The Complete Guide to Building the Ultimate Skincare Routine for Normal & Combination Skin

A Dermatologist-Approved Approach to Maintaining Healthy, Youthful Skin

If you’ve been blessed with normal or combination skin, you might think your skincare routine should be simple—and you’re partly right. However, having balanced skin doesn’t mean you should neglect it. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to establish a pro-aging, preventative routine that will keep your skin healthy, radiant, and youthful for years to come. Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah have created the ultimate guide to building a comprehensive skincare routine specifically designed for normal and combination skin types.

Understanding Normal and Combination Skin

Before diving into product recommendations, it’s essential to understand what defines normal and combination skin. Normal skin is the Goldilocks of skin types—not too oily, not too dry, but just right. It maintains a healthy balance of moisture, has minimal sensitivity, and typically shows few imperfections. Combination skin shares many of these characteristics but may have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while remaining normal to dry on the cheeks.

The beauty of having this skin type is that you have more flexibility in your product choices. However, this also means you need to be strategic about your selections. You want products that won’t strip your skin or leave it feeling greasy, but rather maintain that perfect equilibrium your skin naturally possesses.

The Cleanse-Treat-Protect Philosophy

The foundation of any effective skincare routine follows a simple three-step framework: cleanse, treat, and protect. This approach ensures that you’re not only removing impurities and makeup but also addressing skin concerns and protecting your skin from environmental damage. For normal skin, this philosophy takes on a particular focus: prevention and maintenance rather than correction.

The goal with normal skin isn’t necessarily to fix problems—it’s to prevent them from developing in the first place. This means maintaining collagen production, keeping your skin’s texture smooth and even, preventing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and protecting against the visible signs of aging. Let’s break down each step of this process.

Step 1: Cleanse – The Foundation of Healthy Skin

Why Choosing the Right Cleanser Matters

For normal skin, the perfect cleanser walks a fine line. You need something effective enough to remove sunscreen, makeup, and the day’s accumulation of dirt and oil, but gentle enough that it won’t disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The wrong cleanser can leave your skin feeling stripped and tight or create a residue that clogs pores and dulls your complexion.

Budget-Friendly Option: CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser

The CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser has become a cult favorite among dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike, and for good reason. This unique formula starts as a cream and transforms into a light foam when mixed with water, providing the best of both worlds.

What makes this cleanser exceptional for normal skin is its balanced formulation. It contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. Ceramides are lipid molecules that make up approximately 50% of the skin’s composition, making them crucial for maintaining skin health and hydration.

The formula also includes hyaluronic acid, a humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, ensuring your skin stays hydrated even after cleansing. Despite its gentle nature, it produces a satisfying lather that makes you feel truly clean without the tight, squeaky sensation that indicates over-stripped skin.

One thing to note: while this cleanser is decent at removing makeup and sunscreen, it’s not quite strong enough for a thorough removal on its own if you’re wearing heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen. In those cases, you might want to incorporate a double-cleanse method, starting with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water.

Premium Option: MD Solar Sciences Washaway Cleanser

For those willing to invest a bit more in their cleansing routine, the MD Solar Sciences Washaway Cleanser offers a luxurious experience with impressive results. This cleanser stands out for its ability to effectively remove sunscreen and makeup while leaving the skin feeling nourished and hydrated—a rare combination in the cleansing world.

The formula is remarkably balanced, providing a soft lather that rinses clean without leaving any residue. What sets this cleanser apart is how your skin feels after use: protected, hydrated, and comfortable, rather than tight or stripped. This post-cleanse feeling is crucial because it indicates that your skin barrier hasn’t been compromised.

The Washaway Cleanser is particularly effective at breaking down sunscreen formulations, making it an excellent choice if you’re diligent about sun protection (which you should be!). It’s gentle enough for daily use, both morning and evening, and works well for those who prefer a single-cleanse routine.

Step 2: Treat – Prevention and Maintenance

The treatment step is where the magic happens in a normal skin routine. Since you’re not dealing with active acne, extreme dryness, or severe sensitivity, you have the luxury of focusing on prevention and long-term skin health. This primarily involves two powerhouse ingredients: retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).

The Retinoid Revolution

If there’s one ingredient that deserves a permanent place in your skincare routine, it’s a retinoid. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that have been extensively studied for decades, with thousands of research papers supporting their efficacy. They work by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, preventing and treating hyperpigmentation, and unclogging pores.

Budget-Friendly Option: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is an exceptional entry point into the world of retinoids. It’s formulated with encapsulated retinol, which allows for a time-released delivery system that minimizes irritation while maximizing effectiveness. This makes it perfect for retinoid beginners or those with slightly sensitive skin.

What makes this product particularly comprehensive is its supporting cast of ingredients. It contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. The addition of licorice root extract provides gentle brightening properties and additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

True to CeraVe’s philosophy, this serum also includes three essential ceramides to support skin barrier function. This is crucial because retinoids can sometimes compromise the skin barrier when you’re first starting out, so having these built-in protective ingredients helps minimize potential irritation.

The formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for even those with occasionally sensitive skin. While it’s marketed as a resurfacing serum, it’s gentle enough for consistent use and provides excellent anti-aging benefits over time.

Premium Option: Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment

For those ready to step up their retinoid game, the Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment delivers a more potent punch. At 1% retinol concentration, this is one of the strongest over-the-counter retinol products available, approaching the efficacy of prescription-strength options.

Beyond its high retinol concentration, this treatment includes THD ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and works synergistically with retinol to boost collagen production. While there are more potent vitamin C derivatives available, THD ascorbate offers a good balance of stability and efficacy.

The formula also contains allantoin, a soothing ingredient derived from the comfrey plant that helps calm potential irritation from the high retinol concentration. Licorice root extract provides additional brightening benefits, while multiple peptide forms support the skin barrier and enhance the anti-aging effects.

This product typically retails for around $62, though it’s frequently on sale for approximately $50. While this is a significant investment, the high concentration means you’re getting more active ingredient per dollar, potentially making it more cost-effective in the long run.

The Gold Standard: Prescription Tretinoin

For those seeking the most effective retinoid available, prescription tretinoin (also known by brand names like Retin-A, Renova, or Refissa) remains the gold standard. Tretinoin is the most studied retinoid on the market, with decades of clinical research supporting its efficacy for anti-aging, acne treatment, and overall skin health.

Unlike over-the-counter retinol, which must be converted by the skin into retinoic acid (the active form), tretinoin is already in its active form, making it significantly more potent and faster-acting. It typically delivers visible results more quickly than retinol products, though it can also be more irritating, especially when you’re first starting out.

To obtain tretinoin, you’ll need a prescription from a dermatologist. This can be done through an in-person visit or via teledermatology services like Curology, Apostrophe, or Nurx, which offer convenient online consultations and custom formulations.

Glycolic Acid: The Underrated Powerhouse

While retinoids deservedly get most of the anti-aging spotlight, glycolic acid is an often-underrated ingredient that can significantly enhance your skincare results. For normal skin, incorporating glycolic acid into your routine a few nights per week, alternating with your retinoid, creates a comprehensive approach to prevention and maintenance.

Why Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It’s the smallest molecule among AHAs, which allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin. At lower concentrations (5-10%), glycolic acid primarily works as an exfoliant, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This results in smoother texture, a brighter complexion, and reduced appearance of fine lines.

At higher concentrations (10-30%), glycolic acid goes beyond surface exfoliation to actually stimulate collagen production in the dermis. It sends signals to fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen) to ramp up production, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity over time.

Glycolic acid is particularly effective for:

• Improving skin texture and smoothness
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines
• Fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Enhancing product absorption
• Boosting radiance and glow
• Stimulating collagen production (at higher concentrations)

The Cycling Strategy

For normal skin, the recommended approach is to cycle your retinoid with glycolic acid rather than using them on the same night. While there’s no chemical incompatibility between these ingredients, using both on the same evening can be irritating for many people, especially when first starting out.

A simple cycling schedule might look like this:

• Monday: Retinoid
• Tuesday: Retinoid
• Wednesday: Retinoid
• Thursday: Glycolic acid
• Friday: Retinoid
• Saturday: Retinoid
• Sunday: Retinoid
• Monday: Glycolic acid

This ensures you’re getting the benefits of both ingredients while minimizing the risk of irritation.

Budget-Friendly Option: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

When it comes to affordable single-ingredient acids, The Ordinary is hard to beat. Their Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution provides an effective concentration of glycolic acid in a simple, no-frills formula. At this concentration, it’s strong enough to deliver real results but gentle enough for most people with normal skin to tolerate well.

The formula also includes amino acids, aloe vera, and ginseng to provide some soothing and hydrating benefits alongside the exfoliation. It’s applied with a cotton pad after cleansing and before other treatments, making it easy to incorporate into your routine.

Mid-Range Option: Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA

The Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA (yes, the name is a mouthful!) offers a more comprehensive approach to AHA exfoliation. It contains 5.25% glycolic acid, making it gentler than The Ordinary’s option but still effective, especially for those new to chemical exfoliation or with slightly sensitive skin.

What makes this product special is its thoughtful formulation. In addition to glycolic acid, it includes kale extract (rich in vitamins and antioxidants), licorice root extract (for brightening), and green tea extract (for antioxidant protection and soothing). The result is an exfoliating treatment that feels gentle and nourishing rather than harsh or stripping.

The texture is pleasant and non-sticky, and it layers well under moisturizer. It’s become a cult favorite in the skincare community for good reason—it delivers results without the irritation often associated with AHAs.

Premium Option: Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum

The Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum represents a more sophisticated approach to incorporating glycolic acid into your routine. While the name emphasizes niacinamide (B3), this serum actually contains a trifecta of powerhouse ingredients: niacinamide, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid.

Niacinamide is an exceptional supporting ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and helps regulate oil production. Its inclusion alongside glycolic acid helps buffer potential irritation while providing additional skin benefits.

Tranexamic acid has emerged as a star ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation and melasma. It works by inhibiting the plasmin pathway, which can trigger melanin production. Some research also suggests it may help with redness and overall skin tone evenness.

The Liftactiv line from Vichy is known for its minimalist, straightforward formulations with thoughtful ingredient combinations. The products are fragrance-free and designed to layer well with other skincare products. While more expensive than the previous options, this serum delivers multiple benefits beyond just glycolic acid exfoliation, potentially reducing the number of products you need in your routine.

All-in-One Option: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

For those with a more generous skincare budget, the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream offers an innovative solution that eliminates the need to cycle between retinoid and glycolic acid nights. This product features a proprietary technology that combines a retinoid with an alpha-hydroxy acid (lactic acid) in a single molecule. When applied to the skin, this molecule breaks down, releasing both the retinoid and the lactic acid.

In addition to this innovative delivery system, the cream also contains glycolic acid, creating a comprehensive anti-aging treatment in a single product. This means you can use the same treatment every night, simplifying your routine while still getting the benefits of both retinoids and AHAs.

The cream is rich and moisturizing, often eliminating the need for an additional moisturizer for many people with normal skin. It’s formulated to minimize irritation despite its potent ingredient combination, though you should still introduce it gradually into your routine.

SkinBetter Science is a physician-dispensed brand, meaning you can’t simply buy it from regular retailers. You need to purchase through a dermatologist’s office or authorized medical spa. This positions it in the higher price range, typically around $100-130 per bottle, but many users find that the convenience and efficacy justify the cost.

Step 3: Protect – Moisturize at Night, Sunscreen During the Day

Night Protection: Moisturizers

At night, protection means maintaining and supporting your skin barrier with a quality moisturizer. For normal skin, you want something substantial enough to provide genuine hydration and barrier support, but not so heavy that you wake up feeling greasy.

Budget Option: elf Holy Hydration Face Cream

The elf Holy Hydration Face Cream has become something of an obsession in the dermatology community, and it’s easy to see why. This drugstore product punches well above its weight class, offering a texture and performance that rivals luxury moisturizers at a fraction of the price.

The formula contains peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that can help stimulate collagen production and support skin barrier function. It also includes various humectants and emollients to provide both immediate hydration and longer-lasting moisture retention.

What really sets this moisturizer apart is its texture. It’s incredibly smooth and silky, absorbing quickly without any sticky or greasy residue. It feels luxurious on the skin—the kind of texture you’d expect from a $80 moisturizer, not an $11 one. For normal skin that doesn’t need heavy-duty moisture but still wants nourishment and support, this is an exceptional choice.

Premium Option: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has achieved true cult status in the skincare world, beloved by everyone from beauty editors to dermatologists to everyday skincare enthusiasts. This cream has been a staple in the Kiehl’s lineup for decades, and it’s stood the test of time for good reason.

The formula contains squalane, a hydrating ingredient that closely mimics the skin’s natural oils. Squalane is an excellent emollient that helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.

One of the most interesting ingredients in this cream is hydroxy palmitoyl sphinganine, a ceramide-like ingredient that has been shown in studies to actually increase the skin’s own ceramide production. Since ceramides are the most important lipid component of the skin barrier, this makes the Ultra Facial Cream particularly effective at supporting long-term skin health.

The cream is fragrance-free and suitable for even sensitive skin, though it’s formulated specifically for normal to dry skin types. It provides substantial hydration without feeling heavy, and it layers beautifully under sunscreen in the morning or over treatments at night.

Day Protection: Sunscreen

During the day, protection means one thing above all: broad-spectrum sunscreen. This is non-negotiable if you want to prevent premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer. For normal skin, you have the luxury of choosing from a wide range of formulations since you don’t need to worry as much about products being too heavy or too drying.

Budget-Friendly Korean Sunscreens

Korean sunscreens have revolutionized the sunscreen game, offering incredibly elegant formulations at remarkably affordable prices. Korean cosmetic regulations allow for UV filters that aren’t yet approved in the United States, resulting in sunscreens that feel more like lightweight moisturizers than traditional sunscreen.

The Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV is a perfect example. This sunscreen has an almost gel-cream texture that absorbs instantly, leaving absolutely no white cast and barely any feeling on the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and is formulated to work beautifully under makeup. Many users report that it actually feels better than most moisturizers, making it easy to apply generously (which is crucial for adequate sun protection).

Another excellent option is the Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen (from their relaunched line after the SPF controversy was addressed). This provides reliable, broad-spectrum protection in a formula that feels incredibly lightweight and skin-like.

Korean sunscreens typically range from $8-20, making them extremely affordable considering their performance. They’re readily available online through retailers like YesStyle, Olive Young, and Amazon.

Mid-Range Option: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

The EltaMD UV Clear has become a dermatologist favorite, recommended for virtually all skin types including acne-prone, oily, and normal skin. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen that uses zinc oxide as its active ingredient, providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

What makes UV Clear special is its inclusion of 5% niacinamide, which provides multiple skin benefits beyond sun protection: reducing inflammation, minimizing pores, fading dark spots, and strengthening the skin barrier. This makes it more than just a sunscreen—it’s an active treatment product that happens to also protect from the sun.

The formula is lightweight and dries to a semi-matte finish, making it excellent for those who don’t want a dewy or glowy finish. It works beautifully under makeup and doesn’t pill or ball up when layered with other products. At around $40 per bottle, it’s more expensive than drugstore options but offers exceptional performance and additional skin benefits.

Premium Tinted Option: EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

For those who want the benefits of a tinted sunscreen—additional protection against visible light, coverage of dark spots and redness, and a perfected complexion—the EltaMD UV Restore Tinted is an excellent choice.

This physical sunscreen contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection. The tint helps counteract the potential white cast from these mineral filters while providing additional protection against high-energy visible (HEV) light, also known as blue light, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones.

The formula includes several antioxidants and restoring ingredients, making it appropriate for aging skin or those focused on prevention. EltaMD has recently expanded their tinted sunscreen range to include multiple shade options, making it easier to find a match for your skin tone. While tinted sunscreens aren’t perfect for everyone, having more options means more people can find a shade that works for them.

The Importance of Finding Your Perfect Sunscreen

Here’s the truth: the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every single day. Sunscreen is the single most important anti-aging product you can use—more important than retinoids, vitamin C, or any other treatment. It prevents 80-90% of visible skin aging, protects against skin cancer, and prevents dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

This means that even if you find a sunscreen that dermatologists don’t love—maybe it has fragrance, or it’s not the most elegant formula—if you’ll actually wear it consistently, it’s better than not wearing sunscreen at all. That said, with the incredible variety of sunscreen formulations available today, there’s truly something for everyone. Don’t settle for a sunscreen you hate. Keep trying different options until you find one that feels good, looks good, and makes you happy to wear it every day.

Bringing It All Together: Your Complete Normal Skin Routine

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam or MD Solar Sciences Washaway)
2. Optional: Moisturizer if your sunscreen isn’t moisturizing enough
3. Sunscreen (Korean sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear, or EltaMD UV Restore Tinted)

Night Routine (Retinoid Nights):

1. Cleanser
2. Retinoid treatment (CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol, Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol, Tretinoin, or SkinBetter Science AlphaRet)
3. Moisturizer (elf Holy Hydration or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream)

Night Routine (Glycolic Acid Nights – skip if using SkinBetter AlphaRet):

1. Cleanser
2. Glycolic acid treatment (The Ordinary, Krave Beauty KLA, or Vichy Liftactiv B3)
3. Moisturizer

Final Thoughts: Consistency and Personalization

The most important aspect of any skincare routine isn’t the specific products you use—it’s consistency. The best routine is one you’ll actually stick with day after day, week after week, month after month. This is how you see real, lasting results.

That said, skincare is incredibly personal. What works beautifully for one person might not work for another, even if they have the same skin type. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products within these categories to find what works best for your unique skin. Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks, and adjust accordingly.

If you have normal skin, you’re in an excellent position to focus on prevention rather than correction. By establishing a solid routine now based on proven ingredients like retinoids, glycolic acid, and daily sunscreen, you’re investing in your skin’s future. Years from now, you’ll be grateful you started this journey today.

Remember, skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with your skin, introduce new products gradually, and give them time to work. Most skincare ingredients need at least 8-12 weeks of consistent use before you’ll see significant results. Trust the process, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey to healthier, more radiant skin.