a woman wearing a face pack to reduce acne | Can Extremely Dry Skin Get Pimples & Acne

Dry Skin & Breakouts

Most people, including a few dermatologists, always complain about acne, assuming that they have oily skin, right? And such reactions might make you wonder if your skin is different from the rest of the world?

Though very commonly seen on oily skin, pimples, comedones, blackheads and clogged pores can happen on dry skin as well.

What Causes Acne On Dry Skin?

Acne is often caused by clogged pores when oil and sebum secreted by the skin mix with dirt and gets clogged in your skin’s pores. However, acne on dry skin can usually happen due to dirt, bacteria, build-up of dead skin cells, cosmetic products, etc.

Your skin’s top layer acts as a shield and protects the deeper layers of the skin. If your skin is dry, this protection barrier gets weaker and causes inflammation, which in turn leads to acne.

Your skin’s epidermis is the shield that blocks any acne-causing bacteria. It also removes old skin cells as new cells get generated. However, this shield gets less effective if the top layer of your skin is dry.

When the skin protection function is impacted, your body’s immune response mechanism comes in and tries to undo the damage. This causes inflammation that may lead to acne, or a buildup of dead skin cells on its surface making your skin prone to acne.

Harsh chemical soaps can also be a reason for acne on dry skin. The epidermis consists of natural oils and cells, which have fat and water. These fats guard your skin from external factors. When you use soaps or any other unsuitable cleansers, they take away your skin's natural oils and moisture.

Dry skin itself can be a leading cause of acne as there can be extremely microscopic cracks in the skin because of dryness, wherein bacteria have the space to multiply, thereby causing acne. The dry skin flakes can even clog the larger pores.

How Do You Treat Dry Skin Acne?

Always treat your skin very gently and pamper it till it regains its soft texture and moisture content back. For your entire skincare routine, select gentle products, preferably hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals.

Cleanse Right

Use a very mild cleanser to get rid of the surface dirt, bacteria, etc. Preferably, select the one specifically made for dry skin and non-foaming.

Avoid any product that contains sodium lauryl sulphate.

Use a cleanser with the right pH balance if it is too alkaline, it can dry your skin more.

Focus On Moisturization

Apply a moisturiser right after you clean your face as an important rule. Choose an oil-free, water-based one that is mild and gentle and suitable for sensitive or dry skin.

Look for products that consist of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine etc. as this help nourish your skin by replenishing it with moisture.

Anti-Acne Treatments

You will definitely move towards anti-acne products for cleansing, toning, and even moisturising if you have acne.

But it is better to choose products meant for dry skin and use anti-acne treatments only in the area where there is a problem.

Anti-acne topical ointments often consist of ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Both of them will dry your skin if applied all over your face. These ingredients should be completely avoided if you are using a cream or lotion that contains tretinoin or other retinoids.

Use Protective Accessories

Whether it is cold, hot, windy or dry, always use accessories like scarves and hats to protect your skin. This is essential to avoid exposing your skin to environmental damage.

Using a non-greasy sunscreen with good SPF is also necessary to prevent your skin from drying out further.

Home Remedies For Dry Skin Acne

You can use various ingredients right from your kitchen to treat dry skin with acne. Here is a list of a few natural remedies:

Cucumber

Cucumber is a cooling agent which is beneficial when eaten or applied to the skin. It can lower irritation on dry skin and moisturise the skin as well. Grind cucumber to a paste and apply. It will help to remove the excess oil, which is causing the acne.

Garlic

Garlic has allicin, sulphur, calcium and zinc, all of which are antibiotic and antifungal in nature. If you don’t have any issue with the smell, crush a few flakes of garlic and make a paste of it with water. Apply on your skin and leave on for some time; wash it after a few hours for best results.

Lemon Juice

The best age-old remedy for acne is lemon juice. Apply lemon juice onto the acne and leave it on for some time till it is dry. It will help clear the skin without drying it out further.

Potato

Potatoes are rich in vitamins B and C. Vitamin B helps in cell regeneration. It also consists of niacin that can help make your skin lighter. Vitamin C helps to boost collagen production and it shields the skin from sun damage while healing it. Apply juice of raw potato to the skin for best results.

Tomato Pulp

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and can help to dry the acne. It is often used in anti-acne lotions and is a rich source of vitamins A, C and K. Take a tomato and rub gently all over the face. Applying tomato pulp as a mask will help reduce acne on the dry skin.

Take Away

While acne can happen on both oily and dry skin, the main trick is to know the cause and find the right treatment. Keeping the skin moisturised and not washing it too frequently can help prevent your skin from getting dry. Choosing the right products or ingredients to treat acne on dry skin is important. Always consult your doctor before choosing any medications to treat acne.