Your Dry Skin May Be Causing Acne: Tips for Preventing Pimples If You Have Dry Skin

Acne is often associated with oily skin. But many people don’t realize that dry skin can cause acne breakouts as well. Some people may even try to dry their skin out as much as possible to prevent acne, but this strategy may actually make the problem worse.

If you have dry skin, managing acne can be especially challenging — largely because many acne treatments can worsen dryness.

Here, we’ll review how dry skin can trigger acne, the best skin care routine to help prevent breakouts, and effective strategies for treating acne if you have dry skin.

Can dry skin cause acne

Dry skin can definitely contribute to acne. This can happen for a few reasons. When your skin is dry, it’s more likely to produce more oil to make up for the dryness. The excess oils may lead to clogged pores and more breakouts.

Dry skin can also cause redness and irritation. The more irritated your skin is, the more likely you are to have a breakout.

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin happens when your skin doesn’t have enough water. Many factors can contribute to dry skin, including:

• Getting older: Dry skin is more common in your 40s and beyond. Most people by their 60s will have dry skin.

• Genetics: Some people inherit dry skin. Certain genes can make it more likely that you’ll have dry skin. These genes are often associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema). 

• Skin tone: People with brown, Black, or fair skin are more prone to dry skin compared to those with medium complexions.

• Environment: Cold winter air and indoor heat can dry out your skin.

• Skin care products: Harsh soaps and alcohol-based products can remove moisture from your skin.

• Certain medications: Some medications for acne (more on these below) and high cholesterol (like statins) can lead to dryness.

• Medical conditions: Conditions like eczema and diabetes may cause dryness.

Can acne treatments cause dry skin?

Yes, dry skin is a common side effect of many different acne medications, including:

• Retinol and retinoids

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Salicylic acid

• Accutane (isotretinoin)

If your skin becomes drier from these medications, it can actually make acne worse. Dry irritated skin can trigger breakouts.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Can you prevent acne? Here are evidence-backed strategies to help reduce breakouts.

• Top skincare routine: There’s a lot you can do to help prevent acne. Read what experts say is the best skin care routine for people with acne.

• Acne medications that work: Read our complete guide to acne medications to find the right option for you.

The best way to avoid dry skin from acne medications is to use them properly and to moisturize your skin regularly.

How do you treat acne in dry skin?

It can be challenging to treat acne if you have dry skin. This is because so many acne medications can further dry out your skin. Here are some tips to keep in mind when treating acne on dry skin:

• Keep a simple skin care routine: Use a gentle cleanser, one acne medication, and a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

• Start with lower-strength medications: Whether you’re using over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription acne medications, begin with the lowest strength available. This will help reduce redness, peeling, and dryness. Slowly increase to daily use as your skin tolerates it.

• Treat on alternate days: When starting acne medications, use them every other day or once every 3 days to reduce side effects. Slowly increase to daily use as your skin adjusts.

• Avoid gel formulations: Gels can dry out your skin. Opt for cream-based acne treatments, which are more hydrating.

• Don’t over-treat: More isn’t better. Using too much acne medication can increase dryness and other side effects.

• Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer after using acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin. You may need to moisturize more often when using these acne treatments.

If you have dry skin and are still having trouble treating your acne, you may need to see a dermatologist. They can prescribe acne medications and help you find the best types of products for your skin.

How can you prevent acne if you have dry skin?

If you have dry skin, you can help prevent acne by developing a good skin care routine. The goal is to keep your skin moisturized while avoiding products that can dry or irritate it. 

Try these five strategies:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip away too much oil. Look for fragrance-free and dye-free options with hydrating ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid. A good example is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. 

2. Apply moisturizer in the morning and evening after washing your face. Choose a moisturizer that’s oil-free, lightweight, and noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores (recommendations are below).

3. If your skin still feels dry during the day, it’s OK to apply moisturizer more frequently to keep it hydrated.

4. Avoid using alcohol-based toners, astringents, and chemical or physical exfoliants on your skin. These can dry out or irritate your skin, which may lead to more acne.

Best moisturizers for dry skin

When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, it’s best to look for a cream rather than a lotion or ointment. Creams are the most effective and moisturizing. On the other hand, lotions have a high water content, which can dry out your skin even further. Ointments, while very hydrating, often contain occlusive ingredients (like petrolatum and lanolin), which can be too thick and greasy for acne-prone skin.

Moisturizers with one or more of these hydrating ingredients are particularly good for treating dry skin: 

• Hyaluronic acid

• Peptides

• Glycerin

• Squalane

• Ceramides

Best acne-friendly moisturizers

If you have dry, and acne-prone skin, consider these inexpensive noncomedogenic moisturizers:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

• Cetaphil Acne Moisturizer

• Vanicream Facial Moisturizer 

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer

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Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Laurie Tarkan

Laurie Tarkan is a senior health editor for general health and well-being at GoodRx. She has an extensive background in health journalism, and wrote regularly for The New York Times for a decade.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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