After moving to the United State back in 2004, my skin started breaking out. It worsened as I grew older and became a new mom. When my skin turned oily and acne prone, I did what most people do, drastically reduced the use of moisturizers. My thought was "my skin is already oily, why add more?". How I wish I knew better back then.
Did you know, excess sebum production can be a symptom of dehydrated skin?
When the skin becomes dehydrated, it tries to compensate by producing more sebum. This can happen because the sebaceous glands become overactive in an attempt to replenish the moisture lost due to dehydration.
Sebum is the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, and it helps to moisturize and protect the skin. However, when too much sebum is produced, it can lead to a range of skin problems, including acne, blackheads, and oily skin. It can also create an oily film on the surface of the skin, which can make it look shiny and greasy. It can also exacerbate other skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema.
In addition to disrupting the balance of natural oils, dehydration can also weaken the skin's barrier function. The skin's barrier helps to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental stressors. When the barrier is compromised, the skin becomes even more dehydrated; and more susceptible to damage and irritation.
It is a vicious circle!
So what's the solution?
To prevent dehydration and excess sebum production, it's important to keep the skin properly hydrated
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid harsh skincare products that can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin's barrier
- Add an oil free moisturizer that not only add hydration but also contains ingredients that can hold the hydration for a longer period of time. Even better, look for ingredients that can strengthen skin's barrier
I absolutely love Kalaia's Hold Tight - Overnight Moisturizer that hydrates my skin, holds the hydration for over 8 hours, and has ingredients that has strengthened my skin's barrier overtime.
I'm finally ACNE FREE!
Here are some of my favorite ingredients to look for in a moisturizer:
- Niacinamide can help to improve the skin's natural barrier function, which helps to prevent moisture loss and improve skin hydration
- Hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a highly effective moisturizer. It can penetrate deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration and improving the skin's texture and suppleness
- Aloe vera can help to soothe and moisturize the skin, making it a great option for those with dry or irritated skin
- Bamboo silica also has the ability to bind 1,000 times its weight in water to prevent water loss and also can help strengthen the skin barrier
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Squalane is a natural oil that is derived from olives. It is lightweight and non-greasy, making it an excellent ingredient for hydrating the skin without clogging pores
Usually you find one of these hero ingredients in a moisturizer. But the good news is, Kalaia Hold Tight - Overnight Moisturizer is packed with 3 of them - Niacinamide, Aloe Vera, and Bamboo Silica.
