Oily skin, dry skin, or both? This is how you find the perfect care routine

Our skin is a complex organ that cannot always be clearly categorized into the known types such as "dry", "oily", or "combination" skin. In fact, skin conditions can simultaneously exhibit features that seem contradictory at first glance: dry skin can appear oily, and oily or combination skin can suffer from dehydration. In this article, you will learn how such skin conditions develop, how to recognize them, and how to care for your skin specifically.

Dry skin that appears oily: How is that possible?

Dry skin is actually characterized by a lack of moisture and lipids. Nevertheless, it can appear oily when the skin tries to compensate for moisture loss through increased sebum production. This phenomenon is often referred to as oily-moisture-deficient skin.

Typical causes:

û  Use of aggressive cleansing products

û  Frequent washing or water that is too hot

û  Climatic influences such as cold or dry heating air

û  Hormonal fluctuations

û  Faulty care habits (e.g. skipping moisturizing care)

Symptoms:

·       Tightness despite oily skin

·       Scaly or rough patches

·       Fine dryness wrinkles

·       Irregular, oily shine on the skin surface

Oily or combination skin that is dehydrated: What's behind it?

Even skin that appears oily or shiny at first glance can suffer from significant moisture deficiency. Oily or combination skin produces excessive sebum but still loses water, leading to dehydration.

Typical causes:

û  Excessive or drying cleansing

û  Neglect of moisturizing care

û  Environmental factors such as UV radiation, wind, or heated air

û  Stress and unbalanced diet

Common symptoms:

·       Shiny T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with simultaneously dry cheeks

·       Skin appears dull and tired

·       Fine lines and feelings of tightness

·       Frequent blemishes due to disturbed skin barrier

Targeted care routines for a balanced skin condition

Whether dry skin with oily parts or oily skin with moisture deficiency – in both cases: your care should simultaneously provide moisture and strengthen the skin barrier without additionally burdening the skin.

Care routine for oily-moisture-deficient skin

ü  Cleaning: Use mild, pH-neutral cleansing products.

ü  Serums: Apply light moisturizing serums based on hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

ü  Care: Use a moisturizing but non-greasy cream that ideally contains ingredients like ceramides or panthenol.

ü  Protection: Daily protection against environmental influences with a light, moisturizing sun care.

Care routine for oily or combination skin with dehydration

ü  Cleaning: Gentle gel or foam cleansers that do not dry out.

ü  Serums: Moisture boost with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, preferably in a light texture.

ü  Care: Non-comedogenic, moisturizing fluids or light creams.

ü  Extra care: Use moisturizing masks 1–2 times a week to replenish the skin's water reserves.

Conclusion

The skin requires a differentiated approach: an oily appearance does not exclude dryness – and dry skin can still show excess sebum. An individually tailored care routine that considers both moisture supply and strengthening the skin barrier is crucial for a healthy, radiant complexion.

In the KÖSMETIK online shop, you will find a wide selection of products specifically tailored to the needs of dry, oily, or combination skin. We are happy to advise you individually on choosing your optimal skincare.