How can my skin be really shiny AND dry?

[LordTumble]

Hoping somebody who knows their stuff with skincare might see this and take pity on me by helping out.

My forehead and nose are incredibly shiny but NOT oily. Everything I see or read about combatting shiny skin talks about mopping up excess oil but I don't have any to mop up - mattifying products, primer, foundation, powder etc just make my skin flaky .

I have always used a mild foaming cleanser followed by moisturiser which pretty much used to just sit on top of my face. I thought a better skincare routine might help so I've been using Body Shop Vit E cream cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser in the morning and at night their camomile cleansing oil, toner and overnight serum oil. Now moisturiser seems to soak in well but my skin feels tight. I don't think the products I'm using are particularly drying

Does anybody know of anything I can do or use to help? The super shiny skin I could live with if it was caused by oil which I could just use products to mop up but they just make me horrible and flaky.

Maybe your skin is dehydrated? Skin can be dehydrated and oily/normal/combination/dry. My skin is oily and dehydrated.

Dehydrated skin lacks moisture (water). Dry skin lacks oil.

I'd suggest trying a moisturiser for dehydrated skin - loads of companies have them.
I've used this one: www.boots.com/en/Avene-Hydrance-Optimale-Light-40ml_1110293/ and it was pretty good.
There's also a version for dry and dehydrated skin: www.boots.com/en/Eau-Thermale-Avene-Hydrance-Optimale-Rich-40ml_1110295/ and there are versions with SPF.

If looking for a new cleanser, then maybe a cleansing balm would be nice - I personally really like the Clinique Take the Day off, but loads of people really like this one: www.boots.com/en/Botanics-97-Organic-Hot-Cloth-Cleansing-Balm-70ml_1262019/

The shiny skin could be caused by using too harsh products that strip the skin of oils (such as the mattifying products) - it tends to make the skin product even more oil which then makes the skin look shiny.

Definitely sounds like dehydrated skin. Read this.

Your shiny skin is shiny because it's that sort of skin. It took me 40 years to realise this. So I hope I'm saving you some time and money. I thought I must have an oily T zone, but I don't, I just have shiny skin. It's not dehydrated either.

The only solution I ever found was a powder compact, regularly applied, but it needs foundation or moisturiser to stick to. I had a compact in my blazer when I was at school, but I never let anyone see it. Powder was deeply uncool for anyone under 30 in the 70s!

You'e the only person I've ever come across in my entire life who also has this problem. Sorry not to be any help, but if it's any consolation, I was delighted to read your post!

Thanks everyone, I've had a look at the link and I have to admit I'm quite confused by the dry/dehydrated differentiation, not really sure which one describes me. I'll have a look at the product recommendations though, always like to add to the wishlist

Teeny your post really made me laugh. Perhaps we could start a shiny skin club? I've spent so long looking for solutions to my 'problem' it's a little bit mind blowing to think they're might not be a problem in the first place

Can you have a club with two members?

Perhaps we'll find someone else if we shout loud enough!

I will join. I'm always amazed at how shiny I am in pictures but I'm not oily either.

Hoorah!

I can also join! I am the shiniest person I have ever met, and also have carried around a powder compact since I was a teenager.

Thank you LordTumble and hi to all other Shinies. I am so happy. Now all we need is someone who's shiny and sorted and doesn't need the constant application of powder...

We need a cure!

A lottery research grant maybe?