Oily skin often feels excessively moisturized, but did you know dehydration can also contribute to oily skin?
Signs of Dehydrated Oily Skin
Dehydrated oily skin can be identified by direct observation of the skin’s surface. Specifically, the skin tends to appear shiny and greasy, accompanied by other characteristics such as changes in color, acne, wrinkles, or symptoms of itching.
When the skin lacks moisture, it increases sebum production to provide timely hydration. However, this can lead to clogged pores, creating conditions for forming various types of acne like blackheads, whiteheads, sebaceous filaments, or inflammatory acne.
Dehydration can also make the skin more prone to irritation, itching, and a feeling of tightness, and may result in flaking despite oily residue on the skin’s surface.
Dehydrated oily skin accentuates wrinkles, particularly around areas such as smile lines, the nose, eyes, and forehead.
Common Factors Contributing to Dehydrated Oily Skin
Loss of moisture due to sun exposure: Skin can lose moisture due to high temperatures and environmental factors such as smoke and pollutants.
Frequent exposure to air conditioning: Prolonged exposure of the skin to dry air can lead to the evaporation of moisture from skin cells.
Body dehydration: Besides environmental factors, habits that do not provide the body with sufficient water intake can disrupt the natural moisture balance, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active and resulting in oily skin.
How to Improve Moisture Levels in Oily Skin?
So, how can you improve dehydrated oily skin? Here are some effective ways to ensure oily skin stays adequately hydrated
- Hydrate Your Body Adequately
To improve dehydrated skin, ensuring sufficient water intake for the body is essential and should be maintained daily. You should drink filtered water or sugar-free teas to replenish your body with an average of 2 liters of water per day. Additionally, you can consume fruit juices to supplement fiber and vitamins, supporting healthier skin.
- Proper Skin Care
Daily skincare is essential for cleansing, moisturizing, and nourishing the skin in today’s increasingly polluted environment. This helps cleanse, boost moisture levels, and provide nutrients to the skin, improving its overall health, texture, and appearance.
- Protect Your Skin from Environmental Factors
In addition to skincare products, protecting the skin from environmental damage is crucial for improving dehydrated oily skin. When outdoors, use sunscreen and protective gear such as hats, caps, and masks to minimize exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: Avoid thick, heavy formulas that may clog pores when selecting sunscreen for oily skin. Also, refrain from using alcohol-based products that can cause dryness and allergic reactions.
- Develop Healthy Habits
- Limit late nights and ensure you get enough sleep each day.
- Regular exercise helps improve overall health.
Limit the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar, which can negatively affect the skin. You can replace them with fruit juices (without added sugar) to supplement vitamins for the body.
Include fiber-rich foods in your daily diet, such as vegetables and fruits, to help balance your body’s nutrition.
Regularly check your skin’s condition annually for timely solutions for healthier skin.
Following these guidelines can improve moisture levels in oily skin and promote overall health.