How to hydrate oily skin: how to do it right?
Lucas PINOS
6 min
Summary
When discussing oily skin, hydration is often relegated to the background, or even ignored. Yet, proper hydration is essential, even for the shiniest skin.
Why is it so important to moisturize oily skin ? What mistakes should you avoid, and how do you choose the right products ? Discover our explanations, and your doubts about moisturizing oily skin will soon be nothing more than a youthful indiscretion! 🙂
Why it's essential to moisturize oily skin
The idea that oily skin does not need hydration often stems from a confusion between sebum and hydration.
Difference between sebum and hydration
Healthy skin relies on a balance between water and sebum intake:
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Hydration , that is, the supply of water , preserves the suppleness and elasticity of your skin;
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Sebum , an oil produced by the sebaceous glands, lubricates the skin.
Together, they create the hydrolipidic barrier which:
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Protects your skin from external aggressions;
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Prevents water from evaporating.
Sebum does not replace the need for water. Your skin can therefore have an excess of sebum and still be dehydrated due to a lack of water.
Deprived of water, the skin becomes dehydrated, loses its suppleness, and feels uncomfortable due to tightness. Signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and decreased elasticity, then appear.
Therefore, you must continue to provide water to oily skin so that it remains healthy, balanced and protected.
The boomerang effect of sebum: a vicious cycle
Sebum and water are necessary for balanced skin. In the case of oily skin, it is primarily the excess sebum that unbalances the skin.
Unfortunately, by fighting this excess sebum with overly aggressive products, we end up weakening, or even destroying, the hydrolipidic film of our skin, which:
1. No longer protects the skin effectively;
2. It no longer retains water.
Consequences ?
1. Bacteria, pollution and dirt become ingrained;
2. The skin loses its water and becomes more dehydrated.
Your body then sends an SOS to your sebaceous glands , which start producing more sebum to rebuild this protective film and better retain water in the skin.
Results ?
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More sebum, even oilier and shinier skin;
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Pores that dilate and imperfections that set in.
There's no need to curse your sebaceous glands. Protecting your skin is their sole purpose, and they will continue to do so regardless of what you think.
The ball is in your court to break this vicious cycle: stop irritating your skin and depriving it of water, and your sebaceous glands will calm down! ✌️
Common mistakes in skincare for oily skin
Now that you understand that hydrating and preserving an oily film is essential to balancing your skin, you will easily understand the mistakes to avoid when caring for oily skin!
Excessive use of mattifying and astringent products
Mattifying products help reduce shine, which is why we recommend them for oily skin. But they should be used in moderation. Overuse can strip your skin of its natural oils and overstimulate your sebaceous glands, etc. You know the drill by now…
The key is balance and moderation. Adopt an oily skin routine that focuses on the gradual regulation of sebum with gentle formulations and moderate application that won't irritate the skin.
Does hydration make you shine? False!
Moisturizing your oily skin won't make it shinier. Water doesn't make you shiny! 😉 On the contrary, well-hydrated skin calms the overactive sebaceous glands . They no longer need to compensate for dehydration by producing more sebum to retain water on the skin's surface.
The secret to hydrating oily skin lies in choosing the right products. Opt for lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic formulas that restore moisture without making the skin oily or clogging pores.
Failing to recognize the signs of dehydration
Oily, dehydrated skin can look dull , with fine lines appearing and a feeling of tightness after washing. These aren't signs of aging, but rather of dehydration. You need to be able to recognize these signs so you can quickly boost your hydration until your skin returns to balance.
Suitable formulations for moisturizing oily skin
To hydrate oily skin, some formulations are more suitable than others. Light and fluid textures , in particular, are ideal for providing moisture without weighing down the skin or adding oil.
Moisturizing gels
Moisturizing gels are the perfect solution for oily skin. Their light texture and rapid absorption deeply hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Choose products containing hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to retain moisture and soothe irritation.
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Capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water , hyaluronic acid is an essential component for hydrating your skin. |
Skin hydration must also come from within. It's the water that rises from the dermis to the epidermis that provides a large part of the hydration the skin needs. So, be strategic:
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Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day to bring water to your skin cells from the inside;
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Use hyaluronic acid dietary supplements to enhance the skin's ability to retain this water in the cells.
Fluid lotions
Fluid lotions are light and perfect for providing hydration. Choose:
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Non-comedogenic components that do not clog pores;
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Formulas enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to protect the skin from external aggressions.
Aqueous serums
Water-based serums are perfect for intense hydration without weighing down the skin. Opt for serums containing niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid. These active ingredients intensely hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
Light creams
Finally, don't overlook lightweight moisturizers specifically formulated for oily skin. They provide hydration without clogging pores. Creams formulated with light silicones offer a mattifying effect while effectively moisturizing.
Hydrating oily skin is a must! Well-hydrated skin is more balanced, and it will gradually regulate sebum production . Remember? We're no longer stripping, we're regulating and balancing! ✨ The key is to choose the right products that restore hydration without making your skin oily or clogging your pores.
