It is a myth that only oily skin suffers from acne. Even dry skin can develop issues with recurring acne that are difficult to manage and dryness is known to make blemish problems even worse. Treating dry skin may require some focused effort and patience. But once skin is more balanced and healthy, issues such as whiteheads can be altogether alleviated. In skincare, the healthiest of skin is always balanced skin.
Whitehead Origins
According to leading medical clinicians, there are four main causes of acne. Those are: oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria. Oil production in healthy skin is liquid oil called “sebum” that is extracted from pores in balance. In dry skin, the oil is more solid and congests pores. That is referred to as “dry sebum.” This dry sebum combines with dry skin cells to cause a pore clog at the hair follicle. The whitehead is produced when the follicle wall bulges with the build up of this matter. Because people often mistakenly think that whiteheads are the result of dirty skin, they may overwash skin and perpetuate the dryness as well as the whitehead problem.
Dry Skin Causes
Dry skin can be caused by environmental issues, diet, skin conditions, health problems or excessive washing. Skin is delicate and needs balance. Weather, sun, wind and internal manmade environmental issues such as swimming pools, heating and air conditioning can all dry skin. Health issues and skin disorders like thyroid imbalance and psoriasis can also be factors. Excessive washing and use of soaps are often a cause.
Gentle Cleansing
Gentle cleansing of skin with products specifically designed to keep skin’s delicate balance is a better treatment for dry skin problem areas, than regular body soaps. Dermatologists recommend washing two times per day at ten hour intervals, perhaps upon waking and before bedtime. When you wash your face, do so with your bare hands and the cleanser. Do not use a cloth, as scrubbing tears gentle skin. Softly pat the skin’s surface dry without harsh motion or rough cloth. After cleansing, apply a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream to the area afflicted by whiteheads. If this is also too drying on your skin or causes irritation, tea tree oil is a natural and milder alternative.
Moisturizing
After washing your face or whenever you feel it is too dry or chapped, apply quality moisturizer meant for that specific area of the body. Rather than using standard body lotion on your face, healthcare leaders recommend noncomedogenic or water-based products. Those types of moisturizers will not add oil to your skin’s surface or clog pores. Enough moisturizer should be applied to alleviate flakiness. A few drops of jojoba oil may be added to the moisturizer to add effectiveness.
Lifestyle Changes
Throughout your daily life, just remember to keep skin clean but do not overwash or use harsh chemicals or soaps. Avoid using cosmetics that are oily or greasy. Also stay away from use of sunscreens and hair products that are oily or greasy. In essence, whatever you put on your skin should be labeled as “water based” or “noncomedogenic” to ensure the best balance to keep skin healthy without adding to or causing an acne problem.
Additional lifestyle changes may include keeping your hair pulled back and away from the skin’s surface. Hair products can transfer to the skin’s surface, as do natural oils in your hair. Avoid wearing tight hats, caps and clothing that trap sweat, oil and bacteria on skin. When using the phone, do not transfer bacteria or oils by resting the phone against your face. Always avoid touching your face with your hands, except during washing.
