Having combination skin can be a pain in so many ways. Some days, your skin decides to be oily, others dry, or sometimes, it's both on the same day. Ugh. Luckily, though, if you have combination skin, there's an array of serums out there that can help. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, says that (funnily enough) the best way to treat combo skin is by combining a variety of active ingredients. Not sure where to start? Fear not—Shirazi gave us a cheat sheet that you'll want to take a look at below.
How to Shop for Serums for Combination Skin
"Some of my personal favorite combinations are retinol with bakuchiol or niacinamide and hyaluronic acid with vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid," says Shirazi. "[I also like] copper peptides with niacinamide or azelaic acid with arbutin and hyaluronic acid." All of these ingredients help address multiple concerns from acne and discoloration to fine lines, dehydration, and uneven texture. Shirazi also has a few tips on what to look for and avoid in a serum if you have combination skin.
"Synthetic fragrances are sensitizing to the skin. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, along with polyethylene glycol are irritating and should be avoided. A class of ingredients called ethanolamines commonly listed as monoethanolamine (MEA) or diethanolamine (DEA) are known allergens and can lead to skin reactions. I also don't favor single ingredient serums such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide on their own in a single serum as these ingredients are best formulated with other actives and not stand-alone products. So many products already use these ingredients so it becomes unnecessary and wasteful as a separate step in skincare."
While I totally agree with Shirazi, I also think it's worth noting that if your combination skin has become incredibly dry and sensitive in certain areas, a hyaluronic acid–boosting serum with other hydrating ingredients in it could definitely be helpful. If you're also like me and have experienced skin irritation and extreme sensitivity, a simple hydrating serum might be all your skin can tolerate sometimes—other actives might be too harsh. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, keep scrolling. I've rounded up the best serums for different types of combination skin below.
"Combining a trans-retinol with bakuchiol and licorice root extract in a time release technology minimizes irritation while enhancing skin retinization to boost blood flow to the skin, stimulate and protect collagen and elastin, reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize pores, and brighten skin tone and texture. Clinical studies show similar efficacy and better tolerability the of Lift + Renew serum compared to prescription retin-a." —Shirazi
Combination skin often needs an extra dose of hydration to balance moisture levels. There's no better serum to help do that than this hyaluronic acid and ceramide booster from Paula's Choice. It's lightweight and fast-absorbing so it won't feel too heavy or make oily areas of the skin even oilier.
"This is formulated with 10% pure glycolic acid and renews skin cells, reduces fine lines, and dark spots. It’s lightweight yet hydrating and absorbs quickly. It’s also fragrance-free and readily available and affordable." —Shirazi
Niacinamide is a great ingredient for combination skin because it helps improve the look of large pores, events out skin tone and texture, combats dullness, and provides a healthy dose of hydration. Although niacinamide is really the only active here, you just can't beat the $6 price tag on this one if you're in a pinch and on a budget.
"Azelaic acid is one of the most underrated skincare ingredients as it has so many benefits yet it’s very gentle on the skin. A natural occurring acid, it has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties making it a very effective treatment for acne and rosacea. It reduces hyperpigmentation, gets along well with other skincare ingredients, and gently exfoliates the skin. Azelaic 10 is also formulated with arbutin to enhance its brighting effects and hyaluronic acid." —Shirazi
Although this has more of a cream texture, it's a great wallet-friendly option with azelaic acid that helps improve dullness, texture, and acne. It's great for combination skin because it does all this without drying you out.
"This is formulated with multiple beneficial natural ingredients including bilberry extract and sugar cane which are natural AHAs with hydrating properties. It also has arbutin and mushroom extract to help brighten your overall complexion, and white willow bark to exfoliate and deep cleanse pores as it's a natural BHA." —Shirazi
If you have combination skin and you're also looking to improve fine lines and acne, give this serum from Naturium a try. Zinc helps balance sebum production in oily areas while niacinamide hydrates and improves the look of fine lines and texture.
With vitamin C, E, hyaluronic acid, and ferulic acid, this serum provides potent antioxidant protection and long-lasting hydration to keep skin balanced throughout the day.
Combination skin that's also sensitive will love this 10% vitamin C serum from La Roche-Posay. In addition to providing antioxidant protection, it also has salicylic acid to help clear up blemishes, exfoliate, and smooth skin texture. Soothing thermal spring water in the formula also provides soothing hydration that can help calm redness.
"This is a smart comprehensive serum designed to improve the quality of the skin. It has a patented formula with a concentration of defensin molecules shown clinically to reactivate sleepy skin cells and regenerate fresh new cells to improve skin tone and texture." —Shirazi
If having combination skin is due to weakened barrier function (like me), this serum is for you. It contains key ceramides and antioxidant-rich avocado to deeply moisturize and reduce redness and irritation caused by a weakened barrier and dehydration.
This hydrating, plumping serum from FaceGym contains both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, it has a bio-lifting complex to support skin's natural barrier along with marine bioferments which also add strength and hydration to the surface, leaving it more balanced.
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