How to Care for Dehydrated Oily Skin: Tips, Products, and Routine

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

0 Shares

Dehydrated oily skin can be a frustrating skin type to deal with. On the one hand, excess oil production leads to breakouts and a shiny complexion. On the other hand, your skin feels tight and looks dull due to a lack of hydration.

In this article, we will dive into the causes and symptoms of dehydrated oily skin and explore effective treatments to restore balance to your skin.

Table of Contents

What is Dehydrated Oily Skin?

Dehydrated oily skin is characterized by excessive oil production and a lack of moisture. The skin can produce excess oil in response to a lack of hydration, leading to a vicious oil cycle and dehydration. This type of skin can be challenging to manage because traditional oily skin products can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dehydration. At the same time, products designed for dehydrated skin can be too heavy and clog pores. The symptoms you would expect to see are:

Oily and shiny complexion
Acne breakouts
Dry and flaky patches
Dull and lifeless appearance
Fine lines and wrinkles
Enlarged pores
Blackheads

The skin may also feel tight, itchy, and uncomfortable. In some cases, it can also develop flakiness and redness, indicating that the skin barrier is damaged and unable to retain moisture.

Causes

Here are the leading causes of your skin type:

Overuse of harsh skincare products: Stripping the skin of its natural oils can lead to the overproduction of oil to compensate for the loss.
Climate and environment: Hot, dry weather and air conditioning can dehydrate the skin and exacerbate oil production.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to overactive oil glands.

Treatment

The key to treating dehydrated oily skin is to balance controlling oil production and replenishing skin hydration. Here are some steps you can take:

Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products: Look for products specifically formulated for oily skin and contains ingredients that hydrate without clogging pores.
Incorporate a hydrating routine: Use a hydrating toner, serum, and moisturizer to replenish skin hydration.
Drink plenty of water: Stay hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid hot showers and baths: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dehydration.
Consult a dermatologist: If you are struggling with dehydrated oily skin, a dermatologist can recommend professional treatments such as chemical peels, micro-needling, and light therapy.

Dehydrated Oily Skin Routine

If you have dehydrated oily skin, it’s essential to establish a consistent skincare routine that focuses on hydration. Here are the steps you should include in your routine:

Cleanser: Look for a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Cleansers containing hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin or aloe vera, can help restore skin hydration.
Toner: A toner can help to restore the skin’s natural pH balance and prepare the skin for the next step in your skincare routine. Look for a toner that contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, to improve the skin’s hydration levels.
Moisturizer: A moisturizer is essential for dehydrated oily skin, as it helps to restore hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for a lightweight moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, is suitable for oily skin, and is non-comedogenic.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is essential for all skin types, as it helps to protect the skin from damaging UV rays. Look for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Products for Dehydrated Oily Skin

Choosing products specifically designed to meet your skin’s needs is essential. Here are some of the best products for it:

Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Toner: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Moisturizer: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum , Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM (PM)
Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen, Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen

It is essential to keep your routine nice and simple to avoid overloading your pores with too many products, as this can lead to overproducing sebum, making the entire treatment process futile.

Korean Skincare for Oily Dehydrated Skin

Korean skincare is known for its innovative and effective products, and it’s an excellent option for those with dehydrated oily skin. They often contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. They are designed to balance oil production and restore hydration to the skin. Some of the best Korean skincare products for oily, dehydrated skin include the Cosrx Hydrium line, the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, and the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence.

Answering common questions

If you still need clarification about your skin and have a few more questions, here are some common answers to questions about dehydrated oily skin.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Dehydrated Oily Skin?

The amount of time it takes to fix dehydrated oily skin can vary depending on the severity of the skin’s condition and the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Generally, it can take several weeks to months to see a significant improvement in your skin’s hydration levels. However, with consistent care, you should see a noticeable difference in your skin’s appearance and hydration levels.

Should You Exfoliate Dehydrated Skin?

Exfoliating dehydrated skin can be beneficial, but it’s essential to choose the right type of exfoliation and to exfoliate gently. Physical exfoliators, such as scrubs, can be too harsh for dehydrated skin and further damage the skin barrier. Chemical exfoliators, such as AHA or BHA, can be gentler on the skin and help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, it’s essential to choose a product with a low concentration of acid and to use it sparingly. Over-exfoliating dehydrated skin can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dehydration.

Should I Drink More Water if I Have Oily Skin?

Drinking plenty of water is essential for skin health, regardless of skin type. However, suppose you have dehydrated oily skin. In that case, drinking water alone may not be enough to hydrate your skin from the inside out. You can also incorporate foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, into your diet to hydrate your skin.

What Does Dehydrated Oily Skin Need?

Dehydrated oily skin needs a skincare routine that balances oil production, restores skin hydration, and repairs the skin barrier. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, and avoid products with harsh ingredients, such as alcohol and fragrances, that can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dehydration.

What is the Fastest Way to Fix Dehydrated Skin?

While there is no one “fastest” way to fix dehydrated skin, there are several steps you can take to improve hydration and restore balance to your skin. Here are a few tips:

Drink plenty of water: As mentioned earlier, staying hydrated is essential for skin health. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Incorporate hydrating ingredients into your skincare routine: Hyaluronic acid is an excellent ingredient for dehydrated skin. You can also look for other ingredients that hydrate the skin, such as glycerin, aloe vera, and ceramides.
Exfoliate Dehydrated Skin: Gently exfoliating your skin can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, allowing your skin to better absorb hydration. Avoid harsh scrubs and opt for gentle, chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids.
Get enough sleep: Getting adequate sleep is essential for skin health, as it allows your skin to repair and rejuvenate. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dehydrated oily skin can be a challenging skin type to manage. Still, with the right approach, it is possible to restore balance and hydration to your skin. By incorporating hydrating ingredients into your skincare routine, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, you can help to improve the appearance and health of your skin.