Does dry skin cause acne?

Why can skin be dry and still break out?

Acne affects hair follicles and oil glands, so a dry surface does not rule out blocked pores. Hormonal changes can increase oil production during puberty and adulthood. Dryness and acne can therefore happen together rather than being opposite skin types.23

Sometimes the acne treatment is causing the dryness. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin, and prescription isotretinoin can dry and irritate skin. Daily moisturizer can help skin tolerate these medicines. Dryness is not a useful measure of whether an acne treatment is working.1

Acne is not caused by dirty skin, and frequent washing can irritate skin and worsen symptoms, which makes extra cleansing a rather unhelpful cleaning campaign. Harsh soaps and excessive exfoliation can also damage the skin barrier, the outermost protective layer, leaving skin dry, flaky or itchy.34

How do you care for dry skin with acne?

1. 1Wash gently with a mild, fragrance free cleanser. Avoid washing your face more than twice daily, and remove makeup at night rather than leaving it on.
2. 2Pat your face dry, leaving a little water on the skin. Apply moisturizer after washing to help trap that water.
3. 3Choose a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, oil free or "won't clog pores." Noncomedogenic means designed not to block pores; these labels indicate a lower likelihood of acne, not a promise of zero breakouts.
4. 4Use moisturizer every day while skin feels dry. A facial lotion or gel is generally a lighter starting point, though very dry skin can need a richer texture.
5. 5During the day, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun exposure is not an acne treatment, and many acne medicines increase sensitivity to sunlight.

For dry skin, moisturizer ingredients can draw in water, reduce moisture loss and soften rough areas. Fragrance free products are preferable for dry, sensitive skin, but fragrance free does not mean free of every possible allergen. Choose by ingredients rather than price, because the price tag has no moisturizing duties.4

If dryness and breakouts are under a beard, wash the skin beneath it as well as the hair. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing and work it through to the skin. For sensitive beard skin, choose a fragrance free, noncomedogenic moisturizer.5

What if acne treatment makes the dryness worse?

Lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and wash formulations are less irritating. Retinoids, medicines related to vitamin A that help prevent clogged pores, can cause peeling or changes in skin color. Using a retinoid every other day or alongside moisturizer can reduce these effects. If you use prescription treatment, discuss troublesome irritation and changes to your routine with your prescriber.26

Will moisturizer clear the acne?

Moisturizer supports acne care rather than replacing acne medication. Most patients using an acne friendly moisturizer alongside acne medication and cleanser saw less acne within four to eight weeks. That is a timeline for a combined routine, not for moisturizer alone.1

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor for painful, deep or widespread acne, acne that is worsening, or breakouts that persist despite pharmacy treatment. Do not squeeze or pick spots, because this can worsen acne and cause scars. Get help for dryness that persists despite moisturizing and gentler washing, too. If you are pregnant, ask your healthcare provider which acne treatments are safe before using them.234