It is believed that many skin problems are caused by the imbalance of oil and water in the skin and that the external oil is actually dry inside. Why are the skin oily outside and dry inside? How can we improve this condition? This article will uncover the truth about oily and dry skin, dispel skincare myths, as well as share the correct ways to control oil and moisturize your skin so that your skin can achieve oil-water balance and regain healthy, radiant, and hydrated skin!
What is balancing? Why are the skin oily outside and dry inside?
Balancing is the most ideal skin state, meaning that the sebaceous glands secrete oil normally without feeling greasy, and the water content of the stratum corneum is sufficient to prevent the skin from drying out. The so-called external oily and inner dry means that the skin is dry and oily at the same time, mainly because of the damage to the stratum corneum, the ability to lock water decreased so that the skin becomes drying, and oil keeps secreting as usual, which will lead to dry and oily skin condition.
Is the term “balancing” wrong?
The so-called “compensatory oiling” of the skin due to insufficient hydration is medically unfounded. A large amount of oil in the skin is not a result of water deficiency, but is influenced by androgenic hormones, and is also related to age, temperature, stress, sleep, and diet. Water and oil are two independent regulation systems in the skin, but they work together to produce the moisturizing effect, and any system disorder will affect moisturizing retention.
Where does the oil on the face come from?
It is mainly secreted by the sebaceous glands which are the main component of the sebaceous film. It forms a protective film on the surface of the skin and has the effect of locking water and resisting external stimuli. It also produces lipids such as cholesterol and Ceramide during the metabolic process of stratum corneum cells.
Where does the water on the face come from?
The moisture content of the dermis can reach up to 70%, which provides water to the stratum corneum. The natural healthy water content of the stratum corneum is about 20-35%. If the moisture content is less than 10%, the skin would become visibly dry. In addition, the metabolic process of keratin will self-secrete natural moisturizing factors composed of amino acids, lactic acid, urea, etc., which can combine with water to moisturize the stratum corneum.
3 major reasons for the imbalance of oil and water
Combination skin
If dryness and oiliness occur in different parts of the face, it is mainly due to the uneven distribution of sebaceous glands, which is commonly called combination skin. The sebaceous glands in the T-zone are more developed and have more oil secretion, while those in the cheeks are less and drier, so it is necessary to do proper zoning care to make skincare more efficient—— enhance oil control and cleaning in the oily areas, and improve hydration and moisturizing in the dry areas.
Skin barrier damage
If dryness and oiliness occur in the same area, it means that the metabolism of the stratum corneum is not working properly to retain moisture. The reason for this is over-cleansing, over-exfoliation, or the use of products containing acids and other irritating ingredients that damage the skin barrier and the stratum corneum, resulting in a decrease in water retention capacity. It is essential to strengthen hydration and moisturization and to follow the correct skincare routine in order to repair the skin and maintain the balance of natural moisturizing factors and lipids in the stratum corneum.
Seborrheic dermatitis
The most common type of damaged stratum corneum is seborrheic dermatitis. The surface of the skin is oily but accompanied by dry flaking symptoms, mostly in the area with more sebaceous glands. It is an inflammatory reaction related to sebum secretion and fungal infection； therefore, it is important to seek treatment from a professional dermatologist and use medication to eliminate the inflammation to radical cure.
Tips for keeping balance——take care of keratin!
Avoid over-cleaning
Don’t wash your face too often. Oil has a protective effect on your skin, so washing your face twice a day is enough. Use cold water in the morning, and then use a gentle cleanser with amino acids in the evening. Exfoliation is recommended once or twice a week to avoid damaging the skin.
Make your skincare simple
Choose products with gentle and simple ingredients, and avoid irritating ingredients such as alcohol and preservatives. It is suggested to apply no more than 4 products at a time, avoiding duplicate products, simplifying the steps, and reducing the burden on the skin for accurate and effective skincare.
Appropriate hydration and oil control
When the skin is oily outside and dry inside, strengthening the keratin and increasing the moisture content of the stratum corneum is the primary key. Use moisturizing products with simple ingredients to enhance hydration and moisturizing; besides, you can use products containing neuroamide and cholesterol to repair the barrier and restore the skin’s own ability to lock in water, while taking into account the problem of oiliness, the texture of moisturizing products should be fresh.
Sun protection is indispensable
The ultraviolet of the sun can stimulate the skin easily, causing the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil, skin aging, and other problems. Although chemical blockers have a better skin feel, those ingredients are too stimulating for the external oil and inner dry skin. In addition to physical blocker products, umbrellas, sun hats, sunshades are also your best friends against UV rays.
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