Dear Doctor
Oily skin with dry, peeling, acne, and flaky look, please help me
Dear Patient
Dry, peeling acne can be caused by using skin care products with ingredients that dry the skin.
The following tips can help you manage dry, peeling skin with acne more effectively:
Use salicylic acid rather than benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both used to make acne treatment products and they can both dry the skin though salicylic acid is less likely to cause drying.
Use low concentrations
When choosing skin care products, choose those with the lowest strength to avoid drying your skin further. This is especially important for moisturizers which stay on the skin for long periods when compared to face washes which are rinsed off after a few moments.
For example, if you choose to use over-the-counter acne treatment products with salicylic acid, use one with 0.5% Salicylic acid rather than 2%.
Use the right formulations
Skin care products are available as creams, gels, lotions, ointments and solutions.
It is therefore important when buying over-the-counter acne treatment products to choose the appropriate formulation.
Since your skin is dry, I suggest that you use a cream formulation since solutions can be drying. You can also use water-based gels.
However, avoid gels, solutions and other formulations with alcohol since it can be drying.
Dry Acne Treatment Regimen
A simple treatment regimen for dry acne can include:
Use an acne face wash in the morning
Use an anti-acne face wash like Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with Salicylic Acid to wash your face in the morning.
Apply an acne treatment moisturizer in the morning
Get a prescription for Clindamycin to apply in the morning after cleansing. As you wait to get the prescription you can use Clean and clear oil free moisturizer with 0.5% salicylic acid.
Use an acne face wash in the evening.
Wash your face in the evening with an acne face wash like Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with Salicylic Acid.
Apply an acne treatment moisturizer at night
Apply an oil-free moisturizer that contains salicylic acid to your face after washing it in the evening. For example you can use Clean and clear oil free moisturizer with 0.5% salicylic acid.
Adopt an Acne-Free Lifestyle
Adopt an acne-free lifestyle by doing the following:
*Joining a smoking cessation program if you smoke cigarettes
*Cleaning your mobile phone with antiseptic wipes regularly
*Eating low glycemic index foods like whole grain bread, spinach, and tomatoes. To learn more read How to Treat Acne at Home.
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