Skin types are defined in very precise terms: oily skin has excess oil, dry skin does not have enough moisture and combination skin is a combination of oily and dry skin. However, not everyone's skin is so easy to categorize. For example, some people may have very dry skin while others may have normal dry skin.

Sensitive, oily skin is one of those "in between" types of skin that is neither one nor the other, and may be difficult to treat. Let's have a look as some ways that you can deal with this problem.

How to Treat Sensitive Oily Skin

As with normal oily skin, sensitive oily skin is also very prone to acne breakouts. However, traditional acne products that contain retinols (such as vitamin A) or salicylic acid can irritate sensitive oily skin. Instead of using products that contain these ingredients, look for products that contain Vitamin B.

In fact, acne has been linked to Vitamin B deficiency for decades. Vitamin B2 deficiency leads to oilier skin. In addition, Vitamin B5 deficiency produces coenzyme A deficiency which leads to an increase in sebum production.

By incorporating meat products such as eggs and dairy into your diet, you can increase your Vitamin B intake. You can also include flaxseed or flax oil into your diet since it is high in Vitamin B.

You can also drink plenty of water to help keep sensitive oily skin under control. Hydration helps balance the levels of oil in your body and skin. Make a special note of this tip, because even slight dehydration can increase the production of sebum.

Skin Care Products & Sensitive Oily Skin

Sensitive facial skin can make it difficult to find a wide variety of products. So, once you've discovered a product that works for you, stick with it. Vitamin B and its derivatives (niacinamide, for examples) are not the only ingredients you should be on the lookout for.

Gentle cleansers include products that contain tea tree oil. This ingredient is notorious for dealing with acne and is more gentle than benzoyl peroxide. If you are using this type of ingredient, make sure that you start slowly because it can cause slight irritation.

Sensitive skin lotions and natural moisturizers that contain oatmeal or aloe vera are a good solution for sensitive oily skin. Both of these ingredients are soothing. Just make sure that the product is water based so that it absorbs quickly.

Another thing you should worry about is the alcohol and filler content of your sensitive skin products. Stay away from products that contain alcohol within the first five ingredients because these products will inevitably dry out and irritate your skin.

Essentially, any type of sensitive skin treatments can work on sensitive oily skin. Just make sure to find a product that can treat sebum production and acne as well.