Many people associate pimples with greasy, oily skin, but a pimple can pop up on dry skin, too. Over 17 million people in the United States have some form of acne, and that includes people of all skin types. By matching your acne products to your skin type, you'll have the best chance at clearer skin.
Pimples
Dry skin by itself does not cause pimples, but you can have both dry skin and pimples. Acne stems from a buildup of the oil called sebum, but this doesn't mean your skin appears oily. Sebum and dead skin clog hair follicles, causing a bulge in the skin. When that bulge becomes inflamed or infected, you get a red bump that may have a white center, which is, officially, a pimple.
Contributors
A number of factors can contribute to pimples, regardless of your skin type. Acne is genetic and can run in families. Acne is more likely to occur when your body goes through hormonal changes, not just during puberty, but also during pregnancy or before a woman's period. While eating pizza or chocolate does not cause pimples, according to MayoClinic.com, direct exposure to some greasy substances, such as your hair, can. Some medications, especially those containing cortisone, also cause acne. Friction from items that rub against your skin, such as your cell phone, also contribute to pimples.
Cleansing
Washing your skin too much may irritate and dry your skin. Wash your skin twice a day with a mild, alcohol-free cleanser. If you have pimples on other areas of your body, wash that skin with a mild soap. Stay away from facial scrubs, masks and astringents, which may worsen your problem. After you wash your face, wait at least 15 minutes, and then apply a topical acne medication, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology.
Medications
Some topical acne creams will dry out your skin even more. Read the ingredients label and avoid products that contain benzoyl peroxide. Gel and liquid medications may also contribute to dry skin, warns the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you have dry skin, use an acne product containing salicylic acid, which helps clear plugged pores, recommends dermatologist, Dr. Jeannette Graf, in "Fitness" magazine. Apply a moisturizer labeled "noncomedogenic" after your acne medication to prevent drying, peeling or redness. "Noncomedogenic" means the product won't cause acne or make it worse.
Considerations
Pimples don't disappear overnight. Acne medications, whether over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed, take at least six weeks to work, and if you apply more than the recommended dose, your skin may become drier. If you find your medication dries out your skin, wait a day or two before applying it again. No matter how tempting, never pick or pop your pimples, which can lead to scarring.
Member Comments