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Skin guide / Combination skin

Breakouts on combination skin

Treat the T-zone, not the face: a clay mask or salicylic acid down the center, a plain moisturizer on the cheeks. Blanket acne products dry out the cheeks and the nose keeps shining.

What breakouts is

A breakout is a pore blocked by dead cells and oil, with or without bacteria and inflammation. Over-the-counter acne products in the US are regulated as drugs and carry a Drug Facts panel: the FDA monograph allows salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur at set strengths. Cosmetics around them (cleansers, light moisturizers, clay masks, non-comedogenic sunscreen) keep the rest of the routine from undoing the treatment.

What combination skin wants

A light lotion all over, with a richer cream on the cheeks if they need it; multi-mask (clay on the T-zone, a hydrating mask on the cheeks). A gentle gel cleanser suits both halves.

Cleanser: a gentle gel or cream-gel cleanser. Go easy on: Treating the whole face for the oiliest part; one product rarely fits both zones.

Look for on the label

Salicylic acidan oil-soluble acid that gets into the pore; an OTC drug ingredient in the US at 0.5 to 2 percentBenzoyl peroxidean OTC drug ingredient; bleaches towels and pillowcasesNiacinamidea vitamin B3 form used in cosmetics for oil and toneKaolin clayabsorbs surface oil in masksZinc oxidea mineral sunscreen filter that oily skin tends to tolerateAzelaic acida cosmetic acid at low strengths, a prescription at 15 to 20 percent

Go easy on, for breakouts: Scrubbing (it spreads inflammation), coconut oil and heavy butters on the face, more than one active at a time, and squeezing.

Morning

  1. Gel cleanser
  2. Niacinamide or other light serum
  3. Light moisturizer
  4. Non-comedogenic sunscreen

Evening

  1. Gel cleanser
  2. Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (one, as the label directs)
  3. Light moisturizer

Thinnest to thickest, water-based before oil-based, sunscreen last in the morning and first off at night. Add one new product at a time and give it two weeks. The routine tool orders whatever you own.

On the site for breakouts

All →

Tagged from the maker's own description; cleansers, masks and exfoliants, toners and mists, moisturizers first. Read each label against the list above.

Green Clay Facial Cleanser with Vitamin CMade in the USA
Face and hair · Cleansers
Green Clay Facial Cleanser with Vitamin C
Gentle daily cleanser with green clay and vitamin C
$44
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Acne Hydroxy Face Mask With Plant IngredientsMade in the USA
Face and hair · Masks and exfoliants
Acne Hydroxy Face Mask With Plant Ingredients
Hydroxy acid mask for breakouts and dull skin
$22
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Nighttime Exfoliating Face Wash With HerbsMade in the USA
Face and hair · Cleansers
Nighttime Exfoliating Face Wash With Herbs
Ground herb face wash for nighttime cleansing
$19
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Sensitive Acne Morning Face WashMade in the USA
Face and hair · Cleansers
Sensitive Acne Morning Face Wash
Mild morning cleanser for sensitive, acne-prone skin
$20
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Herbal Exfoliating Face Wash With BotanicalsMade in the USA
Face and hair · Cleansers
Herbal Exfoliating Face Wash With Botanicals
Fresh herb face wash with turmeric and tea tree
$19
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Sensitive Acne Nighttime Face WashMade in the USA
Face and hair · Cleansers
Sensitive Acne Nighttime Face Wash
Gentle nighttime face wash for sensitive, acne-prone skin
$19
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Acne Control Herbal Serum for BreakoutsMade in the USA
Face and hair · Serums and oils
Acne Control Herbal Serum for Breakouts
Herbal serum aimed at reducing the look of breakouts
$61
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7
Plumping Line and Pore Refining SerumMade in the USA
Face and hair · Makeup
Plumping Line and Pore Refining Serum
Smooths texture and visibly minimizes the look of pores
$64
Ships in 2 days · arrives in 3–7

Breakouts on other skin types

DryOilyNormalSensitive

Dew & Balm describes ingredients and label categories from the public record (FDA OTC monographs, the EU CosIng database, PubMed) and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. A concern that persists, hurts, bleeds or spreads is for a dermatologist, and anything on prescription is between you and yours.