Steps to Get Rid of Dry, Flaky Acne Skin

Steps to Get Rid of Dry, Flaky Acne Skin

Achieving smooth, healthy skin when battling acne and dryness is challenging. Dry, flaky skin from acne treatment often complicates your routine, leaving you with a complexion resembling a parched landscape rather than the radiant skin you desire. But don’t worry—managing dry, flaky skin on your face with acne is possible with the right skin care strategy. Follow this guide to soothe and rejuvenate your dry, flaky, acne-prone skin.

Change Your Skin Care Routine

If you’ve been following the same regimen since before you were diagnosed with acne, it’s time to make a change. Keep these tips in mind to help you get rid of flaky acne skin.

Ditch Irritating Skin Care Products

Set out every product you use and look them over. Then, stop using the following:

• Foaming cleansers
• Toners, essence, or face mists
• Serums with active ingredients
• Store-bought face masks
• Spot treatments
• Essential oils
• Products containing fragrances

Modify Your Bathing and Showering Practices

Ironically, water has a drying effect, so modify your routine with these tips to avoid stripping your skin of its natural protective oils:

• Close the bathroom door, and don’t run the exhaust fan to retain humidity.
• Use warm, not hot, water.
• Limit shower or bath time to five or 10 minutes.
• Opt for gentle, fragrance-free, non-foaming cleansers.
• Gently pat your skin dry with a towel.
• Apply a moisturizer immediately after drying off.

Choose the Right Moisturizer

The market is saturated with products, but the best moisturizer for dry, flaky, acne-prone skin deeply soothes and fights inflammation. Due to their higher oil content, look for an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter are your best friends. They moisturize and seal in moisture without clogging your pores and worsening your acne.

Humidify Your Environment

Running a humidifier reintroduces moisture into your home. Your dry, flaky skin drinks up this moisture, helping it feel less irritated. Humidification is particularly beneficial in the winter. At the very least, run a room humidifier while you sleep. Better yet, install a whole-house humidifier to keep every room at a comfortable, healthy humidity level.

A Word of Warning

Changing your skin care routine might seem to have detrimental effects at first. If your skin gets a bit tight or you break out here and there, don’t panic—it’s normal for your skin to react this way when you change the products you expose it to. The best thing to do is keep your hands away from your face and let your skin normalize. Hang in there—you should see improvement within a week or two.

Diet for Dry, Flaky Acne Skin

Your dietary choices affect your skin more than you may realize. High sugar intake can cause inflammation, potentially worsening acne and accelerating skin aging by undermining collagen production. Reducing or eliminating sweets, especially those made from refined sugar, can drastically improve skin health.

You should also know that caffeine dehydrates your skin. Reducing coffee consumption rebalances hydration, reducing your complexion’s dry appearance. It may be challenging to give up coffee, but this could be the key to restoring your youthful glow.

DIY Face Mask for Dry, Flaky Acne Skin

Exfoliation is vital for shedding dead skin cells, but traditional scrubs or acidic products are too harsh for acne with dry, flaky skin. A gentler approach involves making your own therapeutic mask at home with one of these simple, nourishing ingredients:

• Plain oil: Choose jojoba, grapeseed, safflower, or sunflower oil.
• Yogurt: The lactic acid in full-fat, plain, organic yogurt nourishes your skin.
• Aloe vera: Fresh gel from the plant is soothing and hydrating.
• Raw honey: This anti-inflammatory option exfoliates naturally.

Instructions:

Follow this gentle exfoliation process to loosen and remove dead skin cells without causing additional irritation:

• Select one ingredient from the list above and apply it to your freshly washed face.
• Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water or use a soft, damp cloth.
• Follow up with a few drops of oil or moisturizer as needed.

Know When to See a Board-Certified Dermatologist

If your skin does not improve after a few weeks of performing these home remedies, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Prescription treatments may be necessary for very dry skin, and persistent issues might indicate an underlying condition requiring professional intervention.

At Divine Dermatology, we meld advanced dermatological techniques with comprehensive medical insights, ensuring every patient achieves and maintains optimal skin health. Remember, the key to managing dry, flaky skin on the face with acne lies in gentle care, nourishment, and seeking expert advice when necessary. Contact us at 970-286-2668 today to ask more questions about acne or to begin a customized treatment plan at our Fort Collins, Loveland, or Longmont office.