The Very Best Acne Remedies for Sensitive and Dry Skin
If you have dry or sensitive skin and you have acne you will need to take special precautions to, not only treat your acne, but to look after your skin. Nearly all acne remedies will be very drying to the skin as they are designed to prevent the production of oil and if you already have dry skin this will only make your problems worse. Your skin may become flaky, irritated and red. If you have very sensitive skin the chemicals in many of the acne treatments can increase irritation and redness so you should be particularly careful which remedies you use.
Why Our Skin Becomes Dry and Sensitive
As we age our skin has a tendency to dry out as the cells start to produce a reduced amount of sebum. Elastin and collagen in the skin are damaged and are less efficiently repaired, leading to drier, less elastic skin. What’s more as women reach the menopause decreases in estrogen production also causes drying of the skin. Dry skin may also be a result of cold weather and for some of us with sensitive skin it can be irritated very easily by harsh ingredients in skin care products and cosmetics as well as fragrances and rough fabrics.
Acne Treatments For Dry and Sensitive Skin
1. Cleansing Preparations
A routine for skin care including very gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser and moisturizing is considered necessary if you have dry or sensitive skin. Cleansers marketed specially for those with acne are not really appropriate for these skin types. They contain harsh ingredients for curing the acne but will more than likely cause redness and irritation if you have sensitive skin. You need to select a more gentle cleanser as an alternative that contains only mild ingredients and won’t further irritate your skin. Do not wash your face too frequently and never scrub strongly or use a rough cloth in an effort to clean off the dirt that is thought to be a cause of acne. This will only result in increased inflammation and distribute the bacteria that cause acne around your skin which will, without doubt, bring about more flare ups. Cleansing twice a day is sufficient using a very gentle soap. Either use your hands or a soft, freshly boiled washcloth or if possible use throwaway cotton pads.
2. Moisturizing For Sensitive or Dry Skin
You need to use a good quality moisturizer for dry skin but ensure you use a product that is very light and that will not increase the oil on the skin which will only . Heavy creams and lotions are not suitable as they will clog up the pores and result in more irritation.
3. Acne Treatments For Dry and Sensitive Skin
Some ingredients used in acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, vitamin A derivatives and salicylic acids. For sensitive or dry skin use one with a low concentration initially to see how your skin is affected. If it does not cause redness or irritation you could use a product with a higher concentration. Don’t use all over your face but use a small amount directly where you have pimples and only use once a day until your skin gets used to it. You might also consider using a natural cure for acne such as tea tree oil, either in a purchased preparation containing tea tree oil, or by making a solution of pure tea tree oil diluted in water and using on your problem areas. Tea tree oil has proved to be virtually as successful as benzoyl peroxide but does not dry out the skin.
In Conclusion
Dry and sensitive skins do get acne and need special care to prevent making your skin condition worse while you are treating your acne. Always use acne treatments with as mild ingredients as possible and consider trying acne home remedies as an alternative to the strong commercial products available.
