Skin Hydration

Why Skin Can Feel Oily and Dehydrated at the Same Time

It can feel contradictory: skin that looks shiny by midday but feels tight or dull. Oiliness and dehydration aren't opposites — they describe two different things.

Two separate systems

Oiliness relates to sebum production; hydration relates to water content in the skin. Skin can produce plenty of oil while still lacking water, particularly when a routine skips hydrating steps in favor of oil-control products alone.

Building a routine for both

This is one reason lightweight, oil-free hydration — like Velcria — is formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin, rather than skipping moisturizer altogether.