Have you ever noticed your skin feeling oily and shiny—but also dry and flaky at the same time? It sounds confusing, but it’s more common than you think. What you’re experiencing is dehydrated skin, not oily skin.
Here’s how to tell the difference, and what you can do to fix it.
Oily vs dehydrated skin: What’s the difference?
Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands produce too much oil (sebum). Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water—not oil. So your skin might overproduce oil to make up for the dryness, which leads to greasy skin with a rough texture.
In short: your skin looks oily but feels dry. And that’s a clear sign that it’s thirsty.
What causes skin to become dehydrated?
A lot of daily habits can pull water out of your skin without you realizing:
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Skipping moisturizer (yes, even if your skin is oily)
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Over washing or using harsh cleansers
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Too much exfoliation or chemical treatments
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Air-conditioning or hot showers
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Not drinking enough water
Dehydrated skin can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type. Even oily skin can lack water.
Signs your skin is dehydrated
Watch out for:
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Skin that feels tight or rough, but looks shiny
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Oiliness in the T-zone, dryness around the cheeks
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Flakiness or peeling despite using oil-control products
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Fine lines appearing more noticeable
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Makeup sitting unevenly or caking up
How to fix dehydrated skin without making it more oily
1. Hydrate, don’t strip
Use a mild, hydrating face wash that doesn’t foam too much. Avoid alcohol or salicylic acid if your skin already feels dry.
2. Choose a water-based moisturiser
Gel or milk-based moisturisers give your skin the water it needs, without clogging pores.
3. Try probiotic skincare
Probiotics help balance oil production and improve skin hydration. They keep your skin barrier strong, so water doesn’t escape easily.
4. Skip the over-cleansing
Washing your face more than twice a day can do more harm than good. Stick to a simple routine.
5. Hydrate inside out
Drink enough water, eat fruits and vegetables, and avoid excess caffeine or salty snacks that dehydrate you.
Why hydration matters for glowing skin
When your skin is properly hydrated, it looks smoother, softer, and more balanced. It doesn’t need to overcompensate by producing too much oil. And most importantly, it feels comfortable and calm.
Conclusion
Greasy skin isn’t always oily—it could be crying out for water. By using gentle, hydrating products and supporting your skin’s natural balance with probiotics, you’ll get healthy, glow-from-within skin in no time.
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