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We’ve all been there: a few hours into our day and our skin goes from perfectly healthy-looking and fresh to an oil slick. Oily skin can be impacted by a variety of factors and may come along with some other common skin concerns like acne and clogged pores.


Find skincare products for oily skin designed to combat excess oil and keep your pores clear without drying your skin up and discover skincare tips for oily skin from the expert team at Dr. Dennis Gross.

What Causes Combination Skin?

Much like oily skin types, the excess oil experienced by combination skin types in the t-zone is usually caused by the sebaceous glands in your skin. Sebaceous glands excrete an oily substance called sebum that lubricates the skin and shield the skin from moisture loss. Overactive sebaceous glands can create excess oil which can combine with everyday dirty and grime to clog your pores.
The excess oil in the t-zone is contrasted by drier patches of skin around the rest of the face. Generally, combination skin types are neither too oily nor too dry, but it is important to use skincare products that are made to help your skin be the best it can be.

Build a Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

For balanced skin, a routine filled with products that cater to both the oily and dry parts of your skin is essential.

1260 Reviews

Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
Best for first-time peelers
$92

6659 Reviews

Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel
Best for combination/oily skin
$92

157 Reviews

Alpha Beta® Daily Moisturizer
All Day Dewy, Radiant Skin
$72

353 Reviews

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Renew and replenish aging skin
$77

633 Reviews

Alpha Beta® AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
For Fresh, Clear Skin Daily
$39

180 Reviews

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
Smooth, clear and renew complexion
$76

180 Reviews

All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Oil-free, lightweight sun defense
$42

What Ingredients Should You Use For Combination Skin ?

Salicylic Acid
a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark extract, salicylic acid helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells to keep t-zone pores tight by penetrating through sebum to clean pores out.
Farnesol
a natural, gentler alternative to antibacterial and antimicrobial benzoyl peroxide. Found in rose oil, farnesol is plant-based and is great for breakout prevention

What Ingredients Should You Avoid for Combination Skin?

Now that you know what to look for in skincare products for combination skin, you may want to keep certain ingredients on your radar to avoid. Some ingredients commonly found in skincare products can make your skin oilier or clog your pores. Ingredients to consider using in moderation if you have combination skin include:

Some Natural Oils

Oils like coconut oil have some skin benefits, but people with oily skin may find that adding an oil to their skincare routine might do more harm than good

Parabens

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare products are always free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Parabens are synthetic ingredients that can irritate the skin, so it is best to avoid them.