Unlike dry skin, which is a skin type, dehydration is a skin condition that can affect all skin types, even oily ones. This means signs of oil do not equate to signs of hydration! When the skin is dehydrated (lacking water) it overcompensates by producing more oil.
If your skin appears shiny throughout, you likely have oily skin. If it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you likely have dry skin. If the shine is only in your T-zone, you probably have combination skin. If your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you likely have normal skin.
Gentle cleansers and liquid toners filled with skin-replenishing ingredients are crucial for dehydrated, oily skin (6). Lightweight serums formulated with skin-restoring ingredients and an array of soothing antioxidants can be beneficial as well.
The key with oily skin is to make sure you're hydrating it without adding extra oil from other products. With no moisture at all your skin would become dehydrated and begin to over-compensate by producing more oil. Oily skin is caused by the over-production of sebum from your sebaceous (oil) glands.
With daily skin care, those with oily and dehydrated skin can see results within a few days. Dehydrated skin is treatable and can completely heal, unlike dry skin. However, those with severely dehydrated skin can expect to see results in 1-2 weeks. It may take longer, but even severely dehydrated skin can bounce back.
Dehydrated oily skin can generally feel tight and look dull, but this isn't always the case. Your skin might even slightly wrinkle when you pinch it instead of holding its shape or you might find little dry patches around your brows or nose.
When our skin is dehydrated it can feel tight and itchy but will appear oily. This unfortunate phenomenon occurs because when skin isn't properly moisturized oil glands will start pumping out sebum to protect the skin's barrier. The result is a shiny complexion that still feels parched.
Dehydrated skin means that your skin is lacking water. It can be dry and itchy and perhaps dull looking, too. Your overall tone and complexion may appear uneven, and fine lines are more noticeable. While dehydrated skin can be a nuisance, it's relatively easy to treat with the right lifestyle changes.
Avoid harsh skin care products. This isn't a time for rough exfoliating scrubs or cleansers that strip skin of moisture. Gentle products are best to help your skin look and feel hydrated and moisturized. Skip the use of exfoliating brushes or tools.
There are many reasons for oily skin, including stress, humidity, genetics, and fluctuating hormones.
Androgens are the hormones mostly responsible for oil production, and sometimes they can fluctuate, stimulating an increase in sebum production. This often happens during puberty, just before menstruation, during pregnancy and during menopause.
If you moisturize your skin regularly but still notice lingering dryness, you may want to check your moisturizer for potentially dehydrating ingredients, such as isopropyl alcohol or sulfates. You may get better results with products containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
Vitamin B. Most B vitamins are beneficial for oily skin; however, some specific examples are: B5 (pantothenic acid) partners with CoEnzyme A to help remove excess sebum, unclog your pores and prevent acne.
Oily skin can be caused by a variety of factors like genetics, hormones, stress, diet, and humidity. While sebum is beneficial for our skin, too much of it can lead to skin problems like acne and irritation.
Oily skin happens when your glands produce too much sebum, which can lead to a greasy surface, clogged pores, and acne. Oily skin is perfectly normal. There are several things to keep in mind when caring for oily skin, but most cases can be managed at home with over-the-counter remedies and proper skincare.
While you don't necessarily grow out of oily skin, your skin will indeed produce less sebum as you age. Aging skin loses protein, such as collagen, and the sebaceous glands slow down. This is why many people who have aging skin also have dry skin.
The main cause of an overproduction of sebum is hormonal imbalances, including as a result of puberty and pregnancy. “As well as hormones, heat, exercise and genetics play a part,” says Kate Kerr, acclaimed clinical facialist.
Once you start using the right ingredients and stop using the wrong ones, your skin will go back to normal. Keep in mind though, it takes about two weeks to heal your skin. Be patient and remember it's truly about keeping it simple!
Dry skin occurs when skin doesn't retain sufficient moisture. This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.
Cleansers for dehydrated skin
Your core, gentle daily cleanser for dehydrated skin should be a cream cleanser, an oil cleanser or a balm cleanser or if it is a wash or a foam, we want to make sure it's not skin-stripping and that it actually introduces more hydration to the skin.
Consider Using Nourishing Oils
Aside from olive oil or coconut oil, you can test out other natural oils that are free from irritants, including jojoba, argan, and avocado oils. To use, Shainhouse recommends adding a few tablespoons of the desired oil under running bathwater.