Most people link acne with an oily face. But, if your skin is dry and flaky, then is it possible to still get acne? Actually, dry skin does not cause acne the way an oily skin would. Nonetheless, it can still be the one that makes the conditions right for acne to occur.
When your skin lacks moisture, it isn't just "dry"; it's vulnerable. Here is how that dryness transforms into a breakout:
It helps to know what you’re dealing with so you don’t use the wrong products and make the dryness worse.
|
Feature |
Dry Skin Acne |
Oily Skin Acne |
|
Feel |
Tight, itchy, or flaky |
Greasy or "heavy" |
|
Appearance |
Small red bumps or whiteheads |
Large pores, blackheads, cysts |
|
Common Trigger |
Damaged barrier / Harsh soap |
Hormones / Excess sebum |
|
Best Treatment |
Hydrating Cleansers |
Salicylic Acid / Retinoids |
How to Treat Acne Without Drying Out Your Skin If dry skin is what gives you acne, the "scorched earth" method (using strong alcohols and drying gels) will not only be ineffective but it will also hurt you. So, try this:
Does dry skin cause acne? Yes, but only indirectly. Dryness can be just as bad as excess oil by damaging your skin barrier and causing "rebound oiliness". So, concentrate on repair and hydration, and most of the time, your skin will clear up by itself.