Is Your Oily Skin Actually Dehydrated Skin?

Is your oily skin actually dehydrated skin?

Have you heard of the hidden skin type dehydrated? It’s not typically listed among the common skin types we hear of like oily, combination, or dry, but it should be. Not understanding this skin type could lead you to mistreat your skin and mistakenly categorize yourself based on your resulting symptoms. That is because dehydrated skin can try to compensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil leading you to believe you actually have oily or combination skin.

So how can you tell the difference between oily skin and dehydrated skin? Oily skin produces an excess of oil (sebum), typically has large pores, and can look shiny or greasy. Dehydrated skin is not necessarily dry skin, but skin that is lacking in water. It feels tight and rough and can look flakey, red, and have a shallow tone. Dehydrated skin often produces an excess of oil, because it is trying to compensate for the lack of moisture. This is why dehydrated skin often leads to oily skin or acne-prone skin.

Identifying your skin type as dehydrated can help to balance oil production and, in turn, eliminate acne breakouts. Here are 5 steps you can take to heal your dehydrated skin.

1. Use a gentle pH balanced cleanser – select a cleanser that uses mild cleansing agents and is pH balanced. While you want to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil you do not want to disturb the skin’s natural moisture barrier. How do you know if a cleanser is gentle enough? Your skin shouldn’t feel tight after washing with the cleanser. Look for an all-natural cleanser that is sulfate-free and pH-balanced to a pH of 4.5 – 6. Don’t forget to immediately apply a toner after cleansing your skin. Waiting to apply your next product will allow much-needed moisture to escape. Try our Clear | Facial Cleanser for Acne Treatment.
   

   Clear Organic Acne Treatment Facial Cleanser – $28.50

2. Use an alcohol-free toner – alcohol is extremely drying. Avoid using it on your face at all costs. There are excellent toners that contain hydrosols (floral waters) with excellent astringent properties that do not dry and irritate the skin. Try our Refine | Acne Treatment Facial Toner.
   

   Refine Organic Acne Treatment Facial Toner – $26.50

3. Avoid harsh acne treatment active ingredients – especially benzoyl peroxide! It is extremely drying and damaging to the skin. Select products that contain salicylic acid and tea tree oil. Both extremely effective in treating acne breakouts without drying or damaging the skin. Try our Anti-Blemish | Cystic Acne & Pimple Spot Treatment.
   

   Anti-Blemish Organic Acne Spot Treatment – $19.50

4. Facial misters are your new best friends – adding hydration back into your skin by simply spritzing with a facial mister is the easiest way to combat dehydrated skin. They allow your skin to get the drink it is desperate for anywhere and anytime. Try carrying one with you at all times and give yourself a spray throughout the day. Try our Matte | Oil Control Setting Spray & Facial Mister.
   

   Matte Organic Facial Mister & Setting Spray – $14.50

5. Drink plenty of water – who drinks enough water? I am sure you didn’t raise your hand. Hydrating from the inside is extremely important but very hard to do with our busy lives. Try carrying a water bottle with you at all times. Perhaps challenge yourself to drink a gallon of water a day. You will see the results in your skin’s tone within the first week.
   

   My go-to water bottles, my 900 mL copper water bottle from Copper H2O and my glass infuser bottle. These are the number of times I refill and drink from these bottles throughout the day to consume a gallon of water.

If your skin fits the description of the dehydrated skin type adjusting your skincare regimen can dramatically improve your skin. Give my 5 steps a try and your thirsty skin will thank you!

Xoxo

– Dr. Mim