Do you notice your T-zone is oily when you look at your phone reflection around 2 PM, but your cheeks feel rough? Maybe you've been using skincare products that say, “for oily skin”, but now you have this tight, uncomfortable feeling. It's not just you; your skin is not betraying you and you’re not alone. This is a common problem in the UAE: oily and dehydrated skin. It is a big conundrum.
What’s The Big Idea? Oily Skin and Dehydrated Skin Are Different
This is what you need to know. It's important to know the difference between skin type and skin condition.
- Oily Skin is Genetic: A key report in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology points out that oily skin is usually a long-term thing because sebum creation is controlled by our biology. It's generally not just a phase. So, yes, it's in your genes. Your oil glands are just making too much oil because they are overactive. Your skin may always look shiny and consistently feel greasy.
- Dehydrated Skin is Temporary: Your skin doesn't have enough water. Researchers note that it's a state that shifts based on environmental factors and routine. So, any skin type, from oily skin to normal skin, to combination skin types can get dehydrated. When it does, your skin can feel tight, look dull, and even have more fine lines. The good news is it can be corrected with skincare treatments.
Here's an easy example:
Imagine a dirty makeup sponge covered in old products and oil, you know it needs good cleaning. A dry sponge is hard and cracked and needs to be soaked in water to soften up and become bouncy. Dehydrated skin is dry and hard, like that dirty sponge. Using rough products on it is like scrubbing that sponge, which just makes things worse. What your skin really wants is to be soaked with hydrating ingredients to get it soft and plump again.
If you know nothing about make-up sponges, think of an engine with too much oil. Now, think of another engine with not enough coolant, which is the water it needs to work right. Your dehydrated skin is like that engine without enough coolants. It's trying to work, but it's not doing well.
Why Hydration in UAE is Hard
The answer is pretty simple. The environment in UAE hurts our skin. Here's why:
- Air Conditioning Everywhere: AC is great, but it dries out the air. Like a dehumidifier, It takes moisture from the air and your skin, just like a desert wind.
- Very Hot Weather: High heat makes water evaporate from your skin fast. This is rapid trans epidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Too Much Sun: As documented in numerous dermatological studies UV rays hurt your skin's natural barrier. If that layer is damaged, it can't hold water well.
With all this going on, what does your skin do? It makes too much oil to try and compensate for the water loss. So now, you're oily and thirsty at the same time.
How to Fix It: Stop Increasing the Dryness, Start Hydrating More
The goal is to fix your skin's natural barrier and show it that things are OK.
1. Stop Drying Out Your Skin More
First, stop the problem. Yes, you are increasing the dryness and dry skin. Maybe unconsciously, So, you need to get rid of:
- Strong Cleansers: We are talking about foaming cleansers with SLS/ SLES. These cleansers make your skin feel too clean. But you see that tight feeling means your skin is not happy. Your skin barrier is upset.
- Toners with Alcohol: These heavy astringents take away your skin's natural oils, which makes your skin try to balance out the crisis by producing more oil.
2. Start Hydrating More
This is what you need to do. Find products with these ingredients:
- For Hydrating Toners: Get a natural toner with Aloe Vera or Rosewater to calm and hydrate your skin without drying it. You could make face mists with this and use periodically too.
- For Good Serums: Skin care experts say that serums are important for hydration. So, go for Serums with Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Niacinamide to help. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold 1000 times its weight in water, and niacinamide, helps control oil production and strengthen your skin barrier. These both work well for dehydrated skin treatment
3. Use a Moisturizer, Even If You're Oily
This is important. A moisturizer seals the hydration. If you have oily skin types, use a lightweight moisturizer one that won't clog pores. Look for moisturizers with Rose Yeast. Because Rose Yeast helps balance your skin and protect it, so you don't get too oily during the day.
4. Sunscreen is Important
Too much sun hurts your skin. UV damage is a primary cause of barrier breakdown. Use gel based, fluid/liquid or cream based texture or lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50+ as the final step of your morning routine, every single day
Ingredients to Look for as Rescue Kit
Forget about brands right now. Look for these ingredients:
- Cleanser: Find gentle, creamy hydrating cleanser with Ceramides or Amino Acids.
- Toner: No alcohol, with Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, or Glycerin. Get a long lasting formula
- Serum: Water source serum, or Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. Get the combination.
- Moisturizer: Lightweight, oil control moisturizer, with Ceramides, Rose Yeast, or Squalane.
- Sunscreen: Broad spectrum sunscreen, gel based or lightweight fluid, all with SPF 50+.
Help From the Inside: Drink More Water
Skin health is all-around. So, for a holistic touch, drink enough water to improve skin hydration. Also, consider food supplements like Omega-3 supplements/ fish oil, which are renowned for their role in supporting a healthy skin barrier. They can help reduce inflammation and help your skin stay healthy. Remember to talk to a doctor before taking any new supplements.
In short: You Can Have Balanced Skin
The oily, tight, dehydrated skin can be fixed. Your dehydrated skin in Dubai is just thirsty and needs help. If you focus on fixing your skin barrier and hydrating it, you can stop the problem. Start taking care of your dry skin. It's easier than you think to get calm, balanced, and healthy skin.
FAQ: Dehydrated Skin in Dubai
Can my skin be dehydrated even if I drink a lot of water?
Yes. you will have dehydrated skin, If your skin barrier is damaged, it can't hold water well. You need skincare to fix it.
I'm worried moisturizer will make me oilier. Should I skip it?
That's not right. If you skip your moisturizer, your skin will make more oil. A lightweight moisturizer in your skincare routine tells your skin it's OK, there’s no crisis, so it makes less oil.
How long will it take to see a change?
Skin changes every month. Give your new skincare routine at least a month or two to see less oil and better hydration. Be patient and consistent