Dry skin and acne can be difficult to tackle together. This is because a lot of acne treatments are designed with oily skin types in mind. But acne does affect those with dry skin as well. Since so many treatments are designed for oily skin, they can make dry skin become even drier.
This means that dry skin acne treatment can become a balancing act that can often benefit from professional advice. But first, let’s explore the basics of why you experience dry skin and acne, and what you can do about it.
How Does Acne Form?
No matter your skin type, acne is almost always caused by the same reasons. Your skin produces sebum and can clog pores when it combines with dead skin cells. Once the pore is clogged up, a blackhead or whitehead forms, bacteria develop, and the pore becomes inflamed resulting in a visible red pimple.
“Eating too much sugar and dairy can often cause acne flares. I often tell patients to drink more water and less soda and to moderate one’s ice cream and cheese intake. Truly a challenging feat for teens. Also, nothing too oily on the skin. Moisturize when you need it, where you need it. Makeup should not be too thick. Look for products that are “non-comedogenic.” Over-drying of the face can often be exacerbated by long hot showers, another common teen activity.” – Robert Levine, DO
Dermatologist-Recommended Acne Prevention Tips
Fortunately, dry acne-prone skin is treatable. Conventional treatments include different steps. First, combat the formation of bacteria with antimicrobial and exfoliating treatments that include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Calming treatments are also important to help stave off inflammation. Topical solutions with aloe vera or chamomile make great options. Those who suffer from acne should also not be afraid to include dermatologist-recommended non-comedogenic oils and moisturizers to keep skin soft and supple.
Some also opt to include a retinol treatment in their routine. Retinol works by removing dead skin cells to help keep pores clear. However, retinol is a strong treatment and for those with already dry skin, it can lead to extra dryness, flaking, redness, and itching.
Acne Treatment for Dry Skin
Those with dry skin and acne combined may need to make a few alterations to the conventional acne-busting routine set out above. For starters, you might consider using stop treatments for acne, rather than all-over treatments and gels. This can help to target only the acne so that the rest of the skin isn’t at risk of over-drying.
Some people with both dry skin and acne can also benefit from dermatologist-recommended oral acne medications like Spironolactone. Antibiotics are another option that can be explored with the help of a dermatologist to combat bacterial formation as well as inflammation.
As well, don’t forget your lifestyle and the role certain choices play in acne formation. Because some acne can be increased by hormonal fluctuations it is important to stay on top of your sleep, exercise, and diet. Finally, do not underestimate the power of staying hydrated for your skin health!
When to See a Dermatologist
Many patients consult with us on how to stop acne. And, treating acne with dry skin can seem like an uphill battle, especially when most treatments are not designed with dry skin types in mind.
If you are looking for solutions for your skincare issues, why not recruit the help of a top-rated dermatologist? At Advanced Dermatology, PC, we offer an immensely talented team of experts who are ready and willing to help at any of our 50+ locations. Reach out to Advanced Dermatology, PC today to book an in-office appointment.