Can Dry Skin Cause Acne? - Page

  • Posted on: Oct 31 2022
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Dry skin is so prevalent in the winter months that it seems like an inescapable side effect of the season. Cold air, harsh wind, low humidity levels, and indoor heat can all zap your skin of moisture, leaving it dry and flaky. At least you’ll be acne-free, right?

Not necessarily. You may assume that you can only get acne when your skin is oily, but many people develop dry skin and acne at the same time. In fact, some are even more prone to acne when they have dry skin. Keep reading to learn how you can fight both conditions and how Asarch Dermatology can help.

How can dry skin cause acne?

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the world, affecting people of all ages. While it’s usually associated with teenagers, acne can last well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

There are three main causes of acne when you have dry skin:

Hair follicles – Our skin contains millions of hair follicles, where hair grows. When hair follicles become blocked or clogged, they form small lumps in the skin that look like acne. Your Asarch dermatologist can confirm if you have folliculitis (a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are inflamed or infected) or acne.

Sebum – Sebum, a natural oil that prevents skin from drying out, is produced by tiny glands near the surface of the skin. When these glands produce too much sebum, it can block hair follicles and cause acne.

Dead skin – When your skin lacks moisture and becomes dry, other debris (such as dead skin) might build up. The glands beneath the skin often produce more sebum to counteract the dryness. The combination of excess sebum and dead skin often leads to acne.

We can treat dry skin and acne together

At Asarch Dermatology, we have vast experience dealing with dry skin and acne. Your board-certified dermatologist will focus on treating both conditions together without aggravating one or the other.

A consultation is the first step in addressing your dry skin and acne. We’ll begin by conducting a full-body skin exam in a comfortable, private treatment room. This head-to-toe exam observes the scalp, face, neck, chest, arms, trunk, legs, and feet. We also check the eyelids, ears, mouth, and even the skin between fingers and toes. Any moles or spots are closely examined for texture, color, border, and size.

Once the skin exam is complete, we can move forward with discussing your treatment options.

Causes of dry skin in Denver

As noted above, cold weather and more time spent indoors often lead to dry skin. With an average daily high temperature of 45 degrees and more than 50 inches of snowfall each winter, conditions in Denver are prime for causing dry skin.

Other potential causes of dry skin that aren’t weather-related include:

• Older age
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Certain medications
• Frequent handwashing, showering, and bathing
• Exposure to harsh soaps and chemicals
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Anorexia

During your consultation with an Asarch dermatologist, we’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle and habits, and anything else that might contribute to your dry skin.

Home remedies for dry skin and acne

Regularly moisturizing your skin, especially after a shower or bath, can help prevent dry skin flare-ups. Be sure to use the right moisturizer for your skin type – for most people, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is the best option.

To combat both dry skin and acne breakouts, consider continuing your skin care as usual with a moisturizer that’s targeted for acne-prone skin. Also avoid using any chemicals, such as rubbing alcohol, as they can dry your skin out even more.

The following home remedies for acne are typically added to creams, gels, or masks or applied directly to the skin:

Tea tree oil – Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can reduce the redness and swelling of pimples and kill the bacteria that causes acne
Jojoba oil – A natural waxy substance that helps repair damaged skin and reduce skin inflammation
Aloe vera – Contains sugar molecules, amino acids, and zinc, making it an excellent skin moisturizer and protectant (especially if you get dry skin from other acne-fighting products)
Honey – This sticky food has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions and help clear clogged pores

Lifestyle changes to reduce acne

Along with these home remedies, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent acne flare-ups:

Leave your pimples alone – It can be tempting to touch, rub, squeeze, or pop your pimples, but doing so can introduce more bacteria and make them even worse.
Use oil-free skin care – Oil-based or greasy products can block and clog pores, leading to more breakouts. Look for products labeled “oil-free” that allow your pores to breathe.
Stay hydrated – Dry skin can become irritated and damaged, making acne worse. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is not only good for your body, but ensures that new skin cells develop correctly.
Reduce stress – Stress causes androgen (a hormone that stimulates hair follicles and oil glands in pores) to increase, also increasing your risk of acne. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to help manage your stress.

Schedule a consultation today

If home remedies and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to treat your dry skin and acne, the skin experts at Asarch Dermatology are here for you. We provide high-quality skin care to patients in Englewood, Castle Rock, Lakewood, and the surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment today!

Posted in: Acne, Blog Post, Skin Care

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