Balancing Oily and Dehydrated Skin: Your Essential Skincare Guide

How can oily or combination skin be dehydrated? As paradoxical as it may seem, it’s a reality for many. While trying to treat the oily or combination skin, many people end up dehydrating it, leading to a vicious cycle of sebum (oil) overproduction. How do you treat dehydration in oily or combination skin, and what skincare routine should you follow? Thanks to the latest technological breakthroughs, you can harness the power of olive trees and hydroxytyrosol to hydrate and rebalance your oily or combination skin. 

What Is Oily Skin?

Oily skin results from an overproduction of sebum, the natural oil that our skin produces to stay hydrated. Sebum is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, but its overproduction can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and a greasy shine. People with oily skin often notice that their face feels oily within a few hours of washing, and they may have enlarged pores.

How do you know if you have oily skin? If your skin is shiny or you frequently experience breakouts, you likely have oily skin. Another telltale sign is makeup that seems to “slip” off your face or break down throughout the day. 

Genetics play a large role in your sebum production—if your parents have oily skin, there’s a good chance you will too. Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy can trigger an increase in oil production. Environmental and lifestyle factors play a role, and a damaged skin barrier can contribute as well. 

Men tend to have oilier skin than women because they have larger and more active sebaceous glands that produce more sebum. Men’s skin is generally thicker than women’s, which can also contribute to oily skin. 

What Is Oily and Dehydrated Skin? 

Oily and dehydrated skin might seem like a contradiction, but it’s a common issue. Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. This means you can have plenty of sebum on the surface but still feel tightness, sensitivity, or irritation—signs of dehydration. If your skin looks oily but feels dry, it’s likely dehydrated.

Dehydrated skin can appear dull, and you might notice fine lines that weren’t there before. It can feel tight or uncomfortable, especially after cleansing, and you might see flaky patches or experience itchiness. Another sign of dehydration is skin sensitivity—your usual skincare products might suddenly irritate your skin or cause redness. 

Any skin type can be dehydrated. Dehydration is a skin condition, not a skin type. Dehydrated skin can be easily mistaken for oily skin because when the skin is dehydrated, it tends to produce more oil to compensate, creating a vicious cycle. Those with acne-prone or oily skin are more likely to suffer from dehydration, as they tend to use harsher products to control sebum production, stripping the skin of moisture. 

Common Mistakes in Caring for Oily Dehydrated Skin

One of the mistakes people with oily skin make is over-cleansing or using harsh products that strip the skin of its natural oils. While it might feel satisfying to get rid of that excess oil or see skin get visibly drier, the effect is often temporary and counterproductive. Harsh products can damage the natural skin barrier, causing it to lose moisture and become dehydrated. In response, your skin ramps up oil production to protect itself, leading to even oilier skin. 

Some people stop cleansing or skip moisturizer, thinking this will help restore their skin’s balance. Not cleansing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Not moisturizing already dehydrated skin can worsen dehydration, as the skin needs moisture to repair and maintain a healthy barrier. 

Hydration Is the Solution 

It may sound counterintuitive, but hydration is the solution for oily and dehydrated skin. Rather than trying to strip your skin of oil, the focus should be on restoring its balance by hydrating it properly. This approach helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce oil production over time, and prevent breakouts. 

When it comes to hydrating oily skin, it’s all about finding the right balance. You want products that provide moisture without adding excess oil or clogging your pores. Dermatologists advise choosing skincare products that are oil-free, alcohol-free, and water-based. Heavy oils like mineral oil, coconut oil, and lanolin can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, while products containing alcohol can dry out your skin, leading to more oil production. 

Skincare ingredients to embrace:  

• Humectants: These are ingredients that draw water into the skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two of the most effective humectants. They hydrate the skin without making it oily.
• Provitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Niacinamide is excellent for balancing oil production, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the skin barrier.

For example, Beauty Thinkers Hydrator 2 Dry Touch works to attract water to your skin while moisturizing it to help reduce water loss. Water-drawing humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid work in synergy with our exclusive Enzymatic EVOO, rich in antioxidative hydroxytyrosol for skin, moisturizing provitamin B5 (panthenol), and vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to help rebalance excess sebum and brighten skin tone. 

Skincare Routine for Oily and Dehydrated Skin

Achieving balance is key when it comes to managing oily and dehydrated skin. By focusing on hydration, using the right ingredients, and following a consistent skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, clear, and radiant. The goal is not to eliminate oil entirely but to achieve a balanced complexion that feels comfortable and looks its best. We recommend following the minimalist, effective skincare routine below twice a day:

1. Cleanse 

Start with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. Cleansing twice a day is enough. 

2. Tone and Hydrate 

Hydrate with AQVAM SPA Hydrating Mist to replenish moisture after cleansing. It contains moisturizing provitamin B5 and humectant glycerin to lock in moisture and is infused with Italian Estratto di Olivo (olive oil extract), rich in hydroxytyrosol, a potent olive antioxidant. Hydroxytyrosol benefits for skin include neutralizing free radicals, calming inflammation, improving elasticity and tone, and brightening. 

3. Rebalance and Moisturize 

Hydrate without a trace of oiliness with our Hydrator 2, designed for dehydrated oily or combination skin, as well as to rebalance male skin after shaving. It is an ultra-light, fast-absorbing lotion that hydrates while reducing shine. 

4. Protect 

Never skip sunscreen, even if you have oily skin. Protect with UVA UVB SPF30 Mineral Filter by Beauty Thinkers. Use Beauty Thinkers DOPO SOLE After Sun Restore for after sun care. 

5. Exfoliate Weekly 

Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells that might be clogging your pores. Choose a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid, which can penetrate oily skin and keep pores clear.

Final Thoughts

Rehydrating your skin is not an overnight process. Consistency is key. Stick with your hydrating routine and avoid the temptation to reach for harsh, oil-stripping products.

Your skin should start to feel softer and more supple as hydration improves. You should notice a reduction in oiliness and fewer breakouts. Your complexion should become more even and radiant. 

If you’re struggling with oily and dehydrated skin, consulting a dermatologist is always a good idea. They can help you create a personalized skincare plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.