Combination Skin Care Routine: 7 Steps for Balanced, Clear Skin

We get it, having combination skin isn’t the easiest to navigate. Knowing what products to use and when to use them can be difficult - but this doesn’t always have to be the case. 

Typically, combination skin can be characterized as having dry skin on the cheeks and oily skin in the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin). Factors such as sebum production and environmental climate can contribute to its severity over time. Signs of combination skin include acne, shiny skin, dry patches and the appearance of larger pores. 

Here’s your Three Ships routine for combination skin:

1. Cleanser 

Cleanse your skin with our Refresh Papaya + Salicylic Acid Cleanser to combat acne growth. Papaya Extract (Carica Fruit Extract) gently exfoliates the epidermis layer of the skin whereas Salicylic Acid (derived from Aspen Bark Extract) clears away pore-clogging oil. Though this cleanser is tough on dirt and breakouts, it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.

2. Mask 

If you’re looking for a product that will draw out dirt and oil from the skin, our Detox Green Tea Antioxidant Clay Mask is just for you! Its use of Kaolin Clay makes it the perfect foundation for a mask that deeply cleanses while removing impurities. Tip: Use Detox as a spot treatment for those pesky breakouts!

3. Toner 

Balance and prep your skin with our Fresh Start Lime Pearl + Prickly Pear 5% PHA Resurfacing Treatment. Its gentle PHA formula sweeps away dead skin cells and unclogs pores without stripping the skin — ideal for combination skin that needs light exfoliation without irritation.  

4. Water-based Serum 

Bakuchiol and Calendula are great for reducing blemishes, soothing irritated skin, and stimulating collagen production. These two active ingredients can be found in our Skin Hero Bakuchiol + Calendula Serum - a multi-talented serum that targets acne, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, and evens skin tone. 

5. Moisturizer 

Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Day Cream is packed with active ingredients that both hydrate and protect the skin. Squalane derived from sugar cane quenches parched skin without leaving an oily appearance. Light-weight and fast-absorbing, this best-seller is great for all skin types, including those with combination skin!

6. Oil Serum / Facial Oil

As the last step in this routine, our Glow 49% Jojoba Oil Serum minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces excess oil. Vitamin E and Camellia Oil (Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil) provide extra hydration to seal in moisture while leaving a dewy finish.

7. Sunscreen

Never skip SPF — especially for combination skin. UV exposure worsens both oily and dry areas over time, accelerating dark spots and dehydration. Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic SPF 30 or higher every morning as the final step in your routine.

Supporting Combination Skin From Within

Your skincare routine is only half the equation. Here's how to support combination skin from the inside out:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water daily helps keep dry areas balanced and reduces excess oil production in the T-zone.

Eat for Your Skin

Load up on Omega fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed. These help maintain the skin's lipid barrier, keeping dry patches nourished and oil production in check. Fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, and miso also support gut health, which is closely linked to skin balance.

Manage Stress

Hormonal fluctuations triggered by stress can worsen both the oily and dry aspects of combination skin. Consistent sleep, exercise, and stress management all contribute to a more balanced complexion over time.

Not sure if this is the routine for you? Take our Skin Quiz to see what products work best for you and your skin type! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to DM us on social, or email us at hello@threeshipsbeauty.com. 

If you enjoyed reading this article, maybe you’ll like Refresh Papaya + Salicylic Acid Cleanser Wins Chatelaine’s Beauty Award for ‘Best Cleanser for Oily Skin’ and Dehydrated vs. Dry Skin: How to Tell The Difference.