Table of contents:
- The cause of dry skin with acne
- How to get rid of acne on dry skin
- 1. Select the appropriate moisturizer
- 2. Use acne medication
- 3. Use an unscented cleaner
- Keeps dry, acne-prone skin moist
Oily skin types are considered prone to acne problems. However, did you know that dry skin can experience the same problem? Recognize what causes dry skin with acne and how to deal with it below.
The cause of dry skin with acne
Acne occurs due to clogged pores and can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age and gender. Meanwhile, dry skin is a fairly common skin problem and is characterized by a lack of water in the outer layer of the skin.
Acne problems are more often associated with oily skin. The reason is, one of the causes of acne appears is excess oil production which clogs pores. So, how does dry skin with acne occur?
Human skin contains a number of hair follicles, which are the places where hair grows. In addition, the skin is equipped with sebaceous glands which are located near the surface of the skin and function to produce oil which is responsible for maintaining moisture.
Occasionally, these glands can produce too much oil which blocks the pores. If it combines with bacteria and dead skin cells that have accumulated, it will form a lump on the skin that resembles a blackhead.
If the moisture content of your skin is not sufficient, your skin may appear flaky and dry. To prevent this from happening, the glands under the skin may produce more sebum.
On the other hand, excess sebum production and buildup of dead skin cells can cause acne. This will lead to dry, acne-prone skin.
Even so, there are many things that can trigger excess oil production that can dry face with acne, such as:
- foods that cause acne, such as oily and dairy foods,
- hormonal changes, especially during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy,
- genetic factors, as well
- the use of cosmetics that are too thick.
How to get rid of acne on dry skin
Basically, dry acne skin care is almost the same as acne treatment in general. It's just that, you need to pay attention to a few things in getting rid of this stubborn acne.
1. Select the appropriate moisturizer
One way to treat this skin disease on dry skin is to choose a suitable moisturizing product. This aims to prevent the appearance of pimples due to moisturizers which actually clog pores.
If you are choosing a moisturizing product, you should find the note below on the label of the product you are going to buy.
- Oil free.
- Non-comedogenic (does not cause blackheads).
- Does not clog pores.
- Non-acnegenic (does not cause acne).
One way to use a moisturizer is to always use it when your skin feels dry. You should also apply moisturizer after washing your face to help retain the water your skin needs.
Also, always wear sunscreen with an SPF content of more than 30 and not oil-based when going outside.
2. Use acne medication
In addition to using a moisturizer, you may want to consider treating dry, acne-prone skin with certain medications. Acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid are considered effective in getting rid of acne.
If you are confused about where to start, try a medication with a low dose of benzoyl peroxide. Generally, topical medications, such as creams and gels, can help reduce the dryness that occurs on your skin.
Next, give your skin time to adapt. If the acne on dry skin gets better, continue using the drug. If it does not work, you should consult a doctor.
3. Use an unscented cleaner
The cleanser that will be used to wash your face and other parts is an important component in treating dry, acne-prone skin. There are many things that need to be considered when treating acne prone skin, one of which is washing your face.
When washing your face, you should do it gently and be careful not to rub the skin too hard. After that, rinse with warm water because hot water can reduce natural oils and cause skin to become drier.
For those with dry skin, it may be more suitable to use a soap that does not contain alcohol or fragrance. Both of these ingredients are believed to irritate the skin. If possible, choose a gel-based soap without foam because it is believed to be lighter.
Keeps dry, acne-prone skin moist
The three methods above are considered effective in removing acne, especially on dry skin. Even so, keep in mind that the main key to overcoming dry skin with acne is to focus on washing your face.
Morning skin care functions to protect the skin and prevent acne. Meanwhile, the routine of cleaning the skin at night is cleaning the face.
Some people may only need to wash their face once a day, that is, in the morning with warm water before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. However, not a few people need facial cleansers twice a day, morning and night.
Before going to bed, always wash your face with a cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. Then, end with a moisturizer to keep the skin moist while you fall asleep.
In addition, another habit that needs to be avoided so that acne does not get worse is to stop popping pimples. Squeezing pimples will only cause the inflammation to expand and lead to new pimples.
