How to Prevent Dehydration in Oily Skin
Our skin, especially on the face, is one of the most intricate parts of our body.
It can produce sweat when we’re hot, appear red when we’re flustered, become bumpy in texture from a reaction to something, or even peel when we’ve spent a little too much time under the sun.
Did you know that the amount of oil that you produce daily comes down to genetics most of the time, and it’s closely linked to your hormones?
This causes some people to have oilier skin than others. When it comes to describing oily skin, we immediately think about skin that looks shiny
from excessive oil production. This is definitely true, but the tricky thing is that oily skin can actually be dehydrated too.
Why does our skin produce oil?
Besides genetics and hormones, the amount of oil your skin produces can also be linked to something as simple as your body from undergoing stress. It’s a vicious cycle: stress can cause your adrenal glands to produce more hormones called cortisol, cortisol can lead to your skin producing less hyaluronic acid (which leads to a lack of moisture) and more sebum, dehydration can lead to your skin producing even more sebum, which can then lead to breakouts.
What’s the difference between hydration and oil?
When your skin is dehydrated, it technically means that it’s lacking in hydration or water, which is totally different to oil or sebum. In the same way, oil can’t replenish your skin with hydration; only water can.
Whether we like it or not, our skin produces sebum via our sebaceous glands all over our skin; it’s an essential function in order to keep our skin healthy and protect us from environmental aggressors.
How does oily skin become dehydrated?
There are so many reasons that can lead to oily skin becoming dehydrated. For starters, extended sun exposure can dry out skin. This can eventually lead to your sebaceous glands producing even more oil to compensate for any moisture lost during your sun-baking session.
Another way oily skin can become dehydrated is exposure to air-conditioning, which is common for people who go to school in a classroom or work in an office that like to pump cold air for circulation.
And of course, one of the leading perpetrators of oily skin that’s dehydrated is if you’re not drinking enough water everyday. Your skin definitely shows signs of dehydration when your body doesn’t get enough water, so always remember to keep a water bottle by your side whenever you’re on the go.
Can my skincare be drying out my oily skin?
Oily skin needs balance in order to *not* produce so much oil. When you use products that are too drying, it triggers a cycle of dehydration that can irritate skin and make chronic oiliness worse. So, pick a cleanser that removes excess oil within stripping skin of essential hydration. This is why it’s extra important to make sure you’re keeping an eye on your skin’s hydration on a daily basis.
How can I treat dehydrated oily skin with skincare?
Soap-free cleansers are a must-have for anyone with oily skin as it can remove grime and makeup and gently unclog your pores without disturbing the pH balance of your skin. Cleansing should also be done when you wake up and before you go to bed. Just stick to cleansing twice a day; any more, and you could be stripping your skin of essential oils.
Another thing you should be doing for your skin is exfoliating two to three times a week, unless advised otherwise by your facial therapist. Regular exfoliation can actually help your skin control oil production and clear out your pores, as well as improve overall skin texture.
An easy way to top up hydration levels through the day is with a toner, they can quickly refresh your skin, address the appearance of oversized pores and reduce shine.
Another way to supercharge your skincare regimen with extra hydration is with a serum. Go with something that’s water based and contains hyaluronic acid or vitamin E; these two ingredients are known to be super nourishing without disturbing your skin’s oil production levels. Your choice of moisturiser should also be carefully considered when rehydrating parched oily skin.
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For more information and guidance on best skincare for your skin type, please feel free to email hello@absoluteskin.com.au or call us on 1300 334 683.
Source: Dermalogica.com