Acne can be difficult to treat on dry or sensitive skin. In general, most over-the-counter acne products are made for oily-skinned people and can be too drying or harsh for dry or sensitive skin. As a result, we will cover acne treatments that cater to people who have dry or sensitive skin in this post. The website is meant to serve people with dry sensitive skin, after all! 🙂
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QUICK OVERVIEW:
There is no reason to be alarmed if you have acne on your dry or sensitive skin. It is indeed quite common. It is usually caused by a lack of oil production combined with acne. Dead skin that is easily irritated and prone to pimples can result from this. The skin looks patchy, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples are common acne symptoms, but some cases are more severe than others.
In some cases, finding a safe, effective acne treatment can be challenging.
Related: Suffering from acne on dry sensitive skin?
How to treat acne on Dry and Sensitive Skin:
SENSITIVE SKIN
Taking sensitive skin, as its name suggests, is straightforward. Combining sensitive skin with acne can make matters more difficult. Burning, stinging, and redness are common acne and sensitive skin symptoms.
If you have sensitive skin, you could develop acne breakouts that are red and pustules. A skincare product that treats breakouts may make your symptoms worse. Thus, you should always choose products that are gentle yet effective, and which will not irritate your skin.
DRY SKIN 
There is no doubt that acne is often caused by excessive oil, but dry skin can also play a role. The skin produces more oil when it is dry, which can clog pores and lead to acne.
Treating acne and dry skin begins with addressing your dry skin. By choosing products that retain moisture, you can achieve this.
It might be as simple as increasing your skin’s hydration to combat acne on dry skin.
Nevertheless, make sure you choose products that will not irritate your skin further (if combined with sensitive skin).
The most effective treatments are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, but they can be costly and irritate the skin, particularly for sensitive skin. That is why a lower concentration of both is always recommended.
The skin of every individual is different, so a product that works for one person might not work for you.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
Unfortunately, acne treatments are usually known to dry out the skin. Once you start taking an acne medication regularly, your skin may become dry even if it isn’t normally dry.
Some forms, however, may be dryer than others.
Because of this, it is best to use treatment lotions, creams, or ointments. This is because they are emollient and less drying.
That is why you need to choose a product that is free from harsh chemicals and provides your skin with the hydration it needs.
Cleanser
It is recommended to use a cleanser that does not foam, also known as a cream or lotion cleanser, since foaming products are usually harsh on the skin. I personally use Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for my dry sensitive skin, which gently cleanses away bacteria while hydrating the skin.
Moisturiser
Ensure that the moisturiser is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and contains ingredients that are important to effectively moisturise the skin. Again, I use the Cerave moisturising cream to keep moisture in my skin, as it contains three essential ceramides that help lock in moisture and restore your skin’s protective layer.
ADDITIONAL RECCOMENDATIONS
Observing how your skin feels can tell you whether the products are working. To treat acne, you should always let your skin adjust to the product you use
The first few weeks following acne treatment are usually the worst for dryness, peeling, and irritation. Prevent this by taking it easy.
*Avoid over washing your face. In fact, sometimes washing your face too often can do more harm than good. To know more, check out this article where I talk about the issue. As for cleansing, the idea is to be gentle as possible by using a gentle and hydrating cleanser.
*It is important to moisturise the skin daily. Use a moisturizer regularly to combat dry skin. In addition to sealing in moisture, moisturizers function as occlusive barriers to protect the skin. Keeping dry skin at bay requires frequent application of a good moisturizer, but at least twice daily.
*If you can, avoid exfoliating your skin since it can dry out the skin further and cause irritation.
*Remember to be mindful of the environment, for example, cold or windy weather can dry your skin even more. Let’s not talk about sunny days and how sun UV rays can damage and burn your skin. I personally use La Roche Posay spf50 which gives 98% protection from both UVA and UVB and is free from harsh chemicals. So far, it’s one of the favourite sunscreens I have ever used.
Besides, according to experts, heat, humidity, and intense ultraviolet radiation may lead to inflammatory acne. Take preventative measures by cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen every day.
EASY HOME REMEDIES
Additionally, to choose the right products for your skin, you can use home remedies to cure dry and sensitive skin and acne. Let’s look at them 🙂
*Instead of using hot water, cleanse your skin with lukewarm water. Despite how soothing and relaxing hot water may feel, it can also damage your skin and dry it out.
*Gently pat your skin dry. Dry skin can be irritated by rubbing or scrubbing with a towel.
*Humidifiers are helpful. They can add moisture to the air in your home and help reduce dry skin.
*Keep your hands away from your face. Dirt can be transferred from your hands to your face, leading to acne breakouts.
*Reducing stress can also drastically help with your acne condition
*But most importantly, maintain a healthy diet. You can read my article here about the importance of diet over skincare.
Nonetheless, if your acne seems out of control, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to assist you further.
Most recommended products to treat acne on dry sensitive skin
Sensitive Skin’s Best Acne Treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment Cream
Its fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free formula makes it a cult favourite for people with sensitive skin. A benzoyl peroxide concentration of 5.5% is used in La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment Cream to kill bacteria and stop acne. It contains beta-lip hydroxy acid, a gentler version of salicylic acid that prevents clogging of pores. Initially, apply it once daily over the affected areas, and gradually increase the amount to two or three times daily.
Best Acne Remedy for Dry Skin
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Even dry skin types with occasional pimples will feel smooth and comfortable using CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Its nourishing ceramides and moisturizing hyaluronic acid keep the skin feeling smooth and comfortable.
Inflammatory acne is caused by bacteria, and this product contains 4% benzoyl peroxide to target them.
There are several other products and treatments that are effective in fighting acne. Make sure to look out for the key features of the product that should match your skin type. Treatment should not be overly complicated, but most importantly, it should be gentle on your skin. It is often effective to keep things simple. 🙂
