If you have dry skin, you may have noticed that your acne doesn’t respond as well to some of the acne treatments on the market. While there are lots of great products out there for dealing with pimples and zits if you have oily skin, those often don’t work as well if you have dry skin or other types of skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. If you want to treat your acne while also maintaining your healthy and clear complexion, follow these 6 amazing ways to treat acne when you have dry skin. Your face will thank you!
Acne and sensitive skin
One of the best defenses against acne and dry skin is regular skincare, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s essential to choose your products wisely.
When you have sensitive skin, you’re more likely to have negative reactions to harsh skin care products.
For acne and dryness, choose a product that will not make the situation worse for your skin.
Everybody’s skin is different, so a product that helps someone else might not help you.
Generally, heavy skin care products are unnecessary including oil-based lotions, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Because oil residue can clog pores, it’s best to find oil-free, non-comedogenic products. For example, this is true for someone with acne.
In case you’re looking for sensitive skin products, be mindful that many of these are also going to contain alcohol, dyes, and fragrances.
1) Use coconut oil
The problem with having dry skin is that it doesn’t produce oil. This is why, in order to moisturize your face and lock in moisture, you need some sort of external substance. Coconut oil is easily accessible and super cheap, making it a very practical choice for people who don’t have much cash to spend on skin care products. It’s also great for getting rid of acne thanks to its antibacterial properties, so it makes sense as a go-to acne-fighting solution for dry skin types. If you are looking into different ways how to treat acne when you have dry skin, coconut oil might be your best option!
2) Eat more fruits
Dry skin can be a result of environmental factors such as cold or dry weather, or internal factors such as hormonal changes that occur during adolescence or menopause. The best way to treat acne when you have dry skin is by keeping your skin hydrated. While there are many over-the-counter products marketed for dry, irritated, and sensitive skin types, there are also a number of fruits that contain ingredients that naturally soothe irritated and inflamed cells. For example, papaya is rich in vitamin C, known for its ability to calm irritation and redness.
3) Wash your face with oatmeal
Sounds weird, right? Not really. Oatmeal is excellent for skin because it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritation. Plus, oatmeal can absorb excess oil, so it’s a wonderful way to combat acne breakouts caused by oily skin. Mix a little bit of water into some finely ground oatmeal and make a paste that’s just slightly thinner than regular toothpaste; apply as you would any other facial cleanser. Leave on for about five minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water.
4) Use aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatories. Since many acne medications can cause redness and flaking, it makes sense that aloe vera could be beneficial in treating blemishes. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation, soothe your skin, and kill bacteria that make breakouts worse. Even better: It’s readily available in a gel form. Try applying a small amount after cleansing your face each night before going to bed—it should get rid of your zits without causing further irritation. (You can buy pure aloe vera gel online here.)
5) Try tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an astringent, which means it helps control oils and blemishes. A 2006 study in Dermatology found that tea tree oil was more effective than benzoyl peroxide at treating acne, and a 2015 review in Phytotherapy Research found that it helped reduce mild-to-moderate acne as well as prevent new breakouts. Tea tree oil is best used as a spot treatment for individual pimples; when you use it full-face every day, it can dry out your skin.
6) Drink more water
We all know that drinking more water is good for our health, but did you know it’s also great for treating acne? Water helps keep your skin hydrated and moisturized—and healthy skin is less likely to get acne. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. And if your skin still gets pimples, try alternating ice cold and hot water with lemon or cucumber slices; that should be enough to clear up your complexion.
When doctor is needed
Even if you’ve had mild success with remedies at home or using over-the-counter products, a dermatologist can recommend alternative strategies for how to treat acne without irritating your skin further.
A dermatologist is equipped to recognize what may be causing your dryness and to figure out if it’s just run-of-the-mill acne or another skin condition, such as
dermatitis
psoriasis
rosacea
They can also help you find a solution that won’t exacerbate dry skin and may make it less prone to flare-ups. As a bonus, they might prescribe topical medications or other acne treatments that you can use in conjunction with your home remedies.
