Why Skin Can Overproduce Oil After Drying Treatments
Your skin makes a natural oil called sebum to keep it protected and moist. Sebaceous glands in your skin produce this oil. When you use drying treatments like harsh cleansers, alcohol toners, or too much washing, they strip away those natural oils and moisture.[1]
This dryness sends a signal to your skin. Special cells called keratinocytes notice the lack of moisture. They tell the sebaceous glands to work harder and make more sebum to fix the problem. It’s like your skin trying to save itself by overcompensating.[1]
Things in your environment make it worse. Indoor heating, air conditioning, or cold weather pull moisture from your skin. This dryness triggers even more oil production as a defense.[1][3]
Overdoing it with cleansers is a big cause. Washing your face multiple times a day with strong products removes too much oil. Your skin then pumps out extra sebum to bounce back, which can lead to shine or breakouts.[1]
Some heavy moisturizers might seem helpful but trap dirt and dead skin if they clog pores. This keeps the cycle going instead of fixing it.[1]
Hormones and stress can play a role too. They affect how much sebum your glands make, especially when skin is already dry from treatments.[2]
The result is oily skin that feels worse than before. Gentle care that adds back moisture without stripping is key to breaking this loop.
Sources
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skin-types/how-to-treat-dry-skin-acne-a-complete-guide
https://www.agelockskinclinics.com/blog/the-best-skincare-for-oily-skin-that-actually-work/
https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/why-does-my-skin-get-oily-halfway-through-the-day-fixes.html
https://www.lotusbotanicals.com/blogs/news/skin-types-explained-in-a-way-that-makes-sense-for-your-skincare-journey
