel or foaming cleanser

• Toner: Balancing (niacinamide or rose water)

• Serum: Niacinamide (great for combo skin!)

• Moisturizer: Light cream or gel-cream

• SPF: Broad spectrum, non-greasy

🔹 Evening

• Double cleanse if needed

• Exfoliate 2x/week (BHA/AHA combo)

• Multi-masking: Clay mask on T-zone, hydrating mask on cheeks

• Night moisturizer with peptides or ceramides

Tip: Mix and match products for different areas of your face.

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🔁 Final Tips for All Skin Types

✅ Patch test new products
✅ Be consistent—give products 4–6 weeks
✅ Drink water, get sleep, and protect your skin from sun & pollution
❌ Avoid harsh scrubs, over-cleansing, and alcohol-heavy products

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📌 Save this post if:

• You’re tired of guessing what your skin needs

• You want a no-fluff, effective routine

• You’re just getting started with skincare