Winter can be challenging for combination skin. Sometimes, your skin sends mixed signals—maybe it feels dry but is also breaking out, or it's oily in the T-zone while flaking elsewhere. The cold, dry air outside and the warm, cozy indoors can make things even more confusing!
But don’t worry—we’re here to help! Keeping combination skin nourished and balanced requires adjusting your routine with products and techniques designed just for you. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes combination skin unique and guide you through a simple, effective winter skincare routine to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
What Causes Combination Skin?
Combination skin is that tricky skin type where you get both the best and the trickiest! It's when some areas of your face are oily (like your T-zone: forehead, nose, and chin), while others, like your cheeks, are dry or normal. The key to managing combination skin is understanding what's causing it so you can craft a routine that keeps every part of your face happy and healthy.
Key Causes of Combination Skin:
- Genetics: If combination skin runs in the family, there’s a good chance you’ll experience it too. According to research from the Journal of Dermatology, genetics influence how much oil (or sebum) your skin produces, especially in different areas of your face, leading to combination skin!
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones, especially androgens, play a huge role in oil production. During puberty, pregnancy or menstruation your hormone levels fluctuate, causing excess oil production, which can make certain parts of your face oilier. Studies show that androgens stimulate those oil-producing (sebaceous) glands in the T-zone, adding to the challenges of combination skin.
- Environmental Factors: When the seasons change, so does your skin. Cold winter air and warm, cozy, indoors are tough on combination skin. The dry air can strip moisture from already-dry areas, while the T-zone can still produce oil as a protective mechanism. This seasonal shift often throws combination skin out of balance, with dry patches and an oily T-zone battling for attention.
- Use of Inappropriate Products: The products you use can make or break your routine. Heavy creams may feel great on dry areas but can clog pores in the oily zones. Meanwhile, harsh cleansers may strip away natural oil, leaving drier areas flaky and irritated. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that keeps your skin balanced.
Step-by-Step Winter Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you manage combination skin during the winter months.
Step 1: Cleanse (AM & PM)
Cleansing is a must to clear away impurities, dirt, and excess oil. But in winter, finding a cleanser that hydrates without over-stripping is key. For combination skin, you want something that leaves the dry zones comfortable and the oily T-zone refreshed.
How to Do It:
- AM Cleanser: Start your morning with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser infused with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid like Dot & Key’s Barrier Repair Hydrating Face Wash. This will gently cleanse the overnight build-up & help keep your skin balanced, giving you a fresh yet hydrating after-feel.
- PM Cleanser: In the evening, your skin needs a little extra love after a long day exposed to makeup, oil, and environmental impurities. This is where double cleansing comes to the rescue! A two-step cleanse gives you that deep-down clean without over-drying your skin.
How to Double Cleanse:
- Step 1: Begin with a cleansing balm like Dot & Key’s Strawberry Dew Cleansing Balm to melt away stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and any impurities. This first cleanse softens the skin without disrupting your moisture balance.
- Step 2: Follow Up with a Hydrating Cleanser crafted for combination skin that gently cleanses away excess oil & dirt & every last trace of makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
Pro Tip: Avoid cleansers with harsh surfactants, as they can aggravate the dry parts of your face while stimulating more oil production in the oily areas.
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Step 2: Exfoliation (PM: 1-2 times a week)
Exfoliation is the secret to keeping skin smooth, clear, and free from dry patches. For combination skin, the key is to exfoliate just enough to lift dead skin cells and unclog pores without overdoing it on dry areas. Chemical exfoliants with AHAs like glycolic acid are your best friend here—they’re effective but gentle.
How to Do It:
- After cleansing at night, use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week. Focus especially on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) to keep pores clear and control oil.
- Avoid over-exfoliating, especially on the drier areas of your face, as it can strip the skin’s natural oils and cause irritation.
Pro Tip: Opt for chemical exfoliants over physical scrubs, which can be too harsh on the delicate areas of combination skin. This approach helps prevent irritation while keeping your skin smooth and balanced!
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Step 3: Toner (AM & PM)
A toner can be a game-changer for combination skin, especially when winter brings extra challenges! Not only does it balance your skin’s pH, but it also picks up any leftover impurities after cleansing. The ideal toner for combination skin is alcohol-free, with a blend of hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients to target all areas like Dot & Key’s Watermelon Glycolic Toner. Look for toners with ingredients like glycolic or watermelon to tighten pores in the oily areas & reduce dullness, and hyaluronic or rice water to hydrate and soothe the dry areas.
How to Do It:
- In the AM: After cleansing, apply toner with a cotton pad or your hands, gently pressing it into your skin. Focus on the T-zone to help keep excess oil in check.
- In the PM: Use toner again after cleansing to prepare your skin for the next steps. It’s a perfect way to hydrate those dry spots and keep pores tight in the oilier areas.
Pro Tip: Stick to alcohol-free toners to avoid stripping your skin, especially during winter when skin is more prone to dryness.
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Step 4: Serum (AM & PM)
Serums are your skincare superheroes, delivering concentrated ingredients to address specific concerns. For winter, a hydrating serum is essential for combination skin—it adds moisture to dry spots without clogging pores in oily areas like Dot & Key’s 12% Barrier Boost Serum. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and niacinamide to control oil and calm any irritation.
How to Do It:
- Your AM Serum: Start your day with a lightweight, hydrating serum to keep your skin plump and dewy all day long. It’s the secret to a fresh, winter glow!
- Your PM Serum: After toning, apply your serum again to repair and hydrate while you sleep. Serums with niacinamide or hyaluronic acid work wonders for balancing dry and oily areas overnight.
Pro Tip: Skip heavy, oil-based serums—they’re more likely to clog pores, especially in your T-zone. Stick with lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas to keep your skin clear and comfortable
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Step 5: Moisturizer (AM & PM)
Moisturizing is essential—even for combination skin—especially in winter when chilly air can leave skin feeling tight and dry. The trick is finding a moisturizer that keeps dry areas happy without making the oily zones greasy. Non-sticky, lightweight moisturizers are perfect for combination skin, providing hydration without clogging pores.
How to Do It:
- In the AM: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that locks in moisture without adding shine. Look for skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or Vitamin C to hydrate and protect.
- In the PM: At night, go for a slightly richer moisturizer infused with essential ceramides & probiotics like Dot & Key’s Barrier Repair Moisturizer to nourish your skin overnight. Make sure it’s non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores and let your skin breathe while you sleep.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip moisturizer, even if your T-zone seems oily. Winter air can dry out your skin, often causing it to produce more oil to compensate—so hydration is key to keeping skin balanced!
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Step 6: Sunscreen (AM)
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, even in winter! The UV rays can still damage your skin, causing premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. For combination skin, a water-light, SPF 50+ sunscreen infused with Vitamin C or Watermelon is perfect. Choose one with broad-spectrum protection that won’t clog pores.
How to Do It:
- After moisturizing in the morning, apply a generous layer of Dot & Key’s SPF 50+ Vitamin C sunscreen to your face and neck. Pay special attention to your T-zone, as it can be prone to oil buildup—look for a non-greasy formula that keeps shine in check.
Pro Tip: Go for a sunscreen that doubles as a mattifier, keeping your T-zone fresh while offering hydration to drier areas. This way, you stay protected and balanced all day long!
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Step 7: Eye Cream (PM)
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. Using an eye cream specifically formulated for sensitive skin can help hydrate and protect this delicate area. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or caffeine to reduce puffiness and soothe the skin.
How to Do It:
- Apply a small amount of eye cream, like Dot & Key’s Retinol Eye Cream, around the eye contour.
- Massage gently with the built-in metal applicator.
- Dab the excess with your fingertips.
- Be careful not to rub or tug at the delicate skin around your eyes.
Pro Tip: Use a light touch! Avoid tugging or stretching the skin to keep this delicate area looking youthful and fresh.
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Step 8: Lip Balm (AM & PM)
Your lips deserve the TLC too! Winter takes a toll on your lips leaving them chapped, dry & flaky! Give your routine a finishing touch with a hydrating lip balm that deeply nourishes and hydrates your lips leaving them smooth & plump. Look for ingredients like ceramides, peptides, shea butter, and avocado oil to restore moisture and repair any dryness or cracks.
How to Do It:
- Apply a generous layer of lip balm, like Dot & Key’s Barrier Repair Hydrating Lip Balm, after completing your skincare routine.
- Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially if you’re spending time in the sun.
Pro Tip: For an ultra-soft pout by morning, try a lip mask like Dot & Keys Vitamin C Lip Plumping Mask with intensive hydration benefits—it works wonders to deeply hydrate your lips while you sleep & fade lip pigmentation to reveal natural lip colour over time!
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FAQs
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What are the signs of combination skin in winter?
Winter can make combination skin tricky to manage. You’ll likely notice dry, flaky patches on your cheeks and jawline, while your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) remains oily. These differences can become more pronounced in the cold, with enlarged pores in the oilier areas.
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How often should I exfoliate combination skin in winter?
Exfoliate once or twice a week during winter to keep combination skin smooth and clear. This helps slough off dead skin cells without drying out your skin. Choose a gentle exfoliator and always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and maintain balance.
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Can I use the same products for combination skin in both summer and winter?
Not always! Winter calls for more hydration, so you’ll want to swap out your summer products for richer moisturizers to prevent dryness. For summer, lighter, oil-free options usually do the trick. If you love a product, you can still use it in winter—just layer it with a hydrating serum for an extra moisture boost.
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How do I choose the right moisturizer for combination skin in winter?
Look for a moisturizer that hydrates without feeling heavy. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great for locking in moisture, while a lightweight but rich texture will protect your skin from winter’s dryness, especially in the drier areas like your cheeks.
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Is sunscreen necessary for combination skin during winter?
Absolutely! UV rays can still cause damage in winter, even on cloudy days. To protect your skin, choose a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s essential for keeping your skin safe from premature aging and sun damage, no matter the season..
