Yes! It is possible to have both oily and dehydrated skin.
Many oily skin types can be producing oil in the pores, but by dry on the skin surface. Dry, flaky skin can also result from overuse of high concentration surface exfoliants that are addressing blocked pores. However, the skin surrounding the pores may become dry and inflamed. It is also possible to have ‘water dry’ or dehydrated skin. This is common. Even oily skin can feel tight from a lack of water.
Here are Terri’s top tips to make sure your oily skin is kept hydrated:
1. Choose the right cleanser
Most foaming cleansers are formulated with common surfactant chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate. These are harsh foaming ingredients and may strip the skin of essential moisture levels. Choose milder sulphate free foaming agents (such as Synergie Skin UltraCleanse and BioCleanse) and do not over cleanse the skin. Twice daily cleansing is sufficient for oily skin. Avoid bar soaps to cleanse the face. Bar soaps are highly alkaline and can strip the natural acid mantle of the skin causing dehydrated, flaky skin.
2. Choose the right moisturiser for oily skin
Even oily skin needs hydration. Whilst moisturisers with high oil content can cause pore blockage and breakouts, NEVER leave your skin surface dry and unmoisturised. Choose a light oil-free moisturiser such as Hydrogel. This moisturiser still contains ‘water magnet’ ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and NaPCA which draw moisture into the skin without adding surface oil. There is also a cutting edge new ingredient included in Hydrogel which reduce the appearance of surface oil and large pores.
3. Avoid harsh ingredients
Ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide are effective at reducing acne bacteria in oily skin. However, peroxide is a harsh oxidant that can strip the skin of its natural moisture levels. Lactic and salicylic acid are better choices as the act to remove surface dry skin and clogged pores, but also increase moisture levels and reduce inflammation.
4. Hydrate from the inside
It’s just as important to remain hydrated from the inside, particularly in our harsh Australian climate. Green tea counts as part of your daily water intake. If you don’t love plain water, add fresh lemon or lime juice with a little Natvia or stevia natural sweetener. Adding a dash of liquid chlorophyll will also help reduce acidity level in the blood and improve overall skin health. So remember to keep your skin well watered this summer- no matter what your skin type!
THE ROUTINE:
DAY
- BioCleanse – gentle cleansing lotion
- HydroGel – light hydrating gel
- ÜberZinc – moisturiser with 21% zinc oxide
NIGHT
- BioCleanse – gentle cleansing lotion
- Ultimate A – stabilised retinol serum
- Vitamin B – essential niacinamide serum
- HydroGel – light hydrating gel
OCCASIONAL
- Luciderm – acid-free exfoliating serum. Use every few days (PM) for clients needing extra exfoliation
