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Can Dry Skin Cause Acne?

Published in Skincare 2 mins read

Yes, dry skin can contribute to acne breakouts, although it's not a direct cause in the way that oily skin is. Dry skin can trigger a compensatory response from the skin's oil glands, leading to increased sebum production. This excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog pores and result in acne.

How Dry Skin Can Lead to Acne

  • Increased Sebum Production: When skin is dry, it attempts to compensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil (sebum). This excess oil contributes to clogged pores. [Source: CeraVe, Healthline, Medical News Today]
  • Dead Skin Cell Buildup: Dry skin can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells, which also contributes to clogged pores and acne. [Source: Eternal Dermatology]
  • Inadequate Moisturizing: Failure to adequately moisturize dry skin can exacerbate the problem, causing the skin to produce even more oil. [Source: CeraVe]

Important Note: It's Not the Dryness Itself

It's crucial to understand that the dryness itself doesn't directly cause acne. Rather, the skin's reaction to dryness—increased oil production and dead skin cell buildup—creates the conditions that can lead to acne. [Source: Business Insider]

Treating Dry Skin and Acne

The key is to properly moisturize dry skin to prevent the compensatory increase in sebum production. Aggressive treatments designed to dry out oily skin can worsen dryness and potentially trigger more acne. [Source: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)] A gentle cleansing routine, followed by the use of a suitable moisturizer, is essential.