Combo Skin Summer Skincare Routine

Writer's note: I apologize for the lack of images! I currently do not have the devices/tools to properly add my own images, but I will update in the future! I hope this post is helpful.

Summer is nearly (basically already) here, and the humidity levels are skyrocketing due to rain and whatnot. I've found a routine that helped me survive the winter, and a slight adjustment made it great for the rainy spring/hot summer!

My skin type:
First off, I have combination skin. I have an oily t-zone (nose, forehead, cheeks, even eyes!) and normal skin elsewhere (the perimeter of my face lol). Usually, I can last around 5-7 hours before I have to wash my face or at least wipe it due to the oil.

According to all the Youtube video's I've watched, the reason for oil is too much cleansing and dehydrated skin. 

Too much cleansing: you're stripping the oils too often or too much of it, thus, your skin overproduces to compensate.
Dehydrated skin: you're not properly moisturizing or drinking water, so your skin produces oil like a shield to protect the inner layer of your skin. However, unless you do something about it, that inner layer stays dry.

Step 1: Cleansing (once or twice a day)
My secret is to wash my face with water. I only use oil + foam cleansers when I wear makeup or once a week to get a really good cleanse. As long as you cleanse once or twice a day, this is fine. Any more than that (especially with cleansers) is overkill.

Oil cleansers break down makeup, dirt, etc. from your face.
Foam cleansers removes the oil cleanser, excess oil, and any other makeup/dirt, etc.

Step 1.5: Exfoliating
Oily skin usually means blackheads, pores, and acne due to dead skin, dirt, oil, etc. that clog your pores. To combat that, gently exfoliating your skin is key.


Cotton pad + toner (once or twice a day): the cotton pad exfoliates, and the toner does whatever it says it will. Exfoliating/chemical toners dig deeper into the skin to remove any toxins and fight off acne. Moisturizing toners add moisture, but still do step 2.
Exfoliating cleanser (once or twice a week): these usually have tiny particles that feel abrasive on your skin. You can buy or DIY these, but always rub your skin gently. You do not want to damage your skin, which can cause it to produce more acne to heal the skin.

Step 2: Toning (once or twice a day)
Find a good moisturizing toner that makes your skin feel plump and soft. This is different from toning with a cotton pad. Moisturizing toners will give you the most needed, unexpected moisture because the summer heat is pulling it all away. When your skin is moisturized from within, the skin will not produce more oil to compensate the lack of moisture.

7 Skin Method: pour a small amount of toner on your hands, and pat it into your skin until the toner is absorbed. Repeat this 7 times (or more/less, depending on you and your skin).

Step 3: Moisturizing with a Serum/Ampoule/Essence (up to you)
Toners prep your skin for this step, the heavy duty stuff. This step depends on your skin's needs. If you need more moisture, buy a moisturizing product. Want to combat aging? Buy a product with those properties. Depending on what kind it is, you can apply the product day and night, or only at night.

Step 4: Moisturizing with a cream/lotion (up to you)
A cream's goal is to create a barrier between your skin and the outside world (or makeup). After doing steps 1, (1.5), 2, and 3, your skin should be clean and moisturized. Now, add a cream on top to lock in all of that skincare goodness!

Note: in my opinion, residue is good because that is the barrier on your skin. However, it sometimes can feel heavy or get sticky during the summer heat.

Creams can range from light to thick, but they're the super, moisturizing beasts. They leave the most residue behind, which can be annoying for oily skin people. Best for dry-normal skin types.
Lotions are runny and absorb quickly, but can also leave a residue behind. It is not as moisturizing as a cream, but that depends on your skin and the product! Can suit all skin types.
Gels usually feel thick in your hands, but absorb so well that you feel almost nothing afterwards. I find gels leave a thin barrier, and the rest of the product is completely absorbed. So moisturize well underneath it! Suitable for normal-oily skin types.

Step 5: Sunscreen! (every day)
This step is for the daytime, and every 2 hours after you first apply it. They say the higher the SPF, the longer the sunscreen lasts. But with the sun constantly in our faces and sweat melting our faces off, it's important to at least re-apply sunscreen 2-3 times a day. Not only does sunscreen protect our skin from the sun's harsh rays, but it also blocks pollutants and dirt from entering our pores.