How To Treat Acne When You Have Dry Skin
October 4, 2021

Dry skin can be an uncomfortable experience with symptoms such as scaling, flaking and itchiness.
Due to genetic makeup, some people may have naturally dry skin. Others may encounter dry skin due to exposures to changing weather conditions, hot water, chemicals or skincare products that are unsuitable for their skin types. While acne is often associated with oily skin, people with dry skin can struggle with breakouts too. In this article, we examine the relationship between acne and dry skin, as well as ways to banish pimples in such instances.
What Causes Acne On Dry Skin
Acne is generally caused by clogged pores and the most infamous culprit is sebum. The sebaceous glands in our skin produce natural oil that lubricates and protects the complexion, but in excess, it can lead to clogged pores and trigger acne breakouts. However, oil is not the only substance that can clog pores. In the case of dry skin, a build-up of dead skin cells can congest pores as well.
In addition, pores on dry skin are vulnerable as they are more likely to break open, causing acne-triggering bacteria to seep deeper into the skin and exacerbate inflammation. “Moisture keeps the skin pliable and supple, whereas the lack of it causes skin to crack, flake, and peel. Cracked skin is more vulnerable to infection from microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungus, because the skin barrier is not strong enough to protect itself, which can lead to increased breakouts,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., New York City-based board-certified Dermatologist.
How To Tackle Breakouts If You Have Dry Skin
Maintaining a delicate balance between treating acne with potent skincare products while caring for dry skin is key. Jot down these skincare tips and incorporate them in your daily skincare regimen to achieve healthy, clear skin!
1. Use Gentle Skincare Products
Acne battlers with dry skin may have skin that is more sensitive to external stressors as dry skin lacks protective moisture and fat that keeps the skin well-hydrated to maintain an optimal skin defence barrier. Therefore, it is vital to choose gentle skincare products to soothe the complexion and prevent further aggravation.
Cleansers developed with non-irritating formulas such as the LumiPure Anti-Blemish Cleanser can effectively remove excess oil, dirt, bacteria and other undesirable impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oil and moisture. When cleansing the face, ensure that you do so with lukewarm instead of hot water because extreme temperatures can dry out and damage the skin’s surface. Do not over-cleanse your skin. Cleanse it twice daily, in the morning when you wake up and at night after a long day, will be sufficient.
Exfoliators can help to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells that may clog pores but be sure to pick the right one for your skin type. Steer clear of harsh exfoliators such as physical scrubs that tug on your skin. Friction caused by these types of products may cause your pores to break down further and worsen inflammation. They may also result in micro-scratches on the skin surface and allow bacteria to penetrate. Stay away from astringent products such as toners containing drying alcohols as they can dry out your skin and damage the skin barrier in the long-run.
2. Choose Products With Hydrating Ingredients
Skincare products developed with hydrating ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide and Glycerin are your new skin BFFs. Not only can these ingredients be found in moisturisers, they can be found in other products in your skincare steps as well such as cleansers and facial mists, ensuring that your skin stays hydrated while performing their respective functions. If you are prescribed acne medication that can cause dryness, such as Accutane, ensuring that your skincare routine is big on hydration is necessary.
Skincare does not have to take place only in the morning and at night, especially if you have dry skin. Stay hydrated all day long with a portable moisture booster such as the LumiShield Anti-Bacterial Facial Mist. Not only does it deliver an instant hydration charge, it kills harmful bacteria on the skin as well keeping your complexion fresh and clean throughout the day.
3. Spot Treat Blemishes
Instead of layering potent acne-fighting skincare products on your face, save the heavy duty anti-blemish ingredients for target spot treatments. This will ensure that the pesky pimples are being dealt with without exposing the rest of your skin to the strong ingredients.
The LumiClear Potent Acne Spot Complex has a syringe-like delivery system that dispenses a just-enough amount of product for targeted pimple treatment. It has a non-irritating formula that does not dry out troubled spots and the skin surrounding it, ensuring that your acne and dry skin conditions are not exacerbated.
4. Increase Environmental Moisture Level With A Humidifier
A humidifier is a worthy investment that adds moisture back to the air so that moisture lost from your skin can be minimised. Set up a humidifier in both your home and office to increase the environmental moisture level wherever you go so that your skin can remain supple all day.
Hydration should take place from the inside out as well. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day to replenish moisture lost from the skin. Shake things up with delicious juice concoctions from time to time! Fruits and vegetables contain beneficial acne-fighting vitamins and minerals that can aid in the renewal of skin cells and facilitate wound healing, helping you heal acne naturally.
While acne is not commonly associated with dry skin, these two skin conditions can occur at the same time and can be tricky to manage. Acne battlers with dry skin will have to take extra care of their skin as it tend to be more sensitive and can be easily aggravated. Maintaining an optimal hydration level through skincare, environment or lifestyle changes, is an important aspect of treating acne in such situations and can go a long way in your road to recovery.
Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!
Follow us