Why does the skin become oilier the more it is hydrated? What are the common misunderstandings about moisturizing?

Whether it is oily skin, neutral skin or combination skin, there is generally a problem of oil secretion, especially in the T zone. Why does the more hydration you give your skin the oilier it becomes?

Why does the skin become oilier the more it is hydrated?

The more hydrated your skin is, the oilier it becomes, which may be caused by an imbalance of water and oil. Many people know that the root cause of oily skin is lack of water. Moisturizing does help reduce oil secretion, but there is a balance. If you moisturize too diligently, the balance will be broken. Not only will it fail to prevent the oil problem, it will also aggravate the phenomenon, resulting in a situation where the more you moisturize, the oilier the skin becomes.

Common moisturizing mistakes

Myth 1: No need for moisturizer for oily skin

For oily skin, it seems that oil control is the key to maintenance. In fact, oily skin is a sign of dehydration. The inner layer of the skin has less water and more oil, which causes the skin to secrete more oil. To avoid the greasy feeling, you don’t have to completely abandon moisturizer. It is recommended to choose moisturizing products with crystal dew or gel texture. The special texture that does not contain oil greatly reduces the greasy feeling and keeps the skin fresh all day long.

Myth 2: Applying a moisturizing mask every day can improve oiliness

Many times, oily skin is a sign of an imbalance of water and oil, so many people want to improve oiliness through intensive moisturizing. Applying a hydrating and moisturizing mask every day can certainly make your skin look hydrated and supple, but it can only temporarily increase the moisture level of your skin. However, frequent use of moisturizing masks will reduce the skin's resistance, making the skin tired and even becoming increasingly oily. So using a hydrating mask 2-3 times a week is enough.

Myth 3: You can say goodbye to oily shine by spraying a moisturizing spray at any time

Hydrating spray can replenish moisture on the skin's surface and relieve skin stress, but it cannot prevent skin moisture loss. Once the number of spraying increases and no lotion is applied to lock in moisture, the skin will fall into a vicious cycle of repeated dryness and wetness, which will cause the skin to be dehydrated, and dehydration will further stimulate oil secretion. Therefore, it is recommended to use the spray in conjunction with a moisturizing lotion containing water-locking ingredients to enhance the skin's own water-retention capacity.

How often should you exfoliate?

The frequency of use is different for different skin types. For example, dry and sensitive skin should be used once every 2-3 weeks, oily skin should be used about twice a week, and mixed skin should be used 1-2 times a week when cleaning the T-zone. After cleansing, apply exfoliating gel after drying your hands and face, massage gently, and then rinse with clean water.