Acne is a common skin problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It is more to a cosmetic issue but can significantly affect a person’s confidence and social interaction. Acne is mostly seen in teenagers as their body are undergoing hormonal changes during the years of puberty. It can also present much later into adulthood. This condition usually affects those with oily skin more often than that of dry skin people.
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Why and how acne is happening?
Before we dive into the treatment of acne for dry skin, it is worth to note how the condition first develops in someone. Acne begins when our body produces a hormone called androgen which in turn causes the skin to produce oily-glands that are secreting oils or sebum on the surface. Androgen also is responsible for the formation of comedones which are the blackheads and whiteheads. The oily skin surface together with comedones formation leads to bacterial infection hence causing the sudden acne growth with large round pimples and cysts.
How to treat acne in dry skin people?
Dry skin is not always associated with acne but it can occur and is more common than people might be thinking. Dry and sensitive skin with acne is difficult to manage but here are some of the tips to overcome both of the issues together.
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Choose suitable anti-acne products
Most of over the counter anti-acne creams or products are aiming for the oily-skin
type as the agents used aim to tackle the comedones and sebum problems that contribute to the acne problem in the first place. For example, facial products containing
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylate acid are commonly used but for dry-skin people, this may cause a problem as to further drying their skin. They should also avoid using products with retinoid compounds in them as this may cause dry skin as well.
Dry-skin people can try using a low concentration of the normal anti-acne products and nowadays, most brands will put a label on their products if it is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. In the event with acne eruptions, it is advisable for these people to seek a skin expert to get the anti-acne prescription that has antibiotics as well whether in the form of creams or pills.
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Hydrate your skin
Too dry or too oily is not good for the overall skin texture. To balance this, the skin needs to be kept hydrated internally. This can be achieved by drinking enough water, avoid bright sunlight and air pollution, do not smoking and have a balanced diet with low sugar and fats and more green vegetables and fruits.
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Moisturize your skin
This is an important step since anti-acne products have been used, the skin might be susceptible to become dryer and peeling of the skin might happen. If you are going to get a moisturizer, make sure it is non-oily form and non-comedogenic type. This is to ensure the moisturizers suitable not only to dry and sensitive skin but also acne-free moisturizer as well. Moisturizers that contain compounds like ceramides or dimethicone are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
In summary, if you having questions regarding the suitability of acne treatments for your type of skin, it is better to have a consultation with the pharmacist or skin specialist (dermatologist). Find dermatologist in Malaysia for a consultation that will benefit you a lifetime
