1. Cleansing:

   • Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
   • Cleansing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, is usually sufficient. If your skin feels oily during the day, you can use a gentle cleanser for a mid-day refresh.

2. Exfoliation:

   • Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Look for a gentle chemical exfoliant containing ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can help control oiliness and improve skin texture.

3. Toning:

   • Use a toner after cleansing to balance your skin's pH levels and remove any remaining impurities. Opt for alcohol-free toners with soothing ingredients like witch hazel or rose water.

4. Moisturizing:

   • Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding excess oil. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and retain moisture, and niacinamide, which can help regulate sebum production.
   • Apply moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and evening, focusing on dry areas while avoiding over-application on oily zones.

5. Sun Protection:

   • Protect your skin from UV damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores.

6. Spot Treatment (Optional):

   • If you have acne or occasional breakouts, spot treat affected areas with a product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria.

7. Hydration (Optional):

   • Incorporate a hydrating serum or lightweight facial oil into your routine, especially if you have dry patches or areas of dehydration. Apply it before moisturizer to lock in moisture and improve skin elasticity.

8. Weekly Mask (Optional):

   • Treat your skin to a weekly mask to address specific concerns such as excess oiliness, dryness, or congestion. Clay masks can help absorb excess oil, while hydrating masks can replenish moisture and soothe irritation.

Remember to patch-test any new products before incorporating them into your routine, and listen to your skin's needs. Adjust your routine as necessary based on changes in your skin, climate, or lifestyle factors. Additionally, consider consulting with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations and advice.

1. Cleansing:

   • Start with a non-ionic surfactant-based cleanser. Look for ingredients like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside, which effectively remove dirt and oil without disrupting the skin barrier.
   • Opt for a pH-balanced cleanser (around pH 5.5) to maintain the skin's natural acid mantle.
   • Massage the cleanser onto damp skin using gentle, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to avoid irritation.

2. Exfoliation:

   • Incorporate a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant into your routine. Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates the pores to dissolve excess sebum and unclog follicles, while glycolic acid (AHA) gently exfoliates the skin's surface.
   • Use exfoliants with a concentration between 1-2% for daily use or 2-3 times per week. Avoid physical exfoliants, as they can be too harsh for combination skin.

3. Toning:

   • Choose a toner containing humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin without adding heaviness. Avoid toners with high alcohol content, as they can strip the skin and exacerbate dryness.
   • Look for toners with soothing ingredients such as chamomile extract or green tea extract to calm inflammation and balance the skin's pH.

4. Moisturizing:

   • Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with a combination of occlusive, humectant, and emollient ingredients.
   • Occlusives like dimethicone or squalane create a protective barrier to lock in moisture, while humectants like sodium hyaluronate attract water molecules to the skin's surface.
   • Emollients like ceramides or linoleic acid smooth and soften the skin, addressing dry patches without clogging pores.

5. Sun Protection:

   • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, regardless of weather conditions. Look for sunscreens labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to prevent pore congestion.
   • Choose sunscreens containing physical filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays without causing irritation.

6. Spot Treatment (Optional):

   • If needed, use spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) or salicylic acid (0.5-2%) to target acne lesions or congested areas. These ingredients help to reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and prevent new breakouts.

7. Hydration (Optional):

   • Incorporate a hydrating serum containing ingredients like sodium PCA or amino acids to replenish moisture levels in the skin. Apply the serum before moisturizer to maximize hydration and improve skin barrier function.

8. Weekly Mask (Optional):

   • Treat your skin to a weekly clay mask containing ingredients like kaolin or bentonite clay to absorb excess oil and impurities from the pores. Alternatively, use a hydrating mask with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides to replenish moisture and soothe dry areas.

Remember to introduce new products gradually to minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, monitor your skin's response to each product and adjust your routine as needed to maintain balance and address specific concerns.