Dehydrated skin isn’t necessarily overly dry skin. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that occurs when there’s a lack of water in the skin and it feels tight. This can happen to anyone, no matter what your skin type is — people with oily or combination skin, who use harsh products that strip the skin of water, can also experience dehydration. 

Why oily skin can be dehydrated?

Simply put, dehydrated skin (skin condition) lacks water. This is different from dry skin, (skin type), which is defined by a lack of oil. And that’s also how oily skin can be defined as dehydrated as well—it can have plenty of oil, but still lack an adequate amount of water.

How to tell if my skin is dehydrated?

One of the best ways to determine your skin’s hydration levels is to conduct a quick and simple pinch test.

Pinch a small portion of your skin around the cheek area. Hold it for 2-3 seconds and let it go. If you notice any wrinkling and if the skin doesn’t bounce back immediately after you let go, then your skin may be dehydrated. 

Healthy and hydrated skin will snap back into place instantly because the turgor levels and water content are of the desired standard.

Luckily, dehydration isn’t permanent. Keep reading for tips on how you can hydrate your oily, dehydrated skin simply by choosing the right products.

How to fix oily, dehydrated skin?

Here are some hydrating ingredients to look out for in your skincare products:

» Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant with superior hydration qualities. It hydrates the skin by drawing in moisture from the atmosphere and deeper layers of the epidermis.

» Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps minimize enlarged pores, treats hyperpigmentation, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface.

» Ceramides: Rebuild and restore the protective barrier of the skin to retain moisture, improve visible signs of aging, and block environmental damage.

» Urea: It helps to penetrate into the deeper layers of skin and lock in hydration, which stimulates collagen renewal. 

Skincare Routine for oily, dehydrated skin

Keeping your body hydrated with lots of water is always a good place to start. You can start with the old rule of eight glasses of water per day if you don’t drink enough water already.

In terms of topicals, start incorporating products that can help minimize shine, reduce the appearance of pores AND help to prevent breakouts, all while hydrating the skin.

First up…

1. Gentle Cleanser

Unless you’re suffering from severe, all-over acne and excessive oiliness, chances are you do not need to use a cleanser with super-strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and sulfur.  It’s also important to understand that cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare regimen. If your first step is drying, then everything you use afterward must do repair work to fix the damage created from washing with a drying, irritating cleanser.

Products Recommendations:

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides & Glycerin. Buy It: $14; ulta.com
• Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion. Buy It: $24; aveneusa.com
• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Glycerin. Buy It: $9; walmart.com
• La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Buy It: $15, ulta.com

2. Use an exfoliating toner

One of the best ways to almost instantly replenish the hydration in your skin is by using a toner, which because of its liquid composition penetrates deeply and quickly. Salicylic acid (BHA) is the “oil loving” acid, so oily skin types should look for both this and glycolic acid (AHA) in lower concentrations, as they exfoliate the skin, clear your pores, and reduce sebum production.

To ensure the toner you choose won’t be too drying, make sure that, it contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and antioxidants. Any toners that contain ingredients like high concentrations of alcohol or witch hazel or other astringent properties should be avoided.

Products Recommendations:

• OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner. Buy It: $29, sephora.com
• Paula’s Choice Toner with Niacinamide, HA and Ceramides. Buy It: $21; paulaschoice.com

3. Incorporate a hydrating serum

Serums have a smaller molecular structure than moisturizers. This means they can penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients. Look for effective hydrators like hyaluronic acid, plus vitamins A, C, and E.

Hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold 1000x its own water weight—but for it to do that, you need to give it some water to hang onto. Before applying HA, make sure your skin is slightly damp. For a complete guide on how to use hyaluronic acid, click here.

Products Recommendations:

• Ghost Democracy Floodgate Hyaluronic Acid Serum with 4% Niacinamide. Buy It: $34; ghostdemoracy.com
• SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator Replenishing Serum. Buy It: $82; dermstore.com

4. Never forget to moisturize

Fact: Oily skin needs moisture. When you strip your skin’s natural oil away with cleansing and don’t replenish that hydration, your body gets the signal that the skin is drying out and it needs to produce more oil. That’s right, skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin more greasy (and that definitely isn’t the goal, right?).

5. Sun Protection

Since oily, acne-prone skin is so sensitive, it’s even more important to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, meaning it’s specifically designed to not clog your pores. Go for sunscreens with a thinner, gel-like or liquid consistency, rather than heavy-duty creams.

Product Recommendations:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Buy It: $37; ulta.com
• Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55. Buy It: $11; walmart.com

You may also like

• The Ultimate Guide to Non-Comedogenic Oils for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
• Why Ceramides Should Be In Every Dry Skin Routine
• Alcohol in Skin Care — The Good and The Bad

For more on fashion & beauty, follow Major Mag on Instagram and Pinterest.