Dry, flaky skin paired with breakouts can feel incredibly frustrating — like you’re fighting two battles at once. If you’re experiencing acne and dry skin, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more women (and their teenage daughters) are noticing this difficult combination, especially as hormonal changes, environmental factors, and even diet can affect your skin’s delicate balance.
At Acne.org.za, we specialize in creating skincare solutions that support clear, hydrated skin without harsh side effects. Let’s dive into why acne and dry skin happen — and how you can care for your skin properly.
Why Do Acne and Dry Skin Happen Together?
We often associate acne with oily skin, but dryness can just as easily lead to breakouts. Here’s why:
1. Loss of Moisture
When your skin barrier (the outermost layer of your skin) is compromised — through dehydration, harsh cleansers, cold weather, or over-exfoliation — your skin loses moisture rapidly. A dry, damaged barrier triggers inflammation, increased sensitivity, and ironically, it can cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate.
This imbalance creates the perfect environment for clogged pores and acne breakouts.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a crucial role in skin health. Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (such as during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, or periods of high stress) can lead to an overproduction of sebum, even in dry skin types. This results in dry but acne-prone skin — a frustrating combination that needs gentle, targeted care.
3. Diet and Lifestyle
Diet can also impact acne and skin dryness. Foods high in sugar, dairy, and refined carbohydrates can trigger inflammation, leading to both acne and a weakened skin barrier.
Dehydration — not drinking enough water — can further dry out your skin, exacerbating both issues.
How to Care for Acne and Dry Skin (Without Making It Worse)
The key is to repair your skin barrier, hydrate, and treat acne gently — without stripping your skin or using harsh ingredients.
At Acne.org.za, we recommend building your routine around these essentials:
1. Gentle Cleanser
Use: Acne.org.za CLEANSE – Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, natural fruit extracts, and prebiotics, this cleanser removes dirt and acne-causing bacteria without stripping moisture. It’s specifically designed for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
🧼 Tip: Cleanse twice a day with lukewarm water, never hot water (which can dry out skin even more).
2. Targeted Acne Treatment
Use: Acne.org.za TREAT – Acne Treatment with Prebiotics & Benzoyl Peroxide
This gentle treatment contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria while the prebiotics protect your skin’s microbiome. Unlike traditional harsh acne treatments, our formula is hydrating and barrier-friendly.
🧴 Tip: Always apply treatment after cleansing — and wait a few minutes to allow your skin to dry before applying.
3. Hydration Booster
Use: Acne.org.za HYDRATE – Hydrating Recovery Gel
Packed with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and amino acids, HYDRATE strengthens your moisture barrier and locks in hydration without clogging pores. It’s essential for balancing dry skin that’s prone to acne.
💧 Tip: Apply HYDRATE while your skin is still slightly damp to maximize absorption.
4. Daily Sun Protection
Use: Acne.org.za SUN PROTECT – Mineral SPF
Even dry, acne-prone skin needs protection! Our mineral SPF is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and helps shield your skin from UV damage that can worsen dryness and acne scars.
☀️ Tip: Apply every morning — even if you’re indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows.
Lifestyle & Diet Tips for Acne and Dry Skin
- Stay Hydrated: Aim for 6–8 glasses of water per day.
- Limit Sugar and Dairy: Reduce foods that trigger inflammation.
- Boost Omega-3s: Eat more salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts for skin-healing fats.
- Manage Stress: Practice meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises — stress impacts hormones and skin health.
- Sleep Well: Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep to help skin repair overnight.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with both acne and dry skin can be disheartening, but with the right approach, you can restore your skin’s hydration, strengthen your barrier, and achieve clearer, healthier skin.
At Acne.org.za, our mission is to support you (and your teenage daughter) through every stage of your skincare journey. Whether you’re juggling work, motherhood, or life’s daily stresses, we’re here to help you feel confident and radiant.
💖 Need extra support? Book a professional Acne Skincare Facial at one of our trusted salons:
- Lucent Skin and Beauty – Wynberg (Contact: 021 761 0759)
- Belleza Health & Skincare Clinic – Claremont (Contact: 082 929 4489)
Your journey to hydrated, acne-free skin starts today!
