A Simple Korean Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

If we were to draw parallels between skin types and Zodiac signs, combination skin would undoubtedly be a Gemini. On the one hand, it presents as oily and shiny with enlarged pores, while on the other, it exhibits dryness and flaking. Occasionally, if the gods favor you, the dry areas may even appear normal.

Balancing two skin personalities on one face can be tricky, as ingredients that control oil may dry out the skin while laying on the moisturizer usually turns your face into an oil slick. Fortunately, we have an effective Korean skincare routine for combination skin to help you achieve a balanced, healthy complexion.

Skincare Rules for Combination Skin

Before we go into the Korean skincare steps for combination skin, let’s establish some fundamental guidelines for selecting and applying products effectively.

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

The first and foremost rule for combination skin is to keep the skin well hydrated. Dehydration triggers an increase in oil production as the skin attempts to compensate for the lack of moisture, and you certainly don’t want that.

To avoid this vicious cycle, you must religiously replenish your skin’s moisture.

2. Lightweight Layers

Adding moisture to the skin may seem counterintuitive, but not when you strategically layer the products in your Korean skincare routine for combination skin.

Look for lightweight, water-based toners, essences, and moisturizers, and steer clear of occlusive creams or lotions. Gel-based textures are your friend as they absorb quickly and get the job done without leaving a greasy residue.

3. Non-Irritating Ingredients

Annoyingly, combination skin is also usually sensitive and prone to irritation. And what does irritated skin do? Produce more oil!

Avoid harsh alcohols, fragrances, and other potentially irritating ingredients that can disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Instead, look for products with calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and Centella.

Now that we’ve laid out the groundwork, let’s discuss a Korean skincare routine for combination skin.

Korean Skincare Steps for Combination Skin

Step 1: Oil Cleanser

Begin your skincare routine with an oil cleanser to make sure that even the most stubborn products are gently lifted away. This step is crucial as oil-based cleansers bind to the oils on your skin, including sebum and pollutants, dissolving them without disrupting your skin's natural moisture barrier.

The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a fantastic choice for the oily parts of your skin. Its deep-cleansing action unclogs pores and reduces their appearance, while natural heartleaf extract has a remarkable soothing effect.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

After emulsifying the oil cleanser with water and rinsing it off, follow with a water-based Korean facial cleanser to wash away any remaining impurities and excess oil. This second step targets sweat, dirt, and any residue from the oil cleanser, ensuring a thorough cleanse.

For this step, we love the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel. It is a gentle, hydrating foaming cleanser containing beta-glucan, which fortifies the skin's moisture barrier.

Step 3: Exfoliator

Regular exfoliation is essential for combination skin as it helps unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and promote cell turnover. This prevents dead skin buildup that can lead to breakouts in oily areas and enhances the absorption of skincare products in drier areas.

However, this step of the Korean skincare routine for combination skin should only be done one to two times a week to avoid irritation. Opt for gentle Korean exfoliators with chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which penetrate deeper into the pores to remove excess oil and debris.

The Cosrx BHA Skin Blackhead Power Liquid is an excellent facial exfoliant. It contains a gentle natural BHA, willow bark water, and oil-controlling niacinamide. It not only exfoliates your pores but also helps even out your skin tone.

Step 4: Toner

This is where we start to layer on the hydration in the Korean skincare steps for combination skin. It is also vital for balancing your skin's pH, which can be disrupted by cleansing, leading to dryness and irritation. A toner helps restore this balance, ensuring your skin is in optimal condition to absorb the products that follow.

Look for Korean toners with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, and more. They attract and retain moisture while keeping things grease-free. The Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner is a perfect example of an ultra-hydrating yet light toner.

Considering you've likely used an exfoliating toner in your exfoliation routine, you can bypass this step and opt for a hydrating essence instead on exfoliating days.

Step 5: Essence/Serum

The next step in your Korean skincare routine for combination skin is dealing with specific concerns. Depending on your skin, these could be anything from dullness to dark spots.

For combination skin, the goal is to keep the oil in check while moisturizing the drier areas. Luckily, plenty of Korean face serums and essences can help with this and provide other benefits. For example, the TikTok-viral Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Serum contains niacinamide, which regulates sebum production and minimizes pores, and vitamin C to address dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Other beneficial ingredients for combination skin include soothing propolis, anti-inflammatory tea tree oil, brightening rice extract, and calming Centella Asiatica and snail mucin.

Step 6: Moisturizer

To moisturize or not to moisturize? Even for oily skin girlies, the answer is always to moisturize! This is the step in which we seal in all the hydration goodness added throughout the entire Korean skincare routine for combination skin.

As we mentioned before, lightweight, gel-based moisturizers are ideal as they provide sufficient moisture without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin. The Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream is perfect for combination skin. It’s gel formula sinks into your skin without leaving a trace while hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration.

When shopping for Korean moisturizers, look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract moisture and help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Step 7: Sunscreen

Of the above Korean skincare steps for combination skin, this is one of the non-negotiables. Regular use of sunscreen keeps your skin supple and youthful while preventing hyperpigmentation and other sun-induced damage.

Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores or add excess oil. The lighter the better if you’re going to be out in the sun for long periods and need to reapply often. The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-fit Sun Serum is a great lightweight and non-greasy choice that also offers hydration and skin-calming benefits.

Sunscreen should be applied as the final step in your morning Korean skincare routine for combination skin.

Optional Step: Sheet Mask

Every now and then, your combination skin will feel a little dry and in need of some extra TLC. Adding a sheet mask to your skincare routine is a great way to give it that extra boost of hydration and nourishment.

Use a sheet mask that addresses your specific skin concerns about one to two times a week for optimal results. The Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is a must-try for its incorporation of galactomyces ferment filtrate and niacinamide, which improve skin texture and reduce pores.

Ready to Start Your Journey To Flawless Skin?

Explore our wide selection of Korean skincare products online at EYURS. We have everything you need to create the perfect Korean skincare routine tailored to your combination skin. Shop now and enjoy free shipping on orders over $40!