Dehydrated and Oily skin may sound like a contradiction, but it's a surprisingly common skin concern that arises when your skin's natural oil and moisture levels fall out of balance. When your skin lacks moisture, it compensates by producing more oil. Dehydration can lead to sensitivity, irritation and inflammation. The secret to managing this issue? Lightweight hydration.
Characteristics of Dehydrated and Oily Skin:
Skin feels dry and flaky with a layer of oil on top
Enlarged pores throughout the face
Excessive shine and noticeable oiliness
Frequent clogged pores and breakouts
Causes of Dehydration:
Dehydration can be caused by a range of factors, including skincare routines that inadvertently strip the skin's moisture, such as the use of drying soaps, harsh scrubs, and astringent toners. Products including high amounts of natural or synthetic fragrances including essential oils can also contribute. Environmental exposure, like spending too much time in air-conditioned spaces, and sun damage from neglecting daily sun protection are also culprits.
Here is Lightly Darling's must try skincare routine for if you are struggling with oily and dehydrated skin:
#1 Use a mildly acidic cleanser
Kickstart your skincare routine with a mildly acidic cleanser. This type of cleanser helps maintain your skin's natural pH balance, preventing stripping and over-drying while efficiently removing excess oily and impurities. Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to avoid further upsetting your skin's equilibrium. Here are our recommendations:
Thank You Farmer Cica Cleanser
A pH-balanced gel cleanser infused with dried Centella Asiatica (cica) leaves, offering a gentle cleansing experience that soothes irritated skin while preserving your skins essential moisture balance.
Huxley Cleansing Gel: Be Clean, Be Moist
A mild gel-based foaming cleanser enriched with cactus extract and prickly pear seed oil for moisturising benefits.
#2 Exfoliate once or twice a week
Exfoliation is crucial for dehydrated and oily skin. Exfoliating acids like AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids) help to remove dead, dehydrated skin cells from the surface leaving your skin looking and feeling smoother. If you're struggling with breakouts, which is common with dehydrated and oily skin, incorporate a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) like salicylic acid which helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts Avoid over-exfoliation as it can worsen the skin's irritation. We recommend:
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A mild daily exfoliating toner with both glycolic acid (AHA) and betaine salycilate (BHA) to help smooth and balance the skin while also helping to prevent breakouts.
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
Pre-soaked BHA exfoliating pads that gently and effectively clear the skins pores and prevent breakouts.
#3 Apply lightweight hydration with soothing and nourishing ingredients
After cleansing and exfoliating, it's time to hydrate your skin with soothing and nourishing ingredients. Look for products (hydrating toners or serums) containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which provide essential moisture without weighing your skin down and disrupting your skin's oil production. We recommend:
Mary & May Multi Hyaluronics Serum
A powerful hydrating serum packed with 6 different forms of hyaluronic acid that fills the skin with moisture. The serum's water texture leaves no greasiness and absorbs quickly into the skin.
#4 Lock in hydration with a gel-textured formula
To lock in hydration, apply a second layer of moisture using a gel-textured formula. Gel-based moisturisers are ideal for oily and dehydrated skin as they offer hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, preventing pore-clogging. This step helps form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss throughout the day. We recommend:
Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream
A nutrient-rich gel moisturiser ideal for dehydrated and dull skin. Formulated with vegan tea complex rich in probiotics and antioxidants for a balanced and healthy-looking complexion.
Bonajour Peptide Water Bomb Gel Cream
A lightweight fast-absorbing gel moisturiser formulated specifically for dehydrated and oily skin concerns. The vegan formula contains hyaluronic acid, green tea and various peptides to effectively hydrate and protect the skins moisture barrier.
#5 Don't forget the sun protection
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ and make it the final step of your regimen. For dehydrated and oily skin, opt for a lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic formula. Not only does this step prevent sun damage but it also helps to retain your skins moisture balance. Here are our recommendations:
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream
A lightweight and calming sun cream infused with centella asiatica and designed for sensitive and acne prone skin.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick
A lightweight sun-stick formulated with hyaluronic acid that has an airy finish with no greasiness.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camellia
A matte sun stick designed for oily skin with a non-greasy finish.
References for this information:
1. Shai, A., Maibach, H. I., Baran, R. (2009). Handbook of Cosmetic Skin Care, 2nd ed.
2. Lees, M. (2012). Skin Care Beyond the Basics, 4th ed.
Comments