Home » Skin Blog » Skin Knowledge and Problems » The Truth About Combination Skin: The Myth of Oily Inside and Dry Outside

When it comes to choosing skincare products, many people often hear beauty experts mention the term “oily inside, dry outside,” and recommend using more moisturizing products to improve skin conditions. However, the accuracy of this statement is actually debatable. What exactly is true combination skin? Today, we will dive into the roots of these confusions and the correct methods for managing combination skin.

First, let’s understand what combination skin is. Combination skin typically refers to facial skin exhibiting both oily and dry characteristics in different areas. Many people dealing with this skin concern mistakenly believe that insufficient hydration causes their skin to become oily. Beauty experts inform us that only by enhancing hydration can we reduce oiliness. However, this explanation is fundamentally incorrect because oil production is not solely related to hydration.

The oil secretion of combination skin is actually influenced by multiple factors, primarily including genetics, hormones, and diet. The impact of oil secretion is not just surface-level; the underlying physiological factors are of utmost importance. The skin’s oil secretion is regulated by hormones (such as androgens), rather than solely relying on our moisturizing products. Therefore, attributing oiliness solely to a lack of hydration is scientifically unfounded.

Moreover, many individuals may be accustomed to using copious amounts of moisturizing products in their daily skincare routine, but layering these products does not necessarily improve oil secretion. In fact, excessive moisturizing products can irritate the skin and provoke chronic allergies, thereby impacting the skin’s barrier function. This, in turn, could lead to more severe dryness, creating a vicious cycle.

So how can one assess their skin condition? The simplest method is to observe the state of the pores or use oil-absorbing sheets to check for excessive oil secretion. Normal oil secretion helps the skin maintain moisture balance while preventing excessive dryness and fragility. If a tight feeling occurs after washing the face, it does not mean one must immediately replenish with a large amount of moisturizing products. Generally speaking, oily skin will start secreting oil again within a few hours after washing the face, which is a natural physiological response.

For those looking to improve their combination skin, we recommend seeking professional guidance from a physician and selecting suitable skincare products based on individual circumstances. Instead of solely relying on hydration, one should aim for a balance, controlling oil production through diet. Reducing the intake of sugars and dairy products, alongside a proper skincare regimen, can help improve the oil secretion of the skin.

In summary, the key to managing combination skin lies in understanding one’s true skin condition rather than blindly following trendy market claims. A personalized skincare plan should be developed based on the specific characteristics of the skin to effectively address the dual concerns of oiliness and dryness.