Dry Skin and Acne

Acne begins when the body produces excess sebum (oil), which is why acne is often associated with shiny, oily skin. But in reality, acne can affect all skin types – oily, normal, combination, and yes, even dry skin. Topical acne treatments can cause additional skin dryness because they contain certain ingredients aimed at killing p. acnes bacteria and unclogging pores. Getting rid of your acne might 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 with natural oils (also known as lipids) and substances like hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a clear, lubricating compound that the body naturally produces and is found mostly in the skin and joints. It's also a popular ingredient in skincare products and can help provide elasticity, flexibility, and increased hydration. Both oil and hyaluronic acid form a protective barrier for your skin, helping to preserve collagen and moisture. 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, genetic factors and hormones determine many characteristics, such as acne, skin type, and the amount of oil your skin naturally produces. This is why some people with dry skin may still experience acne, while someone with oily skin might have clear skin. Oil production naturally decreases with age in both men and women. However, the decrease in estrogen, in particular, can make dry skin a common problem for women during perimenopause and menopause.

Cold weather, windy climates with low humidity, or excessive sun exposure can negatively affect your skin's moisture. And it's not just about external factors. Indoor environments, such as forced-air heating systems or exposure to excessive cigarette smoke, can also cause skin dehydration. Room humidifiers, which 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 leads to dryness, getting rid of acne with dry skin can seem challenging. So what are the best tactics for treating both conditions at the same time? When it comes to 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, opt for a gentler version with a lower dose of acne medication and see how your skin reacts. Another option is to reduce the frequency of application of your topical acne medication. Sometimes starting with once-a-day application and then progressing to twice-a-day can make a big difference. Some people with naturally dry and sensitive skin fear that moisturizers specially formulated for dry skin will be too heavy and clog pores, leading to increased acne. However, if you don't use moisturizer, your skin can become excessively dry, prompting your body to produce more sebum. Always use non-comedogenic moisturizers and try different moisturizers, especially those made for day and night.

Scientific References

1. Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K. (2014). Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36-44. PMID: 25013538
2. Rawlings AV, Harding CR. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:43-8. PMID: 14728699
3. Liu H, et al. (2020). Evidence-based topical treatments for acne. J Evid Based Med. 2020;13(4):275-283. PMID: 33034949