Derm DMs: Is my skin really oily or dehydrated?

There is a common misconception that oily skin equals well-moisturized skin. But, according to our expert consultant, Roberta Moradfor, Certified Aesthetic Nurse and Founder EFFACÈ AestheticsEven if you have oily skin, it may still lack water. “The reality is that oily skin can be a sign that it is in dire need of hydration,” she says. “When skin lacks hydration, meaning water, oily skin can become even more oily due to overproduction of sebum.” To know the signs oily, dehydrated skin. Keep reading.

How is skin dehydrated? 

“Dehydration can happen for a variety of reasons: lifestyle, weather changes, and environmental factors,” says Moradfor. "Essentially, your glands will be trying to make up for the lack of water hydration by producing more oil." Any skin type can become dehydrated, including oily and combination skin.

“Dehydrated skin can be the result of not drinking enough water or fluids, or using irritating or drying products that can rob the skin of moisture,” Skincare.com Expert Consultant and Certified Dermatologist. Dr. Dandy Engelman explained in the previous Article on Skincare.com. 

Signs that you have oily and dehydrated skin

Clear signs of dehydrated skin can be dull, dull skin, dark under-eye circles, fine lines, and wrinkles that look more pronounced than usual, according to Moradfor. “In cases where your skin is producing more sebum than usual, you may experience breakouts and notice more clogged pores and flushing,” she adds. 

Irritated skin, itchy skin and dry patches can also be a sign of oily and dehydrated skin, Moradfor says. "Dry patches can exist on the face even with excess oil." 

Our tips for moisturizing oily skin

The outermost layer of your skin is called the stratum corneum. According to Moradfor, "This is an area that dehydrates when it lacks moisture at the cellular level." Some studies have shown that drinking more water can increase stratum corneum hydration and reduce skin dryness and roughness. 

Proper skin care is also key to minimizing signs of dehydration. “Simply hydrate your skin by applying a product containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid ceramides are known to help retain water on the surface of the skin,” says Moradfor. "Proper cleansing mild cleanser It is vital that the skin does not rub off, after which a good moisturizer containing humectants and emollients should be used. This helps to create a barrier at the surface of the skin to avoid further water loss.”

Moradfor also recommends exfoliating regularly to increase surface cell turnover - you can do this by incorporating retinol into your daily routine. 

Finally, she says, stay away from products containing alcohol, "which can further dry out oily skin, leading to more dehydration."