Why Your Skin Feels Oily but Dehydrated (And How to Fix It)
If your skin looks shiny but still feels tight, flaky, or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common skin concerns we see — and it often causes confusion.
The truth is, oily skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing. You can absolutely have both at the same time.
Let’s break down what’s really happening and how to fix it properly.
Oily vs Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference?
Oily skin
A skin type
Produces excess oil (sebum)
Genetically determined
Dehydrated skin
A skin condition
Lacks water, not oil
Can happen to any skin type (even oily or acne-prone)
Key point:
Oil = lipid
Hydration = water
You can be producing plenty of oil while still lacking water in the skin.
Why Dehydrated Skin Often Feels More Oily
When your skin is dehydrated, it goes into panic mode.
To protect itself, your skin:
Increases oil production
Tries to compensate for water loss
Becomes shiny, congested, and unbalanced
This often leads to:
Oily T-zone but tight cheeks
Makeup sliding off
Breakouts that don’t improve with “oil-free” products
Skin that feels worse after cleansing
Common Causes of Oily but Dehydrated Skin
1. Over-cleansing
Using harsh or foaming cleansers strips your natural barrier, causing water loss.
2. Skipping Moisturiser
Many people with oily skin avoid moisturiser, this actually worsens dehydration.
3. Over-exfoliation
Too many acids, scrubs, or retinoids weaken the skin barrier.
4. Environmental stress
Air-conditioning, heaters, sun exposure, and travel all dehydrate the skin.
5. Wrong skincare products
Alcohol-based toners and “mattifying” products often dehydrate the skin further.
Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated (Even If It’s Oily)
Tight or uncomfortable after cleansing
Shiny but flaky skin
Fine lines appear more visible
Makeup separates or cakes
Skin feels oily and dry at the same time
If this sounds like you — dehydration is likely the real issue.
How to Fix Oily but Dehydrated Skin
1. Switch to a gentle cleanser
Look for:
Cream or gel cleansers
Low-foam formulas
pH-balanced products
Avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling “squeaky clean.”
2. Hydrate properly (not just oil-free)
Your skin needs water-binding ingredients, not heavy oils.
Look for:
Hyaluronic acid
Glycerin
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Aloe vera
These hydrate without clogging pores.
3. Always moisturise
A lightweight moisturiser:
Locks hydration into the skin
Prevents excess oil production
Strengthens the skin barrier
Even oily skin needs moisturiser, every single day.
4. Repair the skin barrier
Barrier-supporting ingredients are essential:
Ceramides
Niacinamide
Squalane
Peptides
A healthy barrier = balanced oil production.
5. Go easy on exfoliation
Over-exfoliation is a major cause of dehydration.
✔ 1–2 times per week is enough
✔ Avoid stacking multiple acids
✔ Focus on hydration days between actives
6. Professional treatments help
Clinic treatments such as:
LED light therapy
Hydrating facials
Skin barrier repair treatments
These restore hydration at a deeper level and calm oil production.
The Takeaway
If your skin is oily but feels tight, dull, or uncomfortable, oil is not the enemy, dehydration is.
Once you:
Rehydrate the skin
Repair the barrier
Stop stripping it
You’ll often notice less oil, fewer breakouts, and smoother skin overall.
Balanced skin is hydrated skin