Do you need to know more about dealing with dry acne prone skin? With so many moisturizers and cream options on the market, it’s important to know which work best with acne products. Read more to help keep your complexion hydrated, even when you’re dealing with breakouts.

If you’re using prescription acne medication, or if you’re under the care of a dermatologist, speak with them before making any changes in your routine.

Skin Types and Acne

Acne breakouts occur when your pores become clogged by overly active sebum glands just under the skin’s surface. When this happens, it is called acneic skin. But if breakouts happen from an excess of oil, why does acne occur in all skin types, even dry skin?¹

Remember that skin types can change with age, environment, and hormonal shifts. Here are the basics on acneic skin.

Normal Skin: When sebum production is normal, sebum protects your skin like a natural barrier. Issues with dryness or irritation in normal skin usually stems from using a harsh cleanser or cleaning too often This can strip the natural sebum from your pores when you wash your face.²

Oily Skin: When your skin becomes overly oily, sebum can clog pores and cause irritation. This skin type is common in teenagers, as sebum production is linked to hormonal changes.³ If you have oily skin try using an oil-free moisturizer.

Dry Skin: Dry skin lacks the natural sebum barrier found in normal skin types. Those with dry skin may deal with clogged pores, redness, and irritation as often as those with normal or oily skin types. It’s important to find a cream that will:

• Help ease irritated skin
• Help trap moisture in the skin without causing acne breakouts⁴

What Causes Blackheads And Whiteheads?

Just as too much sebum can cause blackheads and whiteheads, so can too little. Some acne breakouts are caused by dead skin cells blocking pores, rather than just excess sebum production.

You see, dry skin can lack the natural protective sebum layer. This allows skin cells to build up in pores easily.

Having whiteheads and blackheads can make choosing a moisturizer tricky. You want to keep hydrating your skin without blocking pores even more. Try using an oil-free moisturizer that has hydrating ingredients such as hydrochloric acid.

On the surface, blackheads will appear like tiny dark spots in the center of your pores. They can be removed through extractions of your pores by a dermatologist or esthetician. Whiteheads are the same blockage but have been covered by skin. Always speak to a professional about the best way to deal with whiteheads and blackheads.⁵

Moisturizer Options for Dry Acne Prone Skin

If you are experiencing irritated skin or redness, it can be soothed by the right creme moisturizer. For dry skin, it is important to find a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Most creme options are moisturizing but too heavy for acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic means it won’t clog pores, which is a balanced option for dry skin.⁶

As always, you should talk to your dermatologist before starting any new skin care regimen. When shopping for your next moisturizer cream, here are some things to remember:

• When looking for an oil-free moisturizer, try to find a product that provides moisture without clogging pores.⁷
• Need an anti-aging moisturizer cream? Look for hyaluronic acid in creams and masks.⁸
• If your acne causes redness and irritation, look for aloe vera as an ingredient in your moisturizer. Aloe may help to soothe these symptoms in sensitive skin.⁹
• Jojoba oil and tea tree oil are known for soothing irritated skin. Not surprisingly, jojoba and tea tree oils are active ingredients in many moisturizer options.¹⁰

Peel It Off

Now, there is some research that supports glycolic acid peels as a tool to help balance acne breakouts and dry skin. The same can be said about salicylic acid peels for combination skin in adult women. Peels can be costly. And you may need several peels by your dermatologist before changes are noticeable.^11,12

Cleanser Options for Acne-Prone Skin

When it comes to facial cleansers, the options are plentiful. Foams, creams, washes, lotions, and scrubs are all common over-the-counter choices for daily use.

When cleansing dry acne-prone skin, avoid foams and acne face cleansers. These cleansers are generally harsher on the skin’s surface and strip away more oil from the skin. Oily skin types may benefit more from foam cleansers. For dry skin care, seek hydrating cream-based options.¹³

Your dermatologist may be able to help you come up with a skin care routine for your unique needs.

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Sources
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300732/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15556719
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025519/
5 https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10439
6https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/proper-skin-care-lays-the-foundation-for-successful-acne-and-rosacea-treatment
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025519/
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025519/
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429107/
12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5931279/
13 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997206/