The Skincare Routine That's Perfect For People With Dehydrated Oily Skin

You may think the words "oily" and "dehydrated" are a contradiction when put together, but you actually can have skin that's both oily and dehydrated. According to Esmi, dry or dehydrated skin means your skin will naturally produce more oil to try and counteract the parts of your face without moisture. Although it can be frustrating, it's your skin's way of trying to balance things out — though it doesn't always work. Much like how dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy, overly oily skin can lead to blackheads and acne, ranging from mild to severe. Nobody wants either of these issues, which is why it's so important to figure out how to care for your dehydrated and oily skin. 

If you're wondering how to tell whether you have dehydrated skin, try this tip from Allure. Pinch one of your cheeks (gently!) and see how your skin reacts. If it wrinkles under pressure instead of retaining its shape, you probably have dehydrated skin. Dehydrated is different from dry skin. Dry skin is defined by a lack of oil in the skin, whereas dehydrated skin can have excess oil. The most important thing to remember is not to go all in with thirst-quenching ingredients made for dry skin, as this will only exacerbate the oily aspect of your skin even more. 

MindBodyGreen spoke to celebrity aesthetician Aida Bicaj about how exactly to treat your oily, dehydrated skin. Bicaj referred to this type of skin as "the residue of oiliness on the surface of the skin and then dry underneath in the lower levels of the skin." It most commonly occurs when people only see the oil on the surface of their skin and jump to excess exfoliation, cleansers that strip the skin more, and skip vital moisture-inducing steps in their skincare routine. 

All of this will cause extra dryness beneath your skin surface, which will then produce even more oil. It could also cause your pores to look larger due to your skin overcompensating for the dry parts. It's a frustrating cycle, but you can break it with a skincare routine that's right for you. Glamour also notes that caffeine and alcohol could be contributing to your dehydrated skin woes, though of course this will vary from person to person. Still, it won't cause any harm to cut back on those three coffees per day or strong weekly cocktails. 

In terms of specifics, esthetician Aida Bicaj recommended the following skincare routine to MindBodyGreen. 

Firstly, opt for a milky cleanser. Milky cleansers won't strip your skin but will leave it feeling soft and smooth as well as completely clean. Here are some of our favorite dermatologist-recommended cleansers so you can find the best one for you. You'll want to follow up your cleanser with a toner that will gently exfoliate. Most people pick a product that's overly harsh, so make sure to find one that's kind to your skin.

Next, use a balancing lotion instead for better skin results over time. Note that if you're using an exfoliating product at this point in your routine, do not use another later on. Layering products like this is what causes the dehydration aspect of dehydrated oily skin. Lastly, reach for a moisturizer that will hydrate, but isn't so thick that it will sit on the skin instead of sinking in. During colder months, you can add in a hydrating mask if you feel you need an extra moisture boost.

Bicaj says that our diet can also heavily contribute to our skin, and that we should be aiming for a diet that's full of antioxidants and healthy fats, plus proteins. Making sure you're drinking enough water is essential, too. With these tips and tricks, your skin will balance itself out so you achieve a glowing complexion.