Dry Skin and Acne

Acne starts when the body produces too much sebum (oil), which is why acne is often associated with shiny, oily skin. But in reality, acne can affect any skin type — oily, normal, combination, and yes, even dry skin. Topical acne treatments contain certain ingredients that are meant to kill the P. acnes bacteria and unclog pores, which can cause additional dryness. Getting rid of your acne may seem contradictory to caring for and moisturizing dry skin, but it is possible with the right products.

Your body already provides a certain amount of moisture for your skin through natural oils (also known as lipids) and substances like hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a clear, lubricating compound that your body naturally produces and is mostly found in your skin and joints. It’s also a popular ingredient in skin care products, where it can help with elasticity, flexibility, and increased moisture. Both oil and hyaluronic acid help maintain collagen and moisture by creating a protective barrier for your skin. When this balance is disrupted, your skin can lose moisture, leading to dehydration, dryness, irritation, and redness.

Causes of Dry Skin
When it comes to your skin, genetics and hormones determine many characteristics, including acne, skin type, and the amount of oil your skin naturally produces. That’s why some people with dry skin can still get acne, while someone with oily skin can have clear skin. Oil production naturally decreases with age in both men and women. However, the decline in estrogen can make dry skin a common problem, especially in women going through perimenopause and menopause.

Cold weather, windy climates with low humidity, or too much sun exposure can negatively affect your skin’s moisture. And it’s not just external factors. Indoor environments like forced-air heating systems or exposure to excessive cigarette smoke can also dehydrate your skin. Humidifiers that increase the water content of the environment can help. Harsh soaps and alcohol-based astringents can also dry out your skin, as can oral medications like isotretinoin or medical conditions like thyroid disease. Always pay attention to your body and skin when trying new products and medications.

How to Deal with Acne on Dry Skin?
If too much oil increases the risk of acne, but too little oil causes dryness, getting rid of acne with dry skin can seem like a challenge. So what are the best tactics for treating both conditions at the same time? As for medication, some prescription and over-the-counter medications tend to dry out facial skin.

When you try a new topical acne treatment, if it causes redness or irritation, try a gentler version with a lower dose of acne medication and see how your skin responds. Another option is to reduce the frequency of your topical acne medication application. Sometimes, starting with once a day and then moving up to twice a day can make a big difference. Some people with naturally dry and sensitive skin worry that moisturizers specifically formulated for dry skin will be heavier and will clog pores, causing more acne. However, if you don’t moisturize, your skin can become too dry, prompting your body to produce more sebum. Always use a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and try different moisturizers made specifically for day and night.