Dry skin vs oily skin: which one is more prone to breakouts?

Nothing wrong with oily skin is the main cause of acne. But don't get snobby if you have skin types that tend to be normal or even dry. The wrong way to treat facials can trigger dry skin to become a new field for acne to appear. How come?

Dry skin can also break out

The buildup of oil and dirt that clogs the pores is the main cause of acne on the face. But that doesn't mean that if your skin type is dry, then your face doesn't produce oil at all. The reality is that regardless of your skin type, facial skin usually still produces oil - it's just that the oil that is produced doesn't stick to the skin for long.

Dry skin usually means skin that is damaged, explains Kelly M. Cordoro, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Virginia. Your skin relies on a layer of oil (lipids) to prevent various irritating germs and maintain consistent cell regeneration. Dry skin types lose their optimal ability to perform this task.

Dry skin may actually produce more oil in an attempt to moisturize itself, causing dead skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin, making it irritated and inflamed easily. Ultimately this increases the potential for clogged pores and acne breakouts.

Various causes that make dry, spotty skin without you knowing it

Compared to acne on oily skin which is caused by accumulation of facial oil and dirt, acne on dry skin is generally triggered by repeated rubbing around the face, especially in areas that are rubbed most often.

Using too many facial products that contain active ingredients, such as scrubs, facials, or peels - whether they are designed to treat and prevent acne or not - can cause dry skin, which in turn can increase your chances of developing acne.

Dry skin may be too sensitive to handle acne-fighting products that contain harsh active ingredients, especially the prescription retinol medication. Some acne medications can cause extreme dry skin as a side effect, so using these medications can cause damage to the lipid barrier and dry skin for people who don't normally have to deal with dry skin.

In addition, when facial skin becomes dry, the skin will usually peel off and you may unknowingly rub this scaly skin. This is what can be an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection in the skin which can then develop into pimples.

Then, how to prevent pimples on dry skin?

Facial care properly can help you control acne. Clean your face using a facial cleanser that suits your skin type twice a day, especially before going to bed. If the skin is in a condition of acne, you should use a facial cleanser for acne prone skin with a pH content that matches the skin condition. If the complaint is felt to be more disturbing, it is highly recommended that you consult a dermatologist.