Does dehydration cause oily skin? Read on!
Having oily skin can be a real pain. Not only is it difficult to find products that work with your skin type, but it can also be hard to keep your face from looking shiny and greasy all day long. Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum, which is an oily substance that your body produces to keep your skin and hair healthy. While sebum is essential for keeping your skin moisturized, too much of it can lead to problems like acne.
In fact, there are many factors that can contribute to oily skin, including hormones, diet, and even stress. Usually, dry skin is the result of not drinking enough water, but could dehydration also be the cause of your oily skin?
Can dehydration cause oily skin?
Yes, it can. When your body is dehydrated, it doesn’t function as efficiently as it should. This includes your skin cells, which need water to function properly. When your skin cells are not able to function properly, they can overcompensate by producing more sebum than is necessary, which can lead to oily skin.
How to tell if you’re dehydrated
There are a few signs that can indicate you’re dehydrated, such as:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Dark urine
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to drink more water. You should also avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate your body.
The causes of dehydration
The causes of dehydration are many, and often people are not even aware that they are dehydrated. The most common cause is simply not drinking enough fluids, especially during hot weather or when exercising. Other causes include vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and fever.
Medications such as diuretics can also cause dehydration by causing the body to lose more fluids than it takes in. In addition, certain health conditions such as diabetes can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness. If you think you may be dehydrated, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and see a doctor if your symptoms persist.
How to prevent dehydration
The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Other fluids such as juice, milk, and soup can also help keep you hydrated. The average liter of water that a man should drink is about 3.7 liters a day, while the average woman should drink 2.7 liters a day. However, you may need to drink more or less depending on your activity level, climate, and health condition.
It’s also important to avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate your body. If you are exercising or in hot weather, be sure to drink even more fluids than usual to compensate for the fluid you are losing through sweating. And if you have a health condition that causes dehydration, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to stay hydrated.
How to keep your skin hydrated
When it comes to skincare, drinking water may not enough to hydrate your skin, especially if you have oily skin. Here are a few tips:
Use a moisturizer
It’s totally a misconception that people with oily skin don’t need to moisturize. In fact, using a light, oil-free moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated without making it greasy. Look for one that contains hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid, which are substances that help the skin retain moisture.
Use the right cleanser
A gentle cleanser is key for people with oily skin, as harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Choose a cleanser that is labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic”, which means it won’t clog your pores. Ideally, choosing cleansers that are designed for oily skin can help you achieve the best results.
Avoid hot showers
Hot showers may feel good, but they can actually strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Try to stick to lukewarm water instead, and avoid staying in the shower for too long.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, which can in turn help keep your skin hydrated. This is especially helpful during the winter when the air is dry.
Some of the best bang for the buck humidifier:
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can help improve the appearance of your skin and also help it to better absorb moisture. Look for an exfoliating cleanser or face scrub that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
More: How often should oily skin exfoliate?
Use serums
Serums are one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, but they are often overlooked. Serums are typically light, oil-free products that contain high concentrations of active ingredients. They can help to hydrate your skin and also improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Use sunscreens
On sunny days, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Not only will this help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, but it will also help keep your skin hydrated by preventing evaporation.
More: Top rated sunscreens for greasy skin on the market
Drink plenty of water
Last but not least, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated from the inside out is the best way to keep your skin looking its best.
Final thought
Does dehydration cause oily skin? Yes, dehydration is not only bad for your skin but can also lead to other health problems. Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your skin, both from the inside and outside. Not only does it help keep your skin hydrated, but it can also improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Besides that, keeping the skin hydrated can also help to prevent other skin problems, such as acne. So, make sure you are drinking plenty of water every day and following the tips above to keep your skin looking its best.
F.A.Q
Can dehydration cause oily face?
Yes, it can. In fact, one of the causes of oily skin is actually dehydration. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil in an attempt to compensate for the lack of moisture.
How do you fix oily skin from dehydration?
Just follow the tips in the article! Use a light, oil-free moisturizer, use the right cleanser, avoid hot showers, use a humidifier, exfoliate regularly, use serums, and drink plenty of water.
Does hydration help oily skin?
Yes, it does. As mentioned above, one of the causes of oily skin is actually dehydration. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil in an attempt to compensate for the lack of moisture. So, by keeping your skin hydrated, you can actually help to reduce oil production.
