Why does my face feel tight but look oily?

Can skin be oily and dehydrated at the same time?

Yes. Skin can have excess sebum, the oil made by its oil glands, while losing water. Excessive washing removes the surface oil film and disrupts the skin barrier, the outer layer that helps limit water loss. The aim is to control excess oil without stripping away the moisture your skin needs.245

How can I tell dry skin from dehydrated skin?

Dry skin produces too little oil; dehydration concerns water loss. Tightness alone does not tell you which is happening, particularly just after cleansing. Look at where the oil and discomfort appear rather than assigning your whole face one label.135

Why is my skin oily again right after washing?

Washing removes excess surface oil; it does not stop your oil glands producing it. Hormones can increase oil production, particularly during puberty. Harsh washing can also trigger increased oil production while leaving skin irritated. Returning shine is therefore not a reason to keep washing. Cleanse up to twice daily and after sweating, rather than chasing every patch of oil back to the sink.126

Can harsh cleansing make oily skin feel worse?

Yes. Overwashing can increase water loss and cause dryness and irritation. Hot water can strip the skin barrier, and scrubbing or rubbing with a towel can worsen irritation. Choose a mild, fragrance free cleanser instead of trying to dry your face out. A cleanser's "gentle" label is not a regulated term, so the adjective is doing rather a lot of work.15

What should I do differently?

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water.
2. 2Gently massage a mild cleanser over your face using your fingertips. Skip scrubbing brushes and rough washcloths.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly so no cleanser residue remains.
4. 4Pat gently with a clean towel, leaving a little water on your skin.
5. 5Apply moisturiser after washing to help trap water. For oily or acne prone skin, choose a light gel moisturiser labelled "oil free" or "noncomedogenic", meaning designed not to clog pores.
6. 6For daytime outdoor protection, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, or choose a moisturiser that provides that protection.

Between washes, gently press blotting paper against shiny areas for a few seconds rather than rubbing. Blotting paper absorbs surface oil without another wash, giving the sink a break from its unpaid second job.2

What if I use acne treatments or have sensitive skin?

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin, and prescription isotretinoin can dry and irritate skin. Daily moisturiser can help you tolerate these treatments. Combining an acne cleanser with an acne treatment left on the skin can add excessive dryness and irritation. Sensitive skin can also be oily; redness, burning, itching or stinging are reasons to reassess the products you use.357

If an oil control acid product irritates your skin, stop using it or use it less often. A dermatologist can help if oiliness remains troublesome or you cannot work out which products suit your skin. See your GP for widespread or painful acne when pharmacy treatments have not helped.236